Brighten the Day summer 2025
Brighten the Day is our free holiday activities and food programme aimed at children from reception to year 8 who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals. For older children we have our HAFplus programme.
If you have received an e-voucher by email you can access HAF holiday clubs in the summer school holidays.
Redeem your e-voucher (opens new window).
Need some help making your bookings?
See the video on the Holiday Activities website (opens new window) for details of how to make your bookings.
If you need help making a booking we'll be at the following locations, drop by and we'll help you:
| June | ||
| Thursday 26 June | 1.30 to 4.30pm | Metrocentre Community Hub* |
| July | ||
| Tuesday 1 July | 1 to 3.30pm | Gateshead Civic Centre |
| Thursday 17 July | 1.30 to 4.30pm | Metrocentre Community Hub* |
| Thursday 24 July | 1.30 to 4.30pm | Metrocentre Community Hub* |
| August | ||
| Monday 4 August | 1.30 to 4.30pm | Metrocentre Community Hub* |
| Monday 11 August | 1.30 to 4.30pm | Metrocentre Community Hub* |
| Monday 18 August | 1.30 to 4.30pm | Metrocentre Community Hub* |
*The Metrocentre Community Hub is located upstairs in the green quadrant opposite Next.
You can also contact the club provider for help making a booking on their club. Alternatively email BrightenTheDay@gateshead.gov.uk.
For details of the SEND provision available at the holiday club visit Brighten the Day holiday clubs SEND provision.
Apply for free school meals
If you do not currently get benefits-related free school meals, you can apply online. The process is quick and easy.
Apply for free school meals (opens new window)
How we manage your data
For more information about how we manage your data read our privacy notices:
Gateshead Council HAF privacy notice
Department of Education HAF programme privacy notice (PDF, 145 KB)(opens new window)