Help for parents this Easter feeling the Big Squeeze
There's help for parents in Devon struggling with both the rising cost of living and keeping kids entertained this Easter
Last updated 20th Apr 2022
There's still spaces at some of Devon's council-backed activity sessions, which aim to help struggling parents this Easter.
The sessions, which come with a hot meal, are on offer to pupils who normally get school meals - and range from soccer skills, to walks or arts activities.
Devon-based Shear Soccer are running sessions across the county, including at Paignton:
The 16 holiday clubs across Torbay, which last year helped more than 2, 200 pupils, aim to prevent social isolation and also help parents with the cost of the school holidays.
The Holiday Activities and Food, or HAF, programme, is known locally as Healthy Holidays
Sessions are taking place around Torbay at locations including Watcombe Primary School, the Acorn Centre and Torre Abbey in Torquay, Torbay Leisure Centre and Great Parks Community Centre in Paignton, and St Margret Clitherow Primary School and Brixham College in Brixham. Â
Activities on offer range from sports, storytelling, arts and crafts, nature walks and paddle-boarding. Specific provisions are available for children with SEND or additional needs, at no additional cost to parents or carers.Â
It is funded by almost ÂŁ500,000 from the Government's HAF Fund. Torbay councillor Cordelia Law says it's a vital service, as more families find it harder to make ends meet.
She added: “Many families told us last year about how much their children had enjoyed the activities and that their child had made new friends and grown in confidence. I’d encourage those that are eligible to book their spaces.”
"The Healthy Holidays programme has been designed to help children and young people enjoy their school breaks in a safe environment.
"All activities are run by qualified staff and aim to have a positive effect on the young person’s health and well-being, as well as helping them to develop new skills."
For more information in Torbay click here
For more across Devon click here
For more information in Plymouth click here