Over the school holidays thousands of children in Somerset benefit from the Happy Healthy Holidays (HHH) programme, managed by SASP in partnership with Somerset Council. HHH offers free holiday clubs full of activities, healthy food, and fun for children eligible for benefits related free school meals (FSM), including those with additional needs.
The Impact It’s Making
Here’s a snapshot of what HHH has delivered and how it’s changing lives:
- Thousands of children reached
During the summer 2025 programme HHH provided over 22,000 places across more than 100 venues in Somerset, offering everything from kayaking and music workshops to climbing, art and more.
- Access to healthy food and warm spaces
In a context of rising living costs, HHH gives children hot meals or meal packs, providing essential nutrition.
- New experiences and increased confidence
Many children try activities they’ve never done before. For example, one parent said their “daughter tried activities she’s never been able to try before it made such a difference to her confidence.”
- Well-rounded enrichment, not just childcare
Activities combine physical play, creativity, food education, and social opportunities. For instance, Somerset Youth Theatre let children aged 6–18 explore acting, dance, set design and animation boosting their creative skills, social confidence and well-being.
Why It Matters
School holidays can be a difficult time for many families especially those on lower incomes. Without access to structured activities or meals, children may face inactivity, social isolation, or nutritional gaps. HHH helps to:
- Ensure children stay active, healthy and engaged
- Support families under pressure
- Create inclusive opportunities
- Foster confidence, social skills and community connections
As one staff member said about an HHH holiday club: “It’s lovely to see how happy and proud children are with their achievements.”
Quotes & Testimonials
"I don't get to do that sort of thing usually as I don't have a Dad to take me! I have loved it!" - HHH Participant
"My daughter absolutely loved the rafting and I am so happy she had the opportunity to do this. My daughter is 12 years old now and was reluctant to try something new. I managed to persuade my daughter to give the ' Sense of Adventure ' course a go as the age range was 12 to 16. My daughter came out on a high on day one and said the caving was really good fun." - HHH Parent
"My son loves the In The Mix Project sessions, they are the only group in our area that provide day trips. It gives him an opportunity to go out with children his own age, that he wouldn't have without the group. My son is a young carer and these sessions provide him with the opportunity to forget the struggles of home life and focus on himself. He has made friends, thinks highly of all staff members and comes home smiling." - HHH Parent
"I loved picking the vegetables ready to make lunch." - HHH Participant
"I love coming to the cooking sessions. I cook more at home now after coming here many times." - HHH Participant
SASP will continue working with local partners, funders, and communities to expand access and support even more children across Somerset.
This funding has been made available by Somerset Council and is part of a Government programme which has provided healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children since 2018 and is now being expanded across the whole of England. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, now named the Happy Healthy Holidays Somerset Programme, is funded by the Department for Education. Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) is coordinating the programme and managing the grant making process.
Read our reports from previous years here: