Thousands of Coventry youngsters enjoyed an action-packed, educational and adventurous summer holiday thanks to CV Life’s HAF (Holiday, Activity and Food) programme.
Children across the city attended sessions at leisure venues Xcel, The Wave, Centre AT7, Alan Higgs Centre and Moat House, as well as culture venues Coventry Transport Museum (CTM), Herbert Art Gallery and, for the first time, the Lunt Roman Fort.
This initiative aims to provide essential support and entertainment for children across the city during the holiday period and has proven a lifeline for Coventry families.
Funded by Coventry City Council, the HAF programme offers a wide range of holiday activities and a hot meal for children who qualify for free school meals. For many parents, holidays can be a difficult time, balancing the need to keep their children entertained while managing the additional costs of feeding them, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis.
This summer, CTM, the Herbert and the Lunt Fort engaged 227 children in 23 unique events across its three museums this summer, offering a range of creative and educational opportunities. Many children returned weekly to build their skills in art and STEM subjects.
The Herbert provided older children (aged 11-16) with Art Masterclasses led by local artists, where participants explored themes from the Joy exhibition. Meanwhile, CTM hosted STEM-focused days, led by industry professionals and the Learning and Engagement team, to help children connect with science, technology, engineering, and maths in everyday life.
In addition to programmes for older children, the museums hosted two events specifically for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This inclusive approach allowed children with various needs, including those with total sight loss, to experience the collections in accessible ways.
For the first time, the Lunt Roman Fort was also part of the HAF program, with 15 children taking part in family battle drills, armour talks, and Roman ball games, encouraging physical activity while learning about local history.
Lisa Ford, Head of Learning and Engagement, highlighted the program’s success: “The HAF programme has grown significantly and helped us build strong relationships with families who had not previously engaged with our museums. We’ve connected with a more diverse group of young people, who have expressed a desire for more creative experiences. Moving forward, we aim to provide even more inclusive opportunities that nurture their curiosity and imagination.”
Meanwhile, CV Life’s Leisure venues have offered youngsters a vibrant and adventurous summer, offering a wide range of daily activities, including sports, performing arts, crafts, swimming, and day trips. These activities were part of both HAF and paid clubs designed to support working parents.
On average, 400 children participated in activities each day, keeping them active, engaged, and entertained throughout the summer. The diverse range of programs catered to different interests, ensuring that children had opportunities to explore new hobbies, stay physically active, and develop their creative talents.
Wendy Jackson, Head of Community Development at CV Life, said: “It was an amazing summer, with hundreds of children taking part in activities every day. From sports and swimming to crafts and performing arts, we were thrilled to see so many young people active and enjoying themselves. The feedback has been fantastic, and we’re looking forward to continuing to support our community with more engaging opportunities.”
The HAF program, combined with clubs for working parents, ensured that all children had access to enriching experiences, whether through free holiday programming or additional paid options. This summer’s success highlights CV Life’s commitment to providing valuable and inclusive leisure opportunities for families across Coventry.
But it also allows CV Life to expand its reach, engaging children from diverse backgrounds and providing valuable creative and educational experiences in Coventry.