Edsential are delighted to be coordinating the Holiday Activities and Food programme for 2025 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 still open

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

Christmas Deadline: 5th October 2025

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

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

Following successful pilots between 2018 – 2020, in October 2021 the Government announced a 3-year funding settlement of over £200 million a year for the continuation of the HAF programme, for those on benefits related Free School Meals, (FSM), during Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays. We have been able to deliver the programme and continue to develop and improve our offer The final year of this funding settlement is the 2024 to 2025 financial year. To view the Annual Report for 24-25 please click here.

If you have any questions, please email HAF@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

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

Contact Us

For more information, contact our HAF team.