Winter HAF bookings open next week – don’t miss out!
We are thrilled to announce that bookings for our upcoming winter HAF activities will go live on 2 December at 12pm! Be ready to secure a spot for a variety of fun-filled, engaging activities.
How to book: To make a booking, simply visit the HAF activity website Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) | Gloucestershire County Council starting at 12pm on 2 December.
Patience is appreciated: As demand may be high, we kindly ask for your patience during this time. The HAF team is working hard to ensure the booking process runs smoothly, and we appreciate your understanding if there are any delays.
Need help?: If you have any questions or require assistance, our inbox and phoneline are available to support you. You can reach us at:
Email: HAFParentEnquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Phone: 01452 427960 (9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday)
Make sure to mark your calendars and get ready to book!
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Important update: HAF Community Connectors details for Stroud and Forest of Dean
We wanted to let you know that the HAF Community Connectors details have been updated for both Stroud and the Forest of Dean. There are new providers in these areas.
As a reminder the HAF Community Connectors are there to help you to attend HAF activities and overcome any barriers you may face when organising your HAF experience.
If you're in Stroud or Forest of Dean, here are the updated contacts for your convenience:
Stroud Community Connector
Bloodhound Education
Email: accounts@bloodhoundeducation.com
Forest of Dean Community Connector:
The Venture Community Hub
Email: Gloshafconnector@gmail.com
For families in other districts, all the information is available on the HAF website here About Community Connectors | Gloucestershire County Council
Please reach out to your local community connector should you require any support. They are ready to help!
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The impact of HAF: confidence, friendships, and new skills
Taking part in Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) continues to make a positive difference for children, offering not just fun activities but also a chance to grow personally and socially. “My child was nervous about joining groups, but now they look forward to every activity," one parent shared, noting that HAF gave their child "loads of confidence."
Many children have also enjoyed reconnecting with friends from previous HAF sessions. "She loved seeing friends from other schools, and her confidence has grown—she’s even become a role model for others!"
HAF also helps children explore new interests. One parent shared, "He's developed interests in things he might not have had a chance to try, he's developed a sense of responsibility & it allowed him to be really active, which he needs because he has ADHD".
Overall, HAF not only supports children’s development but also brings families closer. As one parent put it, "It’s brought us closer as a family, and I see my child feeling accepted and like they belong."
Please remember we always love to hear your feedback, feel free to share your experiences with us at HAFParentEnquiries@gloucestershire.gov.uk
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Some more fun FREE things to do in Gloucestershire this winter
The holidays are the perfect time to come together with family and friends. Here's a roundup of some fun and festive ideas to enjoy near you
Stroud
- Event: Stroud Goodwill 2024
- When: Saturday 7 December
- Time: 10am to 5pm
- What to expect: Daytime festive fun and markets across the town. Awe at the talents of local makers in the Cornhill and Shambles Markets. There will be attractions on King Street and on the Sub Rooms forecourt too.
- For More Details: Stroud Goodwill Saturday 2024 - Business and Tourism Event By InStroud
Tewkesbury
- Event: Carols at Tewkesbury Abbey
- When: Sunday 22 December
- Time: 6pm
- What to expect: One of the highlights of the festive season in Tewkesbury, the 800-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey comes alive with music throughout December with the 9 Lessons and Christmas carol service.
- For More Details: What's On - Tewkesbury Abbey
Cotswolds
- Event: Bibury Duck Race 2024
- When: Thursday 26 December 2024
- Time: Race starts at 11am
- What to expect: Every year on Boxing Day, the picturesque Cotswold village of Bibury is transformed by hordes of yellow ducks floating down the River Coln for two exciting races. 3,000 rubber ducks are released into the river.
- For More Details: Bibury Duck Race 2024: A Quirky Cotswold Tradition - CotswoldXL Magazine
Forest of Dean
- Event: Winter Walk in the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
- When: Any day in December (Closed on Christmas Day)
- Time: 8am to dusk
- What to expect: The trail offers over four miles of sculptures in the heart of England’s ancient woodland. On the trail, encounter iconic highlights, including works by a variety of artists. The Forest of Dean is not a gallery, and although there are footpaths and signposts, you will not find labels and information about the artworks. Instead, you are encouraged to investigate the sculptures in your own way.
- For More Details: Home - The Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trust
Gloucester
- Event: Gloucester Cathedral decorated for Christmas
- When: 6 December 2024 to 5 January 2025
- Time: Monday–Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday, 12 noon–2.30pm and 4pm-5pm
- What to expect: Gloucester Cathedral will be beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas. Majestic trees will stand tall in the Nave and Quire, with the Cloisters looking wonderfully festive. You may even discover a few hidden delights along the way and see where they filmed Hogwarts in Harry Potter too.
- For More Details: Cathedral decorated for Christmas | Gloucester Cathedral
Cheltenham
- Event: Christmas Elf Trail
- When: Any day to 5 January 2025
- Time: Usual Shopping hours
- What to expect: Download or pick up a Christmas Elf Trail map from The Children’s Department of John Lewis, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum, Tivoli Cinema or participating stores. Follow the trail to find the 12 elves hidden around town, write down the letter written on each elf’s sign and then unscramble all the letters to spell out a festive word.
- For More Details: Cheltenham BID Christmas Elf Trail - Cheltenham BID
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