This Easter, the council is offering free fun activities for children and financial help and support to low-income families to help with food, heating and bills.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start said: “With the rising cost of living, school holidays can be a real challenge for some families on lower incomes. This programme gives our children the opportunities in life they deserve.”
Spring into action
The spring holiday activity and food programme (HAF) is a great way for your child to get involved in activities, socialise and meet new friends during the Easter break. They can learn about nutrition, and spark some new interests and hobbies, from archery, arts and crafts, dance and drama, swimming, to football and outdoor sports activities.
The HAF programme is completely free and it runs from April 3-14 at different locations around the borough. It runs for four hours each day, with eligible children and young people able to attend for four days, and also includes a free nutritious meal for children to enjoy. It is available to children and young people in school years reception to year 11, and who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals.
The programmes vary, with different activities at each of the 62 locations around the borough. There are also nine programmes that are also specifically designed to be inclusive of children with SEND needs.
Find out more about what parents say about HAF and search the different programmes to find the perfect programme and location for your children.
To find out more about the HAF email HAF@ealing.gov.uk or visit the Ealing Families Directory website.
Vouchers to help with meals
The Household Support Fund, is part of the council’s commitment to tackling inequalities across the borough. The fund is allocated to the council by Department of Work and Pensions.
Families eligible for benefits related free school meals will get supermarket vouchers worth £35 per child. Families with children under the age of five, who get housing benefit and/or council tax reduction are also eligible, as are care leavers.
Eligible families will receive either an email or letter from our partners Blackhawk with a 16-digit, personalised code and instructions to redeem the vouchers via their website: Hawk Select | Home (select-your-reward.co.uk)
Other support
Extra local welfare assistance funding has been made available for households who do not fit into any of the three groups listed above. You will need to apply for this help, and will need to do so by 31 March this year. So if you are facing financial hardship, apply for local welfare assistance here.
Activities in the Spring Break
Visit your local library for a wide range of activities, you can join the community choir, to arts and craft workshops.
Visit Learn Ealing to find out about courses, and the special family baking course for Easter.
For more information on help that is available, and to find out what you might be entitled to, visit the Ealing Council cost of living hub.
A full round-up of cost-of-living help can be found here on Around Ealing.
