Holiday Activities and Food Programme Northants Wins ‘Community Project of the Year’
Health and wellbeing15 November 2024
A local initiative providing free school holiday clubs and healthy meals to disadvantaged families across Northamptonshire has been recognised as the ‘Community Project of the Year’ at the prestigious Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards.
The ‘Community Project of the Year’ category was decided by public vote, with Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) Northants winning 46 per cent of the votes.
The HAF Northants project, which has been delivering holiday activity programmes to support young people from disadvantage families, was awarded the accolade on Thursday, 8 November, 2024. Delivered by the charity Northamptonshire Sport, the programme is procured by North and West Northamptonshire Councils to provide free access to holiday clubs for children aged five to 16.
This year, HAF Northants has reached approximately 8,000 young people, offering a range of enriching activities designed to keep children active, engaged, and well-nourished during school holidays. The programme includes over 100 clubs, covering everything from ballet, rugby, and climbing to computer coding and yoga, as well as family outings – with Christmas pantomime trips proving particularly popular in 2023.
We’re thrilled to receive the ‘Community Project of the Year’ award. Over the past three years, HAF Northants has been a lifeline for many families, providing essential support to ensure children stay active, maintain social connections and have access to healthy food during the school holidays. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible HAF providers and we thank them for their ongoing commitment to the programme’s success.Gary Sheppard, Strategic Director, Active Schools at Northamptonshire Sport
Being recognised for the positive impact HAF Northants has had on so many families is truly humbling. However, our goal remains to reach even more families who need this vital support. If you or someone you know is eligible for free school meals or related benefits, please visit the HAF Northants website to find out more about the programme and check your eligibility: www.holidayactivities.orgGill Wallace, Marketing Manager at Northamptonshire Sport
Congratulations to all the other finalists and winners at the awards. We are grateful to everyone who voted for us – your support is invaluable in helping us make a difference.
Our vision for North Northamptonshire is a place where everyone, young and old and from all backgrounds, has the best opportunities and quality of life. I am delighted that HAF Northants has been recognised for their exceptional work and that this programme is firmly embedded in our communities, offering eligible children enriching opportunities that influence their future life outcomes.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council
We are committed to caring for our young people, providing them with a high-quality education and opportunities to help them flourish and the HAF programme is both ambitious and life-changing in its aims and delivery.
The fantastic range of activities our local organisations provide, which offer experiences and support for children and young people, is simply outstanding and gives children across the country access to incredible times during the holidays, helping to make friends and create memories through enriching and fun activities.
The HAF Northants initiative continues to grow, with a mission to ensure child in the county have access to happier, healthier school holidays.