Holiday activities and food (HAF)
Free activities and food during school holidays
The activities and sessions available on this page are provided free of charge for children and young people who are entitled to free school meals and/or meet other eligibility criteria. Young people must live in Suffolk or attend a school in Suffolk.
Funding for Summer, Christmas and Easter holiday sessions are provided by the Department for Education in partnership with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, East Suffolk Council and West Suffolk Council as part of the Holiday Activity and Food initiative (HAF).
Half-term activities are funded by our other partners and funders.
Adventure Days
Awesome days out for children aged 8-14 years, completely free of charge.
08:30-16:30 – Breakfast and lunch are included.
Book Now
Action-packed, safe, structured activities under the careful eye of experienced outdoor instructors.
Activities include axe throwing, fire-lighting, swimming, archery, catapult building, Geocaching and more!
Use the links below to book (you will be taken to the Eequ website).
Family Park Cooking
Adults and children take part in an amazing unique experience together. Light a campfire and roast some marshmallows then take part in a cooking master class. Every family that attend will take home all of the ingredients and recipe cards for a weeks’ worth of meals.
Book Now
These sessions are for families who are eligible for free school meals. Children must be 5-16 years old (younger siblings may attend).
Times: 10:00-15:00 and includes:
- Outdoor family activities
- Outdoor cooking class and lunch provided
- Recipe book and videos
- Food box for a family of 4
Use the links below to book (you will be taken to the Eequ website).
Free Swim & Lunch
We’re offering limited FREE swimming spaces including lunch to support children and their families entitled to free school meals and/or through discretionary places.
You can view the lunch menu example here
Book Now
18th July- 30th August
*Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre will differ, please complete your booking thoroughly.
“*Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre Lunch Meal Deal will differ, please check and complete your booking thoroughly.
Wild Kitchen Days
Join us for a hands-on day of wild cooking where kids learn to build and light their own fire, then cook a tasty lunch from scratch in the great outdoors. It’s a delicious adventure packed with fun, food, and fresh air, plus plenty of exciting outdoor games and nature activities.
For ages 8-14 years
Booking Unavailable
Free Duke of Edinburgh
Fully funded Bronze award for young people aged 14-16 years.
Find out more
Fully Funded – Bronze Award – take part in weekends away, and expeditions, learn new skills, and meet amazing people.
FREE Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
We are now accepting young people onto our 2024/2025 programme.
• All costs of the award are covered and all food and equipment is provided.
• This programme is completely free for any young people eligible for free school meals as part of Suffolk County Council HAF programme.
• This is open to any young people in Year 9, 10 or 11 living in Suffolk or attending school in Suffolk.
- Kit and equipment provided
- Camping and expedition fees are covered
- Food for training and expeditions paid for
- Funding for boots available
- Weekends Away
- Learn new skills
- Online support
Register your interest here (you will be taken to the Eequ website)
Christmas food boxes
This Christmas, Bury St Edmunds Town Council is again supporting local residents who are living alone. A free heat at home Christmas dinner will be delivered to anyone spending Christmas Day on their own within the Bury St Edmunds area (IP32/IP33).
Bookings open 26th Nov
This Christmas, Bury St Edmunds Town Council is again supporting local residents who are living alone. A free heat at home Christmas dinner will be delivered to anyone spending Christmas Day on their own within the Bury St Edmunds area (IP32/IP33).
