Parents of children and young people who are in receipt of benefit-related free school meals are able to sign them up for free activities, holiday clubs and fun days during the Christmas holidays.

The free activities are being offered through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF), and will also include a free hot meal. Those eligible can sign up for a HAF passcode which can be used to book onto the fun sessions.

In addition, many of the activities can cater for children with special educational needs and disabilities, with a number of locations now offering 1-to-1 support where required.

There are options for indoor and outdoor sessions – with sports, games, performing arts and crafts all covered – at venues across the county including Wimborne, Ferndown, Christchurch, Verwood. Poole and Blandford.

Fee-paying bookings are also available for the majority of activities.

Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help, said: “Many families across Dorset are struggling with the cost of living, and it is even more challenging at this time of year. HAF ensures that all children can enjoy festive fun and activities during the Christmas holiday.”

To find out more, go to https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/holiday-activities-and-food-programme