Edsential are delighted to be coordinating the Holiday Activities and Food programme for 2024 for Cheshire West and Chester Council – Funded by Department for Education. Edsential’s Holiday Activities and Food programme provides enriching activities, delicious nutritious meals and a chance for young people to meet new friends in a safe & fun environment, during school holidays across West Cheshire.

Applications are now open

The Easter Holiday Activities with Food programme is now over, thank you to all our providers for making it such a success. Applications are now open for Summer and Christmas HAF2025. If your from Wirral or Cheshire west and wanting to make a difference in your community – we want to hear from YOU

Summer deadline: 11th May 2025
Christmas Deadline: 5th October 2025

Summer Application form
Christmas Application form

Support For You

Are you worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food, and transport? You are not alone; the cost of living is rising, and this could have an impact on all aspects of your finances. You may want help accessing welfare rights, benefits and debt advice, support getting all the money you’re entitled to, or simply want to know more about the Government’s recent support measures.

Cheshire West Live Well

Find Out if You’re Eligible

Did you know that on average, parents spend up to £500 per year, per child on school meals? There are so many children that are eligible but do not benefit from this crucial funding. If you’re unsure if your child is eligible for free school meals find out now.

Find Out if You’re Eligible

Providers' Portal

Are you wanting to become a HAF provider or want to improve your provision?

We have a number of FREE training sessions that support the DfE requirements that help you get started or enrich your provision for children and young people even further!

Find Out More

HAF Impact

A huge thank you to all our dedicated providers across West Cheshire for making the HAF programme such a success!

Since the Government’s announcement in the Autumn Budget and Spending Review on 27 October 2021, over £200 million has been allocated annually to continue the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. This initiative provides enriching activities and healthy meals for disadvantaged children during school holidays.

This annual review highlights the impact of the programme in Cheshire West and Chester across Easter, summer, and Christmas in 2022. Read the report here.

Here’s a snapshot of the incredible opportunities Edsential HAF provided in 2023!

Contact Us

For more information, contact our HAF team.