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UK Youth has welcomed the news that the government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme is to continue for another 12 months.
The £200-million-a-year scheme provides funding for local authorities to coordinate and provide free holiday provision for young people, including healthy food and enriching activities.
It was launched in 2021 following a high-profile campaign, led by England international footballer Marcus Rashford, calling for support for children in need during school holidays.
The Department for Education has this week confirmed the programme will continue for at least another 12 months, after fears it could fall victim to government spending cuts.
Jacob Diggle, UK Youth chief impact officer, said: “We are delighted to learn the Holiday Activities and Food programme has been extended for another year.
“While there is a welcome focus on ensuring that children who are in need are fed during school holidays, the fund also offers youth work support and joyful social activities to thousands of young people, which must not be undervalued.
“We know youth work sets people up for life and our research shows that young people who experience youth work make for happier, healthier and wealthier adults.
“We will continue to work closely with the government to shape its National Youth Strategy and secure long-term commitments to supporting young people, trying to avoid cliff-edge funding announcements like this in future.”
About UK Youth
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org
UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes
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