Holiday Activities and Food annual report

Feedback from the children and families has been positive. It has highlighted the impact of the programme on both physical and mental health.

Here are just a few of the comments we've received.

Feedback from parents

Parents and carers reported that the benefits to their young people had been hugely positive. All thought that attendance had made their young person: happy, more confident, more independent, build friendships, and better prepared to return to school in the following term.

"Maddison had an amazing time, thank you."

"Thank you as always, Ava and Darcy loved it."

"Ajay has had a great week, thanks so much! He tells us all about his day, he says he enjoys it."

Feedback from children

When asked, "what would you be doing if you were not here?", one child responded, "at home, asleep or playing a game on my own". Another responded, "on my phone in the house, no exercise, playing with siblings, on my phone, on my phone". These quotes clearly highlight the need for the enriching activities provided to the children through the HAF programme.

Across 18 venues, all but one child who was asked, "do you want to come back next time?" responded "yes".

Feedback from providers

"Another successful summer HAF programme. The children enjoyed a variety of sports and were also given access to the clip and climb, soft play and swimming pool facilities at Gateshead Leisure on the last day."

"The application process and data gathering have been made as easy as possible by the provision of on-line forms and templates."

"Another great summer of HAF. The HAF Team at the Council have been fantastic as always."

"It is wonderful to offer children and young people the opportunity to take part in dance that cannot access it. You can see the benefits to these young people as they go through the week with increased confidence."