The national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme secured the top spot at the Mott MacDonald Social Outcomes Awards for Europe and North America. It also secured second in the global awards.
A video demonstrating the impact of ‘Essex ActivAte’ was submitted alongside the award entry.
Active Essex, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have delivered the HAF programme for the past three years.
Children and young people can attend a range of free fun activities during the school holidays. They also receive nutritious meals each day.
Last year, Essex ActivAte engaged 30,000 young people and funded 218,000 nutritious meals at over 380 clubs, alongside more than 100 organisations.
The Essex ActivAte programme is making a difference across Essex and Thurrock with 92% of parents and carers reporting a positive impact on their child’s physical and mental wellbeing. 88% of parents have also felt a noticeable improvement in their own mental wellbeing.
Before the launch of Essex ActivAte clubs, 82% of young people in Essex weren’t getting their daily recommended exercise during the holidays.
Bookings for Essex ActivAte holiday activities throughout summer 2022 are now open.
Watch this video to find out more about how Essex ActivAte is helping to support families in Essex: