Category Food support Show all
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Cheshire West summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
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The HAF Programme is funded nationally by the Department for Education and supports local organisations to provide free holiday provision to school aged children and young people from reception to year 11 (inclusive) on benefits-related free school meals (FSM) - helping them to access healthy food, take part in fun activities and meet new friends in a safe and fun environment.
There are also paid places available with some providers for those who do not meet the criteria, so that other children and young people can join in the fun too.
Full information is available on the dedicated Cheshire West and Chester pages of the HAF website.
Summer Holiday Activities and FoodEdsential Community Interest Company is working with several organisations, including schools, community, voluntary and faith sector organisations to organise 65 summer holiday activity clubs throughout the borough.
Each eligible child will be provided with a good quality nutritious meal, plus, they can look forward to a wide range of activities designed to be engaging and fun. From sports such as football, dodgeball and rounders to den building, baking, cooking classes and forest school activities.
Brio Leisure is offering a variety of activities for young people. Sports camps will be held at Neston Recreation Centre, catering for 4 to 12-year-olds. Additionally, fun and floats and craft sessions are available for young people aged 5 to 18 years with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Winsford Lifestyle Centre, and Northwich Memorial Court. For further details or enquiries, please email: info@brioleisure.org.
Young People Service will deliver a Future Focus summer scheme. The programme is aimed at young people aged 16-19 who are currently not in employment, education or training, or leaving Year 11 this summer and have not yet secured a post 16 placement for September. The range of activities will include confidence building and employment skills, team building and emotional and financial wellbeing.
Youth Zone for 11–16-year-olds (up to 25 for our SEND children and young people) will provide a summer programme including activity day trips, indoor and outdoor sports sessions, team building skills, Breakout Rooms and much more. For more information, email the Youth Service:
YoungPeoplesService@cheshirewestandchester.gov.ukFor more information about SEND specific activities, check out our website or if you have any queries, email: AimingHighForDisabledChildren@cheshirewest.gov.uk
To check if your child is eligible for Free School Meals, visit our website:
Free school meals | Cheshire West and Chester CouncilIf you have any questions about the HAF programme , please email:
HAF@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
A comprehensive list of other, non-HAF related, summer holiday activities across the borough is available on the Council’s website:
School holiday activities | Cheshire West and Chester Council -
Household Support Fund update
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The government’s Household Support Fund is there to support households most in need, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other related essential items. The current round provides funding until 31 March 2026.
Cheshire West and Chester plan to spend the money in the following ways:
- food vouchers for families with children who get free school meals
- payments to Pensioners who receive Pension Credit
- payments to Pensioners on a low income who are not receiving Pension Credit and therefore no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment support
- making financial support available to people via local charitable organisations
- helping low-income households with energy and food costs
- income maximisation software to support residents to claim all of their eligible entitlements.
The round of discretionary funding for 2025/26 is now open for applications and is available to a broad range of low-income households across the borough, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. The discretionary scheme is only open to households which have an active claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
More information including how to apply can be found using the link below.
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/household-support-fund
As of early July, we have now contacted all eligible Pension Credit customers directly to advise how to claim this payment.
The Council had previously intended to issue payments to pensioners on a low income who are not receiving Pension Credit to replace lost Winter Fuel Payment support. However, following amendments to the Winter Fuel Payment by central government, this support is no longer required.Therefore, in the autumn, we will be directly contacting all eligible low-income pensioners who are receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, to advise how to claim additional support. More details will be provided in future newsletters. Please note that pensioners who have previously claimed Household Support Fund payment since December 2024, where possible the Council will reuse previous payment details provided so an application may not be required.
Additional support and advice is available for anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, requires debt advice or who’s health has been affected by the rising cost of living.
http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living -
Latest news on the government’s Household Support Fund
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The government’s Household Support Fund is there to support households in the most need, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other related essential items. The new round provides funding until 31 March 2026.
Cheshire West and Chester have chosen to spend the money in the following ways:- food vouchers for families with children who get free school meals
- payments to Pensioners who receive Pension Credit
- payments to Pensioners on a low income who are not receiving Pension Credit and therefore no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment support
- making financial support available to people via local charitable organisations
- helping low-income households with energy and food costs
- income maximisation software to support residents to claim all of their eligible entitlements.
