A COUNCIL has confirmed that a programme supported by footballer Marcus Rashford will be available for children and young people.

Brighton and Hove City Council have said that the Holiday Activities and Food, HAF, programme will be running in the city this summer.

The expanded HAF programme has been supporting children and families in the school holidays since 2018 and was expanded in light of the pandemic last year.

Funded by the Government, this year £220 million is available to councils across the country to run the programmes through holiday clubs, beginning at Easter and will continue through summer and Christmas in 2021.

The activities are for children and young people aged 4 to 16 who are in full-time education and receive benefits-related free school meals.

Some of the activities include sports, arts, music and personal development.

There is also specialist provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

All children and young people attending get a free meal. They can also take part in interactive ways to learn more about healthy eating.

HAF is funded by the Department of Education and is supported by Marcus Rashford, who helped make a video explaining the programme.

It will be delivered by Brighton and Hove City Council and a range of local community organisations and playscheme providers.

In the video, he said: "I can only go back to my own experiences and what I would be doing if I didn't have youth centres and stuff where me and my friends could go and be in a safe environment.

"I think it is very important for children to have activities during the holidays.

"They are having hot meals prepared for them, this is one of the main things because that can't be guaranteed at their homes."

The chairwoman of the council's Children, Young People and Skills committee, councillor Hannah Clare, said: "If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, please check the directory and contact the provider for the activity you are interested in.

"The Holiday Activities and Food programme is free. We hope that you and your child can take advantage of everything it offers.

"Nearly 500 children and young people from 52 local schools took part in the HAF programme at Easter. We hope even more will get involved this summer.

"But places are limited, so book quickly to avoid appointment."

To download the directory of summer activities, please visit the family information service section of the council's website: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/childcare-and-family-support/family-information-service-fis