FAMILIES will have the opportunity to take part in fun activities over the Easter holidays through a council programme.
Children and teenagers who receive free school meals will be able to take part in activities from sports to arts, crafts and cookery through the Easter Holiday Activities and Food programme.
The scheme is on offer at more than 30 venues, including schools and community projects, with school-aged children from Reception to Year 11 eligible to take part in as many sessions as they choose.
Each activity session is free and also accompanied by a complimentary meal.
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Events also include a mini Olympics, a four-day multi-activity Easter camp, and an Easter family cookery festival.
There will also be a world kitchen project for young people who are black, Asian, Arab and of multiple heritage taking place from April 11 to April 22.
The programme, funded by the Department for Education, is delivered by Brighton and Hove City Council in partnership with providers across the city.
Councillor Hannah Clare, who chairs the council’s children, young people and skills committee, said: “School holidays are already a difficult time for some families, owing to extra childcare and food costs, and with the current rise in the cost of living, the upcoming break may exacerbate these challenges for some.
“In the year since we first launched the Holiday Activities and Food programme in Brighton and Hove in Easter 2021, a total of 973 children have taken part in more than 5,000 activity sessions and mealtimes at more than 45 venues.
“I’m delighted with this take-up and success - and would like to say a big thank you to all of the activity and food providers that have given their support.”
The support programme will also be available for the summer and Christmas holidays later this year, the council confirmed.
During last year’s winter programme, the scheme also supported young refugees by providing much-needed space for fun and physical activity, as well as the opportunity to be involved in communal food preparation.
Families can find different activities to sign up to through the council's website.
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