The new round of discretionary funding for 2025/26 will open by 16 May 2025 for applications and is available to a broad range of low-income households across the borough, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. The discretionary scheme is only open to households which have an active claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
More information including how to apply can be found using the link below.
https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/household-support-fund/energy-and-food-cost-supportDuring June, we will be contacting eligible Pension Credit customers directly to advise how to claim the support.
In the Autumn, we will be directly contacting eligible low-income pensioners who are not receiving Pension Credit, to advise how to claim the support. More details will be provided in future newsletters.
Additional support and advice is available for anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, requires debt advice or who’s health has been affected by the rising cost of living.
http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living -
Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme
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Bookings are now open for the Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme
Get ready for festive fun with 34 FREE activity clubs across the borough.
As Christmas approaches, so does the excitement for the return of the Christmas Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) funded by the Department for Education. Edsential have been working alongside Cheshire West and Chester Council to bring families together, with a whole host of festive activity clubs available that are designed to keep children and young people engaged and active this Christmas.
With a network of 34 clubs spread across the borough, the HAF programme is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for young people aged 5 to 16 years old in receipt of benefit related free school meals. This year, new clubs will be joining the programme, offering even more festive activities. From winter sports like ice skating and indoor football to holiday-themed arts and crafts, baking and cooking classes, nature bushcraft, campfires, and day trips all with a Christmas twist—this season promises something for every taste and interest. For older children, additional activities such as holiday wellness sessions, hair, and beauty workshops will be available. And the best part? Free, nutritious meals will be served throughout the programme, ensuring that children stay energised and nourished during the Christmas break.
The Summer HAF initiative saw over 4000 children and young people in Cheshire West and Chester benefitting from enriching activities and healthy meals provided. Those who took part were thrilled, with many parents praising the clubs’ ‘lovely staff’ and their ability to be ‘brilliant with kids.’ Parents were delighted that their children were entertained and well-fed during the holidays, and this Christmas is set to be even more special.
Cllr Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Cheshire West and Chester, said: “What a wonderful programme we have for this Christmas. So many children from all backgrounds, from all across the borough will get to enjoy a magical time. The activities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) will have an amazing impact on children and families. I hope the children enjoy the pantos, food hampers and all of the activities the teams have planned.”
Heather Lewis, the Programme Manager for HAF, expressed her excitement, stating,
“We have an exciting lineup of holiday activities and food clubs this Christmas for children and young people across Cheshire West. Our mission is to create a safe, festive, and inclusive environment where they can have fun, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an initiative that helps young people thrive.”
Edsential urges all parents and carers to check if their child is eligible for free school meals, as it could unlock a host of benefits. Eligible children not only gain access to the diverse programme of Christmas activities but also delicious and nutritious free lunches throughout the school term.
Ready for your child to dive into a Christmas of excitement? Book your child's spot at one of the Christmas holiday activity clubs or check eligibility at: www.edsential.com/HAF.
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Summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)
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The Cheshire West summer 2024 HAF provision will shortly be getting underway across the borough for children and young people who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
The Council, alongside Edsential and a range of community partners, is running a wide range of fantastic activities that will run throughout the school summer holiday.
The HAF Programme is funded by Department for Education to support local organisations to provide fun activities for children and young people during the holidays, while also helping them to access healthy food.
This year, all provision for the HAF Programme can be found on the new dedicated west Cheshire area on the Edsential website Cheshire West & Chester – Edsential Holiday Activity Fund
Criteria/eligibility for the programme
This holiday provision is for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Benefits-related free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
Further information on eligibility for Free School Meals. Free school meals | Cheshire West and Chester Council
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Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) Programme
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The Council, alongside Edsential and a range of community partners, is running a wide range of fun activities for four days of the school Christmas holiday.
HAF is a national programme, funded by the government’s Department for Education, for children from reception to year 11 inclusive who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM).
