Celebrating another successful delivery of its Essex ActivAte half term programme, supporting children, young people and families across Essex with free enriching activities and nutritious meals. Funded by Essex County Council, the half‑term clubs run during the smaller school breaks in February, May and October, providing 2–3 days of high‑quality support for those who need it most.
In 2025, Essex ActivAte delivered significant impact, with 15,050 attendees across all three half terms, and 13,728 funded spaces provided across the three holiday periods. These figures highlight the ongoing demand for accessible, high quality holiday provision for families under financial pressure.
Essex ActivAte clubs are delivered by a trusted network of local providers and run Monday to Friday (unless specified). They offer children an engaging mix of physical activity, enrichment sessions and fun food education. The programme prioritises children eligible for income‑related free school meals and those from low‑income working families, as well as young people who may be vulnerable to inactivity or social isolation without access to this vital support.
For many families, school holidays can be a challenging time. Essex ActivAte clubs give children a safe, welcoming environment to stay active, try new experiences, socialise and enjoy a nutritious meal, while also offering much needed respite for parents and carers. Clubs play a crucial role in supporting children’s physical and mental wellbeing, ensuring they have opportunities to move, learn and build confidence during school breaks.
Local providers and parents continue to emphasise just how essential this support is:
“Children feel accepted and welcomed in our non‑judgemental environment, and parents and carers really value having a couple of hours’ respite. Local SEND provision like this is vital for families and the wider community.” -Provider from Chelmsford
“Thank you so much for the free activities, my girls had an amazing time, you’ve literally saved me to be honest with you! Money can be really tight sometimes.” -Parent from Tendring
With many households experiencing increased cost‑of‑living pressures, free holiday programmes like Essex ActivAte are more important than ever. Not only do they relieve financial strain, but they also ensure that children across Essex have access to high‑quality, meaningful experiences that support both learning and wellbeing.
For more information about the programme and future club dates, visit the Essex ActivAte website.
