An initiative providing free holiday activities and meals to children and young people across Tameside is calling on local organisations to come forward and help expand its offer.
Delivered by Tameside Council and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme runs during the school holidays and supports children from Reception to Year 11 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
The national HAF Programme is designed to reduce holiday hunger, tackle social isolation, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and give children access to enriching experiences they may not otherwise have. In Tameside, the scheme has grown year-on-year and now supports thousands of children to take part in engaging sessions that help build confidence, encourage physical activity and create positive social connections.
Activities typically include sports, creative arts, outdoor play, team-building exercises, cooking and music, offering a varied and stimulating programme throughout the year.
Applications are now open for organisations interested in delivering funded HAF provision. Tameside Council is inviting a wide range of providers to apply, including charities, schools, childcare and wraparound settings, sports clubs, faith groups, community interest companies (CICs), youth organisations, sole traders and specialist SEND providers.
Programmes can include creative, educational, physical or community-based activities, but all providers must ensure that every child attending receives at least one healthy meal per day. Applicants can choose to operate from one or multiple venues and may apply to deliver sessions during the Easter, summer and winter holidays, as well as half-term breaks.
Councillor Teresa Smith, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “The HAF Programme is invaluable for Tameside families, and the range of activities on offer brings out the playful, inquisitive nature of children attending which is lovely to see.
“Expanding the offer with even more choice of activities is key to continuing the success of this popular and exciting programme, and I encourage organisations to apply to offer their expertise and support during the school holidays across the borough.”
To support both new and existing providers, an online HAF drop‑in session will be taking place where organisations can ask questions and learn more about the programme. For further information or to request access to the session, contact hafenquiries@tameside.gov.uk.
The deadline to complete the online application is Friday 27 February 2026.
The HAF Programme standards framework and service specification can be viewed via the links.
Further details of the HAF Programme can be viewed at www.tameside.gov.uk/haf
High Peak residents face delay to weekly food waste collections
High Peak Borough Council set to increase council tax
Derbyshire Constabulary issue arrest warning after officer abused on Facebook
Gang members jailed for 'professional and sophisticated’ stolen goods operation
