Holiday times can be challenging for families, in particular those who are vulnerable or on a low income. The lack of free school meals, regular social contact and play opportunities can create stress and pressure for families, often leading to financial, social and nutritional challenges.
‘Up to an estimated three million children risk being hungry in the school holidays. This group comprises over a million children growing up in poverty who receive free school meals during term time, as well as an estimated two million who are disqualified from free school meals because their parents work for their poverty.’ (Hungry
Holidays, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger (APPG), April 2017)
With funding from Brakes Meals & More, Family Action is delivering the Holiday Hub programme, which aims to address poor social inclusion, family nutrition and wellbeing, and financial strain.
‘Most useful is learning about all different recipes without it being so costly, and the meals are really easy to make.’
‘He was picky at first, but has tried new healthy foods.’
Find out about our other Holiday Food and Activities programmes.
About Holiday Hub
Holiday Hub clubs operate across the country – from Wigan to Coventry and from London to Nottinghamshire. Holiday Hub supports families by providing meals and opportunities for family bonding through eating, learning and playing together.
As well as taking part in a wide range of fun activities and enjoying quality time together, families learn about nutrition and keeping fit and healthy.
Read a short case study from a setting in the East Midlands, which gives a flavour of one of the Holiday Hub sessions they delivered in Summer 2018.
Impact
Feedback from families highlights that Holiday Hub has helped them:
- make healthy and cost-effective meals
- improve family relationships
- socialise with other families
- try new activities
- get to know the local area better
- improve their wellbeing.
‘Due to struggling with anxiety, I don’t socialise at all and tend to stay in the house … I have socialised with staff and other families.’
‘It was brilliant. We all enjoyed it as a family.’
Download:
- some short interviews with parents/carers from the North West who have attended holiday sessions
- a short case study from one Holiday Hub setting in the North West about the benefits to their families
- a case study from a setting in the South of England, about the impact of the summer 2018 programme on one of their families
- some tips for free or low-cost holiday activities suggested by settings and families.
Get involved
Please get in touch with us using the details below if you are interested in:
- volunteering to work within one of our clubs
- supplying food, resources or other in-kind support for our clubs
- setting up a Holiday Hub club
- finding out more about Holiday Hub
- providing support to Brakes Meals & More programme.
Holiday Hub Members' Area
Please visit our Members’ Area or contact us using the details below for:
- the latest Holiday Hub documentation (eg Holiday Hub bulletin, Information and Resources pack)
- dates for the next focus group sessions
- support with planning and delivery (eg recipes, portion sizes, food suppliers, sourcing volunteers, training for staff).
Stockton Holiday Hub
We’re delighted that Public Health Stockton is funding a Holiday Hub programme from October 2018 to February 2019 in Stockton-on-Tees. Contact julie.pike@family-action.org.uk for full details.
Getting Smart with your Energy
In Autumn 2018 Smart Energy GB provided funding to enable Family Action to co-ordinate a small energy-focused project consisting of tea-time sessions for families, 1-2-1 advice sessions for parents, and briefings for internal and external colleagues. During the tea-time sessions families took part in a wide range of interactive activities that helped them learn more about smart meters and their benefits, as well as how to save energy in their homes. Learning and resources from the project will feed into Family Action’s ongoing Holiday Hub work.
FamilyLine
FamilyLine is a free service available to support parents and carers manage the challenges of parenthood via telephone, text message and email. Whether it’s emotional support or practical advice on any aspect of parenting or broader family life, call: 0808 802 6666, text: 07537 404282 or email: familyline@family-action.org.uk Operational hours 6pm to 10pm Mon – Fri / 10am to 1pm Sat – Sun.
Contact us
Holiday Hub
Family Action
Unit 24 Angel Gate
City Road, Islington
London EC1V 2PT
M: 07714 076 184
E: louise.reilly@family-action.org.uk
www.family-action.org.uk/holidayhub/
We look forward to hearing from you!