Holiday Activities
& Food Programme
Reading Council
Free Holiday Camps!
This is a programme funded by the Department of Education which provides free holiday provisions for children and young people, who receive benefits-related free schools meals, during the school holidays. If your child is eligible, they are entitled to enrol in this camp for free.
contact details
If you are unsure whether you are eligible please use the information below to inquire.
Telephone: 0118 937 3641
Email: info@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
We’ll see you at our Reading Summer Camp!
Useful Links
If adults are worried about children they can get advice on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk.
Food banks provide emergency food supplies for people in crisis.
The Trussell Trust runs a network of over 400 foodbanks including many in Bath and North East Somerset. Learn more at https://www.trusselltrust.org. You may need a foodbank voucher – contact the food bank for more information.
Advice line (England): 0800 144 8848
Call on 0808 808 4000, Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and Saturday 9:30 am-1pm.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Alana House – Women’s Community Project – https://www.pactcharity.org/alana-house/alana-house/whats-on
For anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Call 24/7 on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Find your local libraries at https://www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/
Jobcentre Plus is a government-funded employment agency and social security office whose aim is to help people of working age find employment in the UK. Your local job centre can administer claims for Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support. Learn more at https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus.
Family Lives offers a confidential and free (from landlines and most mobiles) helpline service for families in England and Wales. Call on 0808 800 2222 for emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life.
Mind’s Infoline provides an information and signposting service. Ask about mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options and advocacy services.
Call on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
Call the 24/7 Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111. Provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for people affected by crime and traumatic events – regardless of whether you have reported the crime to the police.
Our free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness. Call the helpline if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are worried about losing your home in the next two months or are at risk of harm or abuse.
Call on 0808 800 4444 or visit https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help.
Find at variety of organisations who can support families at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social- care-and-support-guide/caring-for-children-and-young-people/children-and-young-peoples-services/.
Find healthy recipes and meal plans : https://www.eatingwell.com/
Citizens Advice Reading is a small local independent charity. We offer free, impartial and confidential specialist advice to help people with a wide range of problems including benefits, debt and money and cost of living.
Information about SEND services in Reading.
Website: https://servicesguide.reading.gov.uk/kb5/reading/directory/localoffer.page?familychannel=3
Frequently Asked Questions
Funding is eligible for school aged children who receive benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
Infant pupils who receive a free meal under UIFSM must also be eligible for benefits- related FSM to be able to access a place on the HAF programme.
For other children and families, local authorities are able to use up to 15% of their funding to provide children, who do not receive benefits- related FSM, free or subsidised holiday provision if they believe they could benefit from HAF. If you believe this applies to you, please get in touch with your school or local authority
Yes, your child must attend all the days that you have booked. As we only only have a limited number of spaces on our camp, not attending causes other children to miss out. If your child can no longer attend, please get in touch with us directly to cancel your booking.
This should be provided to you by your school or local authority. It may come in the form of an EVoucher or you may need to book via your local authority website. If you are in doubt contact your school or local authority directly.