Holiday activity and food programme supports thousands of Derbyshire children

Credit: Derbyshire County Council

Thousands of children and young people are benefiting from free holiday activities and healthy meals thanks to Derbyshire County Council.

The authority’s It’s About Me programme has become one of the largest and most ambitious Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes in England.

Run on the council’s behalf by StreetGames, it provides eligible children with free holiday club sessions, nutritious meals and opportunities to take part in a range of activities to support their health, wellbeing and development.

Over the last year it has supported 17,380 children at 257 holiday clubs and provided 78,764 nutritious meals.

Working alongside 82 local organisations, it has ensured children and families can access safe, welcoming and enriching opportunities throughout the school holidays.

Now, the success of that work has been recognised nationally with one of the programme’s most dedicated volunteers receiving a prestigious award.

Gail Morton, who is the driving force behind Stonebroom HAF, has been named Regional Volunteer of the Year at an HAF awards ceremony in London.

Councillor Simon Mabbott, the county council’s Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, said: “I’d like to congratulate Gail on her award and also thank all the organisations supporting our programme across Derbyshire.

“It’s down to their support and dedication that our HAF programme is having such a positive impact on children and young people across Derbyshire.

“Together, we have ensured that families who are most in need can access safe, enjoyable and enriching holiday experiences that strengthen wellbeing and support communities.”

For families across Stonebroom, Gail has become a familiar and much-loved face, dedicating her time and energy to creating welcoming, inclusive and memorable experiences for children during the school holidays.

She has helped transform Stonebroom HAF into a thriving community hub, supporting initiatives including sunflower-growing competitions, toy swaps, shoebox and gift campaigns, and other projects that bring people together while providing support to elderly residents, vulnerable children and families facing hardship.

For more information about the council’s It’s About Me programme, click here.