Benefits-related free school meals are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
Find out if your child is eligible for free school meals
With a network of 67 clubs spread across the borough, children and young people who are eligible for free school meals between the ages of 5 - 16 are in for a festive treat. The programme will feature a diverse range of activities, including trips to see a pantomime, ice skating, graffiti art workshops, sports and much more. Alongside these exciting activities, everyone will receive nutritious festive meals to keep them energised throughout the Christmas holiday.
Youth Zones are available to 11–16-year-olds (up to 25 years for SEND young people) and will be providing eligible children and young people with a Christmas themed HAF offer.
Activities for Children with SEND - A number of organisations across the borough including the Council’s Youth Service and Brio Leisure, will be delivering SEND specific HAF sessions (available for ages up to 25 for SEND children and young people). Some sessions will also be offering places for siblings.A full list of all activities is available on the Holiday Activities with Food Cheshire West web page. Please note all activities must be booked in advance.
Holiday Activities with Food -
Healthy Start supports families in need
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Pregnant people and new parents could access extra support through the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:
- buy healthy foods like milk or fruit
- get free vitamins.
You can also use the scheme to collect:
- Healthy Start vitamins, supporting you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- vitamin drops for babies and young children, suitable from birth to four-years-old.
The scheme now uses pre-loaded cards, meaning those who already receive Healthy Start using paper vouchers must re-apply. You'll be contacted by Healthy Start when you can apply for the digital scheme.
The uptake in parts of west Cheshire, especially more rural areas, is low so make sure you register for this scheme if you're eligible.
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify but if you're pregnant, under the age of 18, and don’t receive any other benefits, you can still claim.
If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in most UK shops that sell milk, infant formula, fruit, and vegetables. This includes:
- supermarkets
- convenience stores
- grocery stores
- drug stores and pharmacies
- markets
- dairy products stores
- news dealers and newsstands
- freezer and locker meat provisioners (such as butcher shops)
- petrol stations
The shop must display a Mastercard® logo. The logo is normally shown on the shop door or at the till. Ask an employee inside the shop if they take Mastercard® if you're unsure.
Your allowance will be added on to this card every four weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
- plain liquid cow's milk
- fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetable
- fresh, dried and tinned pulses
- infant formula milk based on cow's milk.
A set of frequently asked questions are available on the Healthy Start website, covering things like applying for the scheme, how you can use it, advice for health professionals and more.
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Live Well Cheshire West
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If you're looking for support in your local area, look no further than Live Well. Live Well Cheshire West is a website produced by the Council, working with the NHS. It can help you find information about local services, support, activities, and events for everyone across a broad range of subjects including social care, health and wellbeing, education, employment, support for carers and much more.
Visit the Live Well page and put in your postcode or area, along with the type of support you are looking for, to find services near you. You can also filter the results by all sorts of different requirements like whether the service can cater to dietary requirements, or whether they are open before or after school times. Live Well offers support to people of all ages, including children and families.
Live Well Cheshire West: Malpas Community KitchenMoney Matters
There is a dedicated Money Matters section which can show you support for bills, budgeting, debt, benefits, and more. For example, if you live in rural Cheshire and are worried about affording hot meals for yourself or your family, you could visit Malpas Community Kitchen on a Wednesday lunchtime and enjoy a hot meal for free, no referral needed.
turn2us: Your Situation A-ZIf you are struggling to pay your bills as the cost of living rises, you may be eligible for benefits that you are not yet claiming. Live Well can direct you to this A-Z list of welfare benefits and grants, made by Turn2Us.
Changing Lives Together: What we doYou might need a new fridge or washing machine but not be able to afford a large sum right now. On Live Well, you can see a whole list of organisations that provide white goods and furniture at affordable prices. Changing Lives Together offer new and reused furniture for low prices, as well as many other services like distributing food that would otherwise have gone to waste, connecting socially isolated members of the community, and providing a community bus service to help residents get around.
Watch this short video which shows you how to find the information you're looking for on Live Well Cheshire West.
If you know anyone who is not online, Live Well can be accessed at any local Cheshire West and Chester Council library. Staff at the library can help people get online and find services to improve their computer skills.