Fun, food and friendships for free!
If your child receives means-tested free school meals, they can enjoy free, fun-packed activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays . This is all through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, funded by the Department for Education (DfE).
The HAF programme helps eligible children and families enjoy active, enriching school holidays. These holidays are filled with opportunities to learn, play, and connect.
About the programme
The HAF programme provides:
- free, enriching activities
- a healthy, tasty meal each day
- opportunities to build confidence, make friends, and try something new
Children can attend up to:
- 4 days at Easter
- 16 days in the summer
- 4 days in the winter
The programme does not currently run during half-term holidays.
Types of activities
There’s something for everyone! Our activities are designed to be fun, creative, and confidence-building.
Popular options include:
- arts and crafts
- sports and games
- music, dance, and drama
- science and creative learning
- cooking and food education
Children will:
- be more active and creative
- make new friends
- learn new skills
- enjoy a healthy meal
- stay safe and supported
Activities are delivered by experienced community groups, schools, youth organisations, and specialist providers. This includes those offering sessions for children with additional needs.
Who Can Take Part
The HAF programme is primarily for children and young people who receive means-tested free school meals (FSM).
We also welcome applications from other eligible groups, including:
- young carers
- children who are cared for or care experienced
- children and young people on Resettlement Schemes or seeking asylum
- young people not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
- children at risk of involvement in crime
- children living in areas of deprivation
- families in crisis
- children with with special education needs and disability (SEND) or an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) - up to the age of 18
Some providers may also offer paid-for or subsidised places, using additional funding.
New booking system - book your child's place online
We now use Eequ for all of our HAF activity bookings.
Eqeu is easy to use and is a trusted platform. Many councils across the UK use the system to manage their HAF programmes.
If you're a parent or guardian you can use Eequ to:
- browse local HAF clubs and activities
- view session details and locations
- book places securely online
- manage and update bookings with ease
Eqeu have created a short video tutorial, to make booking even easier. The video shows you how to use Eequ, step-by-step.
Watch the quick guide video on how to book a HAF session
Bookings for winter will open on 17 November 2025.
Checking eligibility and getting a booking code
You no longer need to email us to check your child’s eligibility or request a booking code. This will now be handled directly through the Eequ booking system.
When you register and log in to Eequ, the system will automatically guide you through the eligibility process and verify your child’s entitlement to the HAF programme.
If you experience any issues with your booking or if the system does not recognise your eligibility, please contact the HAF team for support.
Email: HAF@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Please note: we no longer use the previous Cumbria County Council email address (HAF@cumbia.gov.uk).
Becoming a HAF provider
We’re always looking for enthusiastic and experienced providers to join our HAF network.
If you run community clubs, arts, sports, or youth sessions, and would like to offer HAF activities, please get in touch.
Email: HAF@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Before applying, please review the DfE guidance for HAF programme providers (GOV.UK).
Have your say
We value your feedback.
If you're a parent, guardian or HAF provider, you can share your experiences. This will help us improve future programmes.
Give us feedback if you're a parent or guardian
Give us feedback if you're a HAF provider
Annual Report
We publish an a report about the HAF programme and its impact.
Read the Holiday Activity Fund 2024-2025 Local Authority Annual Report (PDF , 4MB)
Privacy notice
We take your privacy seriously. To find out more, read our Privacy Notice for the HAF Programme (PDF , 127KB).