HAF Fun Pompey – the story so far
HAF Fun Pompey is part of the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Portsmouth City Council are delighted to deliver the programme during the spring, summer and winter school holidays.
Funded by the Department for Education, HAF Fun Pompey provides free holiday provision of nutritious food and enriching activities for children aged 5-16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals (FSM) in Portsmouth.
We work with a wide range of providers to create a fantastic programme of activities and events. These include sports, performing arts, day trips, art workshops, water sports, and cooking classes. We also hold events where the whole family can get involved.
Some of our programme providers offer pay-as-you-go spaces, and families who are not eligible for FSM can be referred by a professional service.
Check out our HAF activities booking system
Explore the whole programme and book spaces all in one place!
Feedback from HAF participants and families
“This was a wonderfully organised event. It took into consideration people from different backgrounds and provided a variety of activities with great quality products. Really enjoyed it.” HAF Family
“They had a brilliant week packed full of fun and games! Both mine received certificates for playing games, yoga and dancing! Go Carts and nerf guns, disco, you name it they have done it! Also well done to my boy for eating a curry! Anyone that know him knows how fussy he is, the staff are amazing…roll on next week!” HAF Parent/Carer
“My favourite part was EVERYTHING…making friends, games, puppets and having fun.” HAF Participant
“Dinner tasted lovely. I’ve never had parsnips before.” HAF participant
“Loved everything! Was so nice they could try different activities each time they went. Loved yoga and even got to do off site trips.” HAF Parent
My youngest gets quite nervous but the staff have been very comforting and they are all smiles when they get collected at the end of the day. The guys on the door are really friendly and remember who’s child matches to who’s parent so well!” HAF Parent
PORTSMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Meet the team
“We are proud that we offer sessions where lots of delicious, healthy food is consumed after a whole range of activities to choose from, including drama, sailing, fitness and cooking. This is genuine community partnership working at its best with local providers and a range of internal and external partners including schools, Play Youth and Community, Portsmouth Museums, leisure, arts and cultural venues all pitching in.” Councillor and Deputy Leader Suzy Horton
“The most rewarding part of the programme is visiting the provision and seeing how many smiles are produced through the endless amount of fun on offer. Thanks to the commitment, creativity and passion of our providers we are able to offer a fantastic range of activities and reach families across the city. ” HAF Project Lead, Ciara White
HAF enables us to make sure that our children, young people and families have opportunities to discover what our great city and nearby areas have to offer – making sure they get out and about, visiting our museums; theatres; art galleries; woodland; beaches and sports centres. Hopefully leaving a lasting legacy of future confident explorers! Nicola Clannachan, Head of Housing Community Services
Working with the HAF programme is definitely one of the most fun parts of my job at Portsmouth City Council! It is always a pleasure to get out and meet children, young people and their families who are enjoying HAF activities, as well as talking to the providers who put so much imagination and energy into creating our fantastic programme. Alison Critchley, Childrens, Families & Education
