Independent charity The Hubb Foundation has won a £4.5 million contract to manage holiday activities and opportunities for Stoke-on-Trent’s most vulnerable children.
The three-year deal to deliver the Department for Education-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will see the charity co-ordinate 45,000 free holiday scheme sessions in schools and community venues across the city each Christmas, Easter and Summer holiday.
As a result, The Hubb Foundation will be re-investing up to £1 million a year into Stoke-on-Trent-based community and voluntary organisations who deliver the activity programmes as well as up to 20 local caterers, cafes and community kitchens delivering HAF meals.
The contract win follows the award of £375,000 support from Rocester-based digger maker JCB announced earlier this year to fund half term holiday activities across Stoke-on-Trent.
The programme, which is delivered at up to 80 venues, targets thousands of the city’s most vulnerable children including those entitled to Free School Meals and with Special Educational Needs.
Activities include multi-sports, dance, drama, crafts, trips and career-boosting courses as well as a healthy, nutritious meal.
Chief Operating Officer Adam Yates said: “This is great news for families and children right across the city who are assured of vital support throughout each main school holiday for the next three years.
“We are delighted to have been selected as Stoke-on-Trent’s HAF provider. It means we can build on the strong foundations of the past five years – continuing to make a real difference to the 19,000 children deemed to be living in absolute poverty – and helping improve the city’s health, wealth and overall well-being.
“We work with around 50 brilliant local organisations to give young people the best holiday experiences, make memories and build confidence. By working together our aim is to raise the aspirations of the most disadvantaged children from age five right through to 16 and help them achieve their potential in life.”
The charity has delivered HAF on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council since early 2021 and has been awarded the contract following a ‘rigorous’ tendering process.
