Wiltshire Council is delivering the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme, known locally as FUEL, across the county during the Easter holidays.

The programme is funded by the Department of Education and provides children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals with free activities and food during school holiday periods.

Wiltshire’s programme includes 10 face-to-face holiday activity camps which will take place in areas of the county where there is the greatest need. The camps also give children the opportunity to take part in a range of enriching activities, including robotics workshops, team games, football speed cage, reaction wall, dance, talent shows, and arts and crafts workshops.

Children will receive a nutritious lunch each day they attend, and the programme includes fun sessions on healthy eating and food workshops. The programme is being delivered in partnership with Learn By Design, Occasional Kitchen and Purely Nutrition in Wiltshire.

One family who attended a FUEL camp last year said: “Thank you so much for providing these sessions, it has made a huge difference to us. My daughter had a great time, she loved all the activities, made lots of friends and said the staff were really nice.”

Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Easter FUEL programme helps young people in Wiltshire to keep active and get involved with fun activities over the holidays. It also provides them with healthy food and sessions around health and nutrition.

“FUEL camps will be delivered in areas where there is the greatest need as we continue to support Wiltshire families during the holidays, many of whom are experiencing pressure from the increasing cost of living.”

During 2021, the FUEL holiday camps benefitted over 4,700 families and over 31,000 meals were provided.

The ten camps will take place in Amesbury, Calne, Chippenham, Devizes, Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster and Westbury.

Camps run from 10am to 2pm, over four days, commencing on Tuesday 19 April 2022.

The programme details will be promoted through all schools in Wiltshire in due course. For more information about the Holiday Activity and Food Programme in Wiltshire, families can email fuelprogramme@wiltshire.gov.uk