Solihull’s HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) summer programme ended with a free family fun event, featuring large outdoor inflatables, face painting, film showings and a wide range of craft activities.
Organised by Winnr Sports, the fun day was held at Smiths Wood Primary Academy, supported by John Lewis Solihull and Smiths Wood Parish Council. Providing a fitting end to the summer holidays, all families from the local community were invited to four hours of fun and excitement.
This summer’s Solihull HAF programme was the biggest yet, following its launch over four years ago. Activities were available across the entire borough, aimed at 4 to 16 year olds, with family activities also running at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, North Solihull Sports Centre, Planet Ice (Solihull Ice Rink), The Core Theatre and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The Smiths Wood fun day provided local children up to the age of 12 years, with a range of fun and innovative activities that could be enjoyed alongside their families. I’d like to thank John Lewis’ Solihull store and Smiths Wood Parish Council for their generosity in sponsoring the well attended event.”
“From a wider perspective, I’m really proud of what our Solihull HAF programme gives to eligible families. It offers a crucial helping hand to parents and carers who are often juggling work commitments and the need for childcare, particularly over the extended summer holiday period. This summer, 65 venues across Solihull hosted a range of activities from 46 providers. Sessions included creative craft to robotics, and cookery to multi sports, plus much more besides. I’d like to thank all of our providers who ran these activities, supporting Solihull children and their families.”
Sara Breen, Community Liaison Co- ordinator at John Lewis Solihull, said: “We at John Lewis Solihull are committed to connecting and giving back to the local community. It was a pleasure for us to support Winnr through our Community Matters scheme, helping to provide a fun day for children and adults, creating many happy memories”.
HAF, is the holiday activities programme funded by the Department for Education, supporting families in receipt of benefits related free school meals. The government has recently announced a £600 million continued commitment to the HAF programme nationally, securing its future for at least a further three years.
Many activities over the summer were also accessible to families not eligible for the HAF programme, on a chargeable basis, at great value prices.