CV Life delivered an extensive Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme this Christmas school holiday, offering a wide range of activities across its leisure and cultural venues.
The programme, funded to support children and families, was designed to provide enriching experiences during the festive period.
The leisure side of the HAF programme was particularly busy, with activities tailored to include families and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Holiday camps at leisure venues such as Alan Higgs Centre (AHC), Xcel Leisure Centre, Moat House, AT7 Centre and The Wave proved popular, with attendance figures highlighting the programme’s popularity. Over multiple dates, participation included:
23rd December: AHC (33 children), AT7 (46), Xcel (40).
27th December: AHC (32 children), AT7 (35), Xcel (40).
2nd January: AHC (37 children), AT7 (36), Xcel (21), Moat House (29).
3rd January: AHC (33 children), AT7 (37), Xcel (28), Moat House (31).
Special SEND sessions included a swimming crash course at Xcel and AHC, supporting 5 and 3 children respectively, alongside a SEND-focused holiday camp at AT7 for 10 children. Additional “Building Water Confidence” sessions at Xcel and AHC benefited 15 and 22 children on 2nd January, and 18 and 16 children on 3rd January.
Events for families also proved popular:
AT7 Santa Event (23rd December): 179 families attended, enjoying inflatables and real reindeer.
Polar Express Film Night (27th December): 49 families gathered at AHC.
Family Festive Swim (2nd January): 37 families participated.
Wave Pool Sessions: Across four sessions on 2nd and 3rd January, nearly 750 families enjoyed the activities.
James-Dean Sawbridge, CV Life’s Community Project Manager, said: “This year’s HAF programme provided meaningful opportunities for children and families to stay active and connected during the Christmas break. The addition of SEND-specific activities ensures we’re reaching more members of the community and making our venues accessible to all.”
Meanwhile, on the culture side, CV Life’s venues also hosted a range of creative workshops and family-focused activities.
At Coventry Transport Museum, artist Martin Swan from CFON (This City is Full of Noises) led music-making workshops for teenagers, introducing them to electronic instruments and sound exploration. Meanwhile, at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, a Creative Open Studio invited young people aged 11-16 to experiment with different artistic styles under the guidance of the Learning and Engagement team.
Santa even made a special visit to Coventry Transport Museum, hosting 18 people on the Vintage Sleigh Ride. This included a hot Christmas dinner, access to Santa’s Workshop, and a family-inclusive experience exploring the museum. Visitors also participated in an author-led workshop by Coventry writer Aaron Ashmore.
Lisa Ford, CV Life’s Head of Learning and Engagement, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the HAF programme brings creative opportunities to young people. Whether it’s exploring music or art, these workshops provide a chance to develop skills and try new things in a supportive environment.”