February half-term brings exciting free holiday activities for children across Cheshire West

Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced an exciting programme of free activities available to eligible children this February half term, thanks to continued Government funding for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.

Around 34 clubs across the borough will offer a wide range of activities including multisport, arts and crafts, creative workshops, Lego challenges, treasure hunts, outdoor nature sessions and opportunities to try new foods and learn more about nutrition.

The HAF programme provides free, fun, and healthy activities for children and young people eligible for Benefits Related Free School Meals (BRFSM). Provision is available for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), who are eligible.

Every child attending will receive a free, nutritious meal each day. To ensure wider access, some providers will offer places for select families not eligible for free HAF sessions.

This comes after a successful Winter programme, with the Council giving its thanks to all partners, volunteers, and organisations involved in its delivery.

Funded nationally by the Department for Education, the HAF Programme enables local organisations to provide free holiday activities and healthy food for eligible children.

Working alongside Edsential and a network of community groups, 23 providers delivered sessions across 43 locations, offering a variety of face‑to‑face activities and meals.

A major highlight of the winter offer was the large‑scale distribution of 3,000 recipe boxes to families across Cheshire West. In partnership with Changing Lives Together (CLT), the Council prioritised areas of greatest need to ensure families most likely to benefit received a box.

CLT led on planning, sourcing, packing, and delivering the boxes throughout an eight‑week operation powered by volunteer support. They packed and delivered over 40 tonnes of food, with 3,000 boxes distributed in just five days and 24 different food items were included in every box.

Each box provided ingredients for two main meals and two desserts, alongside easy‑to‑follow recipes created by the Council’s Public Health Lead. Families also accessed video tutorials featuring students from Cheshire College South & West (Ellesmere Port Campus), currently completing their Level 3 Professional Cookery qualification.

Volunteer support was gratefully received with many returning for multiple shifts and bringing enthusiasm to every stage of preparation. Local businesses and community partners also played a major role, contributing food, vehicles, and logistics support.

Alongside recipe boxes, families were able to book a variety of free festive activities. In partnership with Brio Leisure, Storyhouse, and Tenpin, opportunities included pantomime performances and bowling sessions, helping families enjoy valuable time together during the holiday period.

Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:

“I’m really pleased that for the first time we are able to also offer a wide variety of HAF programmes during February half-term.

“Children and young people accessing activities are going to have a brilliant time. The HAF programme has an amazing impact. I would encourage those eligible to sign up as soon as possible.”