Eligible families encouraged to sign up for FUEL holiday camps

The council will deliver the Holiday Activity and Food programme, known locally as FUEL, during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays in 2023. The FUEL programme is funded by the Department of Education and will deliver FUEL camps in ten areas across the county with the greatest level of need.

At FUEL camps, children receive a nutritious lunch each day. They are given the opportunity to take part in a range of practical, physical and hands-on activities, including robotics workshops, circus skills, sporting sessions, Olympic kit, talent shows, and arts and crafts workshops.

Two FUEL Easter camps for young people with special educational needs and/or a disability are also taking place at Springfield Community Campus in Corsham and at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury, where individuals will be able to take part in a range of activities such as dance, new age kurling, cricket, boccia and nutritional workshops.

In addition to a nutritious meal, children can enjoy fun healthy eating and food workshops, which are delivered in partnership with Learn By Design, Occasional Kitchen and Purely Nutrition in Wiltshire.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “The FUEL programme supports the council’s key priorities of early intervention, improving social mobility, tackling inequalities, understanding communities and working together. The camps not only provide hot food, healthy eating advice and a range of activities but also supports the development of character and well-being of participants.

“I am delighted the FUEL programme is continuing in 2023 as it embodies the council’s support for our residents that are most in need, many of whom are experiencing pressure from the increasing cost of living.

“When I have visited FUEL camps it is always great to see the participants having fun, enjoying a tasty meal as well as making friends and being active.”

FUEL Easter camps will take place over four days, from Monday 3 April until Thursday 6 April 2023, between 10 am to 2 pm.

The ten camps will take place in Amesbury, Calne, Chippenham, Devizes, Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Marlborough and Westbury.

Applications for the Easter FUEL camps are now open and will close on 22 March 2023. Places are limited and only families with children eligible for benefit-related free school meals should apply.

Programme details and information on how to apply for a place will be promoted through all schools in Wiltshire and on FUEL programme - Wiltshire Council

For more information about the Holiday Activity and Food Programme in Wiltshire, families can email fuelprogramme@wiltshire.gov.uk