Local families are to receive additional food vouchers this Easter as Oldham Council continues to support its residents through the Cost-of-Living crisis.
With parents facing additional costs over childcare and food during the upcoming school holidays, households who receive free school meals will receive vouchers worth £15 per week, per eligible child.
This follows support already issued by the local authority during the recent February, Winter and October school holidays, with these vouchers funded by the Household Support Fund.
Speaking on the importance of these vouchers, Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Families are really struggling at the moment, and have been for some time due to the inflated costs of many everyday necessities, including food.
“That’s why we’re continuing to support those who need it the most, to ensure no one goes hungry in Oldham this Easter, especially our children and young people.
“In the meantime, if you are struggling with rising food costs, we can help and I urge anyone in this position to contact the council’s helpline on 0161 770 7007 as we can support with referrals to the local foodbank and we can offer extra support with your current situation.”
In addition to these vouchers, parents can now book their children onto the borough’s new and exciting Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Easter programme.
The latest set of activities take place between 2 and 16 April with free places primarily available for children aged 5-16, who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
Upcoming sessions include everything from computing camps and music classes, to cooking activities and sports days, with places available at a small additional cost for those who aren’t eligible – although parents are advised to check with event providers directly beforehand.
In the coming days, Oldham Council will also be promoting a universal offer for all families to enjoy over Easter as an addition to the local authority’s support during the current financial climate.
Councillor Eddie Moores, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: “Oldham’s HAF programme continues to be incredibly popular with local families, and we are thrilled to announce our latest programme for Easter.
“We have a variety of different sessions taking place over the holidays and there is something for everyone to enjoy, so visit our website today and start making your bookings if you are eligible.
“We understand many more families are struggling across our borough who are not eligible for free school meals though, which is why we also have some special universal activities lined up for all families to enjoy over the holidays too.
“These activities have been organised as part of our response to the Cost-of-Living crisis and more information on this will be coming out over the next few days so keep an eye out on our social media channels.”
Oldham’s HAF programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to support young people to socialise with people of a similar age while they have a great time learning and playing new, fun, physical and enriching sessions.
Every child receives a healthy meal as part of their booking, while they also get to learn about healthy eating and the preparation of food – information they can put it into practice when they go home.
To book sessions on the programme, eligible residents must use the unique booking codes they were issued with before Christmas.
If you have received this code but have misplaced it, please email OldhamHAF@oldham.gov.uk with the full name, date of birth and address of each eligible child.
For more information on HAF and how to book your activities, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/haf