In 2022 the HAF programme reached 12,133 Nottinghamshire primary and secondary schoolchildren across spring, summer, autumn and winter through 138 venues. Children and young people took part in a range of activities, including bowling, ice skating, climbing, crafts, cooking, sports, dance and adventure days.
Clare Harding, headteacher at Asquith Primary school, said: “There’s a whole bunch of reasons why HAF is so important. It’s somewhere children can go that’s safe, they can socialise, they can enjoy themselves and where they can keep fit and help develop healthy lifestyles. Being able to come to an activity where food is provided where they’re with their friends just gives children a sense of self-worth and self-esteem.”
Children who attended fed back their positive experience to the HAF team with 89% saying that they had fun and 96% wanting to join the programme again in 2023. The cost-free aspect was also greatly appreciated by parents with 100% agreeing that HAF has helped them with the cost of living increases.
Natalie, parent to a child who took part in the spring HAF programme, added: “I would definitely recommend HAF, it’s very good for children’s social skills. My daughter loves it here. All the new skills that she’s learning are great.”