No summer holiday voucher scheme this year

Message from Telford and Wrekin Council:

Earlier this year, significant changes were made to the financial assistance available to residents through the Government funded Household Support Fund (HSF). The HSF ended in March 2026, bringing to an end some support that many local families had previously received.

As a result, the supermarket vouchers previously provided to eligible families during school holidays ended after Easter 2026 holidays. Direct voucher support that had previously been available to care leavers for school holiday periods has also ceased, meaning there will be no summer holiday voucher scheme this year for children, families or care leavers through the former HSF programme.

Alternative Support Available This Summer

While the HSF has ended, there are still a number of services and programmes available to support children, young people and families throughout the summer holidays.

Happy Healthy Active Holidays (HHAH)

Additional funding has been secured to expand the Happy Healthy Active Holidays (HHAH) programme, enabling more children to access a wider range of activities during the school holidays.

HHAH provides free holiday clubs during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holiday periods. Funded places are available for children and young people from Reception through to Year 11 who receive benefit-related free school meals.

The programme offers a variety of engaging activities, including:

• Sports and physical activities

• Cooking sessions

• Dance and music

• Arts and crafts

• Nutritious meals each day

Eligible families can register online and book activities taking place across the borough throughout the summer.

Find out more: Happy Healthy Active Holidays

Telford Urban Games

Telford Urban Games is a completely free summer activities programme run by Telford & Wrekin Council for young people aged 8–16.

No booking is required – children and young people can simply turn up and take part.

Sessions take place in parks and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) across the borough and are led by qualified coaches from organisations including AFC Telford United, Shropshire Cricket and Telford Bike Hub.

Activities include:

• BMX and cycling
• Football
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Netball
• Tennis
• Nature and outdoor adventure activities

Find out more: Telford & Wrekin Council | Urban games

New Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Council has introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to help residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of an unexpected financial shock.

The fund is designed to support people facing situations such as:

• An urgent need to move home
• A sudden loss of income
• An unexpected emergency bill
• Other unforeseen financial crises

Find out more: www.telford.gov.uk/CRF

Further Financial Advice and Support

Residents can also access a range of financial advice and support services online:

• Working‑age residents: www.telford.gov.uk/financialadvice

• Pensioners: www.telford.gov.uk/pensioners

• Cost of Living hub: www.telford.gov.uk/costofliving