Fun and games at Healthy Holidays this summer

This summer saw nearly 2,200 children take part in Healthy Holidays activities across Leeds! 28 locally rooted community organisations ran 34 holiday clubs, providing fun activities and nutritious food for children whose families may struggle during the school break.

 

What is Healthy Holidays?

Currently delivered in partnership with Leeds City Council as part of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme, Healthy Holidays goes far beyond providing fun and food. Each project delivers at least one hour of physical activity each day, as well as food and nutrition education – so families can gain the skills and confidence to make affordable, healthy meals at home. 

 

What happened this summer?

This summer saw a huge range of activities take place across the city, from sports like football, rugby, basketball and tennis to pond-building, den-making, clay sculpting and a mini-Olympics. Children also enjoyed trips to West Leeds Activity Centre, Stockeld Park, Lineham Farm, Tropical World, Temple Newsam and Scarborough. 

Getting hands-on, children made fresh tomato sauce from locally-grown ingredients, fruit ice lollies and even smoothies using a customised bike. 

 

Meet Complete Woman

Complete Woman worked with more than 100 children over the summer. They combined exciting trips with creative, educational and wellbeing activities to give children the chance to explore, learn and have fun together in new environments. As well as activities, they ran sessions encouraging learning through play, creativity and healthy living, including exploring the health benefits of different fruits and vegetables. 

Complete Woman say the programme is vital for both children and parents, addressing many needs around healthy food, wellbeing and social connection, and easing financial pressures for families. 

 

Working with Leeds Community Foundation

Speaking about their experience of delivering the programme, Health for All said “Working with Leeds Community Foundation was a rewarding and positive experience. Their clear communication, ongoing support, and straightforward guidance made managing the funding process simple, allowing us to focus our time and energy on delivering an impactful Healthy Holidays programme.”

 

What next?

Now in its 8th year, Healthy Holidays meets the needs of families in our communities, when budgets are stretched, and many people find it hard to make ends meet. Since the programme began, we’ve invested more than £6.5m to support children and families in Leeds. 

Healthy Holidays activities will run again over Christmas. Visit the Healthy Holidays website to register and book Christmas activities when they’re live.