Solihull Council is highlighting all the various services, support and activities on offer to families this summer. Including funding, summer activities and family support.
The Council provides funding from the Household Support Fund (HSF), which delivers free school meal vouchers and other financial support. Four dedicated Family Hubs offer a safe space for parents and children to spend time, seek advice and engage with local activities and groups. While this summer, the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is offering more activity places than ever before.
Funded by the HSF, Solihull residents who qualify for free school meals whose children attend school in Solihull will automatically receive a £50 voucher for the summer. Now for the first time, those qualifying for free school meals who have children attending school outside of Solihull will be able to register online for their free school meal voucher for the summer.
The HSF also funds the Discretionary Crisis Fund and Community Advice Hubs, which provide fuel, food and support for essential household items along with other support. Also funded by the HSF is a series of food banks, social supermarkets and a new mobile food pantry.
Solihull Family Hubs are local centres where children, young people, parents, and carers can access support and take part in fun activities. From circus skills, fun fairs, and movies to animal shows, science workshops, and treasure hunts, there are dozens of fantastic events taking place at the Family Hubs this summer. The latest activities for each Hub can be found on the timetables on the Hubs and activities website page.
For more information, visit the Family Hubs website, follow the Hubs on Facebook or Instagram, download the Hubs app on the App Store (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android), or engage with the Hubs on Your Voice Solihull.
The Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, provides a wide range of funded activities and a free meal to children whose families are claiming benefits-related free school meals. This summer, additional activities are available for 11-16-year-olds, along with an improved SEND activities offer, particularly in North Solihull. The programme also provides activities for the whole family, where adults can take part with their children. Full details of the programme can be found here
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Member for Children & Education, said:
“We’re pleased to be able to offer a range of family support, whether it’s financial help through the HSF, support at our Family Hubs, or access to fun activities through the HAF programme. It’s important for families to know what’s available so they can take full advantage. We want every family to feel supported, connected and confident over the summer months, whilst we remain committed to making sure families have the right help at the right time, all year round.
“We’re Here2Help families this summer, access to all of the support outlined is available on the Council’s website."
Photo caption: Leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Karen Grinsell outside Elmwood Family Hub