Here for the holidays
Children and teenagers in our communities should be safe, healthy, and supported every day of the year.
Yet right now, with every school holiday, teenagers are being forgotten and many children are losing access to support when they need it most.
Rising costs are making it harder than ever for families to afford the essentials. The school holidays add even more pressure and leaves children missing out.
Children and teens need support all year round. When schools close, support shouldn't stop.
Join the campaign for change
The Government must expand support provided to children and teens who need it most during the school holidays.
Holiday support helps children and communities thrive
School provides much more than education. It offers nutritious meals, opportunities to socialise, safe places to spend time and trusted adults to turn to.
Those needs do not disappear when term ends.
The Government has rightly expanded eligibility for free school meals during term time. Yet they haven’t expanded similar support for school holidays which will leave around 1.3 million children going hungry for weeks at a time.
Young people also need safe places where they can spend time, make friends and build community. Yet too often these spaces simply don’t exist.
Teenagers have told us they have nowhere welcoming to go. They’re considered too young for adult spaces and too old for children’s spaces - including local parks and playgrounds, which can be age restricted.
Facts and figures
65%
of parents say they are worried about the cost of feeding their children during the school holidays.
More than three-quarters
of parents worry about being able to afford activities for their children during the holidays.
41%
of parents do not feel confident they can afford the next school holiday.
I find it difficult to find things to do that don’t cost money I find it difficult to find things to do that don’t cost money
The government must act
The government must act
No family should have to choose between paying bills, putting food on the table or giving their children the chance to take part in activities during the holidays.
The government can make sure more children get the support they need by:
Expanding access to holiday support - Align eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme with the expanded Free School Meals criteria from September 2026, ensuring children who need support most are not left hungry during the school holidays.
Investing in safe spaces for young people - Provide long-term investment in safe, everyday spaces where teenagers and young people can access free and affordable activities, build friendships and feel part of their communities all year round.
Ensuring teenagers are not left behind - Strengthen HAF guidance and requirements to ensure provision is available and accessible for secondary-age children, so teenagers can benefit from the support they need during school holidays.
Every child deserves a holiday free from hunger and hardship
Every child deserves a holiday free from hunger and hardship. School holidays should be a time for children to learn, play and make memories—not a time when families are pushed deeper into financial hardship.
By expanding holiday support and investing in young people's futures, we can help ensure that every child has access to food, activities and opportunities to thrive, no matter their family's income.
Here for the holidays report
Children and teens need support all year round. When schools close, support shouldn't stop.
Read the report
