Bolton Council are working with partners in the charity and volunteer sector to establish a network of free holiday clubs to support families across the borough. The clubs will offer physical activities, opportunities to develop new skills and provide nutritional information for both children and parents.
Holiday hunger is an ongoing issue that has been ‘exacerbated’ by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic demand for emergency food parcels increased 89%.
Activities will be entirely optional, and all eligible families will still receive £40 of meal vouchers this Easter whether or not they choose to access the holiday clubs.
Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “I am proud that we have been able to help Bolton families during previous school holidays through the meal voucher scheme.
“The new holiday programme we have agreed will go a step further, offering a variety of enriching activities so children do not miss out on the opportunity to develop and learn new skills.
“There are many exceptional community groups offering support outside of term time and we look forward to working even more closely with them to benefit those who need it most.”