Free activities for children at local leisure centre over festive season

Free activities are on offer this festive season for children and young people eligible for free school meals in Stratford-on-Avon District.

As part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Stratford Leisure Centre and The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester - which are managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council - will host free activities, all accompanied by free lunches.

Activities set to boost children's health and wellbeing levels over the winter holidays include Ninja Tag Active at Stratford Leisure Centre and junior gym sessions at The Greig Leisure Centre - both of which are designed to appeal to different age groups and interests.

Ninja Tag Active is an interactive indoor obstacle course that tests strategy, speed, agility and bravery, all while promoting fun, fitness and competition. Meanwhile, the junior gym sessions will help promote social, mental and physical activity for younger members.

Every session will include a free nutritious and balanced lunchtime meal.

Richard Bell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "Being part of the national HAF programme is so important to us because it offers children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to stay active in fun ways at a time of year when families might be feeling the pinch.

"We're welcoming children across Stratford-on-Avon District to our leisure centres for some brilliant activity sessions where they can make new friends and keep moving. The run up to Christmas is a season where physical activity levels are likely to dip with cold weather and darker evenings, so we encourage families to come along and join us."

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio said: "We're delighted to support the Holiday Activities and Food programme again this festive season. These free sessions not only help children stay active and healthy during the winter break but also ensure that families who need extra support can access nutritious meals. It's a great way to bring our community together and give young people opportunities to have fun, learn new skills and boost their wellbeing."

Ninja Tag Active sessions at Stratford Leisure Centre and junior gym sessions at The Greig Leisure Centre run from 20-23 December.

To register for Ninja Tag Active, families need to email Stratfordinfo@everyoneactive.com.
To register for activities at The Greig Leisure Centre, email Greiginfo@everyoneactive.com

School children from Reception to Year 11 in receipt of benefits related free school meals are eligible for HAF sessions.