The Thurrock Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has been recognised on the national stage, with local provider JTD Arts named Regional HAF Provider of the Year and Owen Jarvis, a young leader who attends Arts Outburst, receiving the National HAF Young Person of the Year Award, announced by Joe Wicks.
Delivered locally through Essex ActivAte and funded by the Department for Education and Thurrock Council, the programme provides free holiday activities, nutritious meals and enriching experiences for children and young people eligible for income-related free school meals.
Presented at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, JTD Arts was crowned Regional HAF Provider of the Year in recognition of its commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming opportunities for children and families across Thurrock.
Since joining the HAF programme in 2022, JTD Arts has built a strong reputation for its SEND-inclusive approach, ensuring children of all abilities can participate together and feel part of the same experience. Alongside a varied programme of physical activity, creative sessions and trips, JTD Arts provides ongoing support for families throughout the year, helping to reduce isolation and build stronger community connections. V
Victoria Jarmyn, Founder and Director of JTD Arts reflected:
“This award means so much more than recognition. It reflects the children, young people and families at the heart of our work and celebrates our team’s passion for creating inclusive opportunities where every child feels valued, supported and able to be the best they can be We’re incredibly proud that our commitment to inclusion, community and breaking down barriers has been recognised in this way.”
Thurrock also celebrated individual success as Owen Jarvis was named National HAF Young Person of the Year, with the award announced by fitness campaigner Joe Wicks via a special video message.
Over the past three years, Owen has grown from a quiet participant into a confident young leader and HAF ambassador. Through his involvement with ATF and Arts Outburst, he now volunteers at holiday sessions, supports younger children and promotes active, healthy lifestyles. His journey has even led to paid employment at his local tennis club.
His dedication and leadership make him a role model for other young people and a fantastic example of the lasting impact of the HAF programme.
Daryl Branch, Artistic Director & CEO at Arts Outburst told us:
“We’re incredibly proud of Owen and delighted to see him recognised as National HAF Young Person of the Year. Through our Young Leaders programme, we aim to give young people the confidence and opportunities to reach their potential, and Owen is a fantastic example of that. Seeing his achievements recognised nationally means so much. Congratulations, Owen!
Owen’s dad, Neil Jarvis also reflected:
“It was inspiring to hear the impact the programme is having across the country, and I’m incredibly proud of Owen for the hard work he’s put in. The opportunity has helped build his confidence and strengthened his ambitions for a future career in coaching.”
Owen also told us:
“I was proud to receive both the Regional and National Young Person of the Year awards at the HAF Awards 2026. The recognition reflects my dedication to supporting children and staff throughout the summer with Arts Outburst’s HAF programme in Thurrock. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained through the programme and would like to thank Arts Outburst and Active Essex for their support. Congratulations to all the other winners.”
These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work taking place across Thurrock through the Essex ActivAte programme, demonstrating how high-quality holiday provision can help children and young people stay active, build confidence, develop new skills and create brighter futures.
Cllr Milena Bingley, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children’s Services at Thurrock Council also reflected on the achievements:
“This is absolutely fantastic news and a source of immense pride for Thurrock. To have two regional winners at the National HAF Awards is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication and creativity that exists across our Holiday Activities and Food programme. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to JTD Arts for winning the HAF Provider Regional Award and to Owen from Arts Outburst for winning both the Regional Young Person Award and the National Young Person Award.
Owen’s achievement reflects not only his own commitment, enthusiasm and contribution to the HAF programme, but also the power of providing opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, skills and aspirations. He is a fantastic ambassador for Thurrock and should be incredibly proud of what he has accomplished.
On behalf of Thurrock Council, I want to congratulate everyone involved. This recognition is richly deserved and demonstrates the significant impact that our HAF programme continues to have.”
The awards recognise the exceptional contribution of providers, organisations and young people involved in the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme across the country.
For families across Thurrock, the success of JTD Arts and Owen reflects the wider impact of the Essex ActivAte programme, which continues to provide thousands of children and young people with access to free activities, healthy food, new experiences and opportunities to thrive during the school holidays.
Learn more about the Thurrock and Essex HAF programme here: https://www.activeessex.org/children-young-people/essex-activate/
