FUEL programme back to provide festive fun and support

Monday, 20 November 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council’s Holiday Activity and Food programme, FUEL, is back for the Christmas holidays following a summer of success which saw activities delivered across the county.

Wiltshire Council's Holiday Activity and Food programme, FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy and Laughter), is funded by the Department for Education and provides eligible children with free access to activity, food and nutritional education during school holidays.

Following a challenging summer, which saw its main provider cease trading, Wiltshire Council worked with a range of organisations to ensure families didn’t miss out.

More than 1,300 young people took part in sessions, and nearly 10,000 nutritious meals were provided.

Many of the same organisations will again support the council to provide activities for the FUEL programme during the Christmas school holiday.

The council will be working with:

PH Sports Dayla Equine Assisted Learning and Monksley Ltd Elevation X Ltd UK S Futures Revolution Performing Arts Ltd The Pound Arts Trust Ltd Seeds4Success Magna Learning Partnership Sam Ivin Photography West Wilts Gymnastics and Fitness Next Thing Education Ltd Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team

In addition to the above activities, the council will once again offer provision specifically for individuals with SEND. These activities will take place in Corsham and Salisbury.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for some families so we’re pleased once again that our FUEL programme can provide the children with lots of fun things to do and hopefully ease a little pressure for the grown-ups in the process.

“Many of the organisations that supported us in the summer are back and we’re pleased to be working alongside them once again following such a successful programme.”

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure, and Public Health said: “FUEL continues to provide children with opportunities to have the best start in life, and to see the programme continue to thrive is not only pleasing but really important.

“We hope that those eligible can take advantage of the programme and that it helps as many families as possible at a particularly busy time of the year.”

For more information about the programme and how to request a place, people should visit https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/FUEL-programme.

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.