Solihull families can enjoy free activities, as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, during the Christmas holidays. Parents, carers and their children, who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals, will be able to try a range of fun and energetic activities.
Tudor Grange leisure centre and North Solihull sports centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Solihull Council, will host swimming, badminton and table tennis sessions, on various dates from 23 December to 7 January 2024. With tennis and Active Antz soft play (under 5s) also running at Tudor Grange leisure centre, plus ice skating sessions at Planet Ice Solihull.
The initiative aims to ensure that children from eligible families can enjoy an active and engaging Christmas break, promoting both physical wellbeing and social interaction.
Activities are designed to appeal to different age groups and interests. Swimming sessions will help children build confidence in the water and improve their swimming skills. With multisport sessions offering a variety of team-based games and activities. Furthermore, ice skating at Planet Ice offers a fun activity suitable for most ages, from those with no prior experience, to seasoned skaters.
The HAF programme provides a range of funded activities and a healthy meal for children from reception to year 11, who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities & Leisure, Solihull Council, said: “The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a fantastic initiative that provides a diverse, inclusive and fun range of activities for children, young people and families to stay happy and healthy during the Christmas, Easter and summer holiday periods. And we are delighted to offer this opportunity once again to eligible families in Solihull.”
“The family activities at our Tudor Grange and North Solihull leisure centres, in addition to Planet Ice Solihull, are a brilliant extension of our existing HAF children’s programme. These activities provide the opportunity for qualifying parents and carers to enjoy activities alongside their children, including a free lunch for up to two adults for every child participating. Our HAF offer will support hundreds of local families this Christmas.”
Wayne Desmond, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are thrilled to be part of the national HAF programme in Solihull, providing children with the opportunity to participate in high-quality activities, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.”
“Through these free Christmas holiday activities, we aim to create an inclusive environment where children can have fun, develop new skills and stay active during their break."
Leisure centre activities - require advanced registration, information and booking details here - places are limited for each session so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Planet Ice skating - information and to book are here
For families not eligible for the funded family activities, all activity prices and sessions can be viewed by selecting your preferred centre https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/
Additional family activities and events taking place during the Christmas holidays can be found here – where you can also subscribe for termly updates to always be in the know with local family based fun https://www.solihull.gov.uk/children-and-family-support/solihull-parents-network