
Nearly 2,200 Children Participate in Leeds Healthy Holidays
October 9, 2025Summer programme offers activities and nutritious food for children
This summer, almost 2,200 children across Leeds took part in the Healthy Holidays programme, which provided a range of activities and meals during the school break. The initiative is delivered in partnership with Leeds City Council as part of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.
About the Healthy Holidays Programme
Healthy Holidays aims to support children from families who may face financial challenges during school holidays. The programme is designed to offer more than just food and entertainment; it includes at least one hour of physical activity daily alongside food and nutrition education. This approach helps families develop skills and confidence to prepare affordable, healthy meals at home.
Summer Activities and Locations
During the summer, 28 community organisations ran 34 holiday clubs across the city. Activities ranged from sports such as football, rugby, basketball, and tennis to creative and outdoor experiences including pond-building, den-making, clay sculpting, and a mini-Olympics.
Children also took part in trips to various locations, including:
- West Leeds Activity Centre
- Stockeld Park
- Lineham Farm
- Tropical World
- Temple Newsam
- Scarborough
Hands-on food activities were part of the programme, with children making fresh tomato sauce from locally grown ingredients, fruit ice lollies, and smoothies using a customised bike.
Complete Woman’s Contribution
One of the participating organisations, Complete Woman, worked with more than 100 children over the summer. Their programme combined trips with creative, educational, and wellbeing activities, encouraging learning through play and promoting healthy living. Sessions included exploring the health benefits of different fruits and vegetables.
Complete Woman highlighted the importance of the programme for both children and parents, noting its role in addressing needs related to healthy food, wellbeing, social connection, and easing financial pressures.
Support from Leeds Community Foundation
Health for All, another organisation involved, described working with Leeds Community Foundation as a positive experience. They praised the clear communication, ongoing support, and straightforward guidance, which helped them focus on delivering the Healthy Holidays programme.
Future Plans
Now in its eighth year, Healthy Holidays continues to meet the needs of families during times when budgets are stretched. Since its inception, more than £6.5 million has been invested to support children and families in Leeds.
The programme will run again over the Christmas holidays. Families interested in registering or booking activities can visit the Healthy Holidays website for updates.
Source: Leeds Community Foundation