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Nottingham Forest Community Trust has once again brought fun, learning and nutritious food to young people across the city through this year’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Funded by the UK Government and administered locally by Nottingham City Council, the HAF programme provides children and young people with access to free holiday clubs offering a mix of sport, creative activities, enrichment opportunities and healthy meals. The scheme is designed to support families during the school holidays, helping to combat holiday hunger while keeping children active, engaged and connected with their communities.

Since first delivering HAF in 2021, Nottingham Forest Community Trust has become a key provider in Nottingham, offering inclusive, high-quality programmes that bring lasting benefits to participants and their families.

This summer, the Trust delivered HAF across five venues in The Meadows, Clifton, Bestwood, Radford and St Ann’s, working alongside schools, community groups and activity providers to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Impact at a glance:

300 hours of delivery over the summer holiday

2,556 total attendances from children and young people

791 individual participants engaged in activities

4,200 meals served

1,200 pieces of fruit distributed

13 activity providers involved

43 staff members delivering the programme

2 fire engine visits (from Stockhill and Arnold stations)

30 free tickets provided to local children and families courtesy of Nottingham Forest’s principal partner, E.ON

Making a Difference for Children and Families

The impact of the programme goes far beyond the activities themselves. For children, it provides the chance to try new experiences, build confidence, develop friendships and stay active during the long summer break. For families, particularly those facing financial challenges, it can be a lifeline, ensuring children have access to free, healthy meals and structured activities that relieve the pressure on household budgets.

The summer holidays can be a particularly difficult time for parents and carers, with increased childcare needs, additional food costs and limited affordable opportunities for young people. The HAF programme helps to bridge this gap, offering peace of mind to families who know their children are safe, happy, well-fed and engaged in positive activities.

Parents have shared how much they value the opportunity for their children to learn new skills, enjoy nutritious meals and be part of a supportive community environment. Many have noted the improvement in their child’s confidence and willingness to try new things as a direct result of attending the sessions.

Tom Norton, Head of Programmes at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “The HAF programme has built real momentum over the past few years and is creating a lasting legacy for communities across Nottingham.

“We are proud to play such a significant role in delivering this successful initiative and to see first-hand the positive difference it is making for children and their families.

“Our team and partners have worked tirelessly to ensure every child has the opportunity to enjoy an active, enriching and healthy summer.”