JIGSAW Thornbury runs over 20 fun and inclusive holiday activities every year. Last summer, 132 of our members benefitted from joining in with activities taking place at JIGSAW and with our trusted providers. Access to these activities is vital for the families we support, as alternative options are not always inclusive for them. Our holiday activities provide a safe and understanding environment where families can connect, fit in, and thrive. It is for this reason that we are always grateful for funding that enables us to run these activities.
This summer, JIGSAW Thornbury has been fortunate enough to secure some HAF funding, from South Gloucestershire Council. This funding will help us provide enriching experiences as well as being part of South Gloucestershire Council’s offering for a holistic and inclusive HAF programme for those who need it most.
What is HAF?
HAF, which stands for Holiday Activity and Food Programme Funding, is a government run scheme providing free nutritious meals, enriching activities and safe environments for eligible children throughout the school holidays. There are lots of fun activities on offer from providers all over the county.
How can I apply for a HAF funded space?
HAF eligibility is determined by your local authority. You can apply for HAF places by applying through the Eequ website – Eequ Booking System. There are a variety of HAF events running throughout the year and once your child is registered, you can reserve spaces on any of the events.
Which HAF activities are being run by JIGSAW?
JIGSAW will be running 4 separate HAF events during the summer, which all of our members are able to apply for a space on.
The activities are:
- Play in the Bay at The Wave on 5th August – for young people ages 14-25
(HAF funded spaces 14 -18 only)
- Woodland Cooking on the Fire on 14th August – for young people ages 8-25
(HAF funded spaces 8 -18 only)
- Play in the Bay at The Wave on 17th August – for young people ages 0-25
(HAF funded spaces 9 -18 only)
- Cooking at Turnberries on 21st August – for young people ages 14-25
(HAF funded spaces 14 -18 only)
How do I book a HAF ticket?
Firstly, you need to be registered with Eequ, using the link above. We recommend you register with Eequ ahead of tickets for the 4 events opening on Wednesday 3rd June at 12pm in our Summer Holiday Events Update.
The 4 JIGSAW activities will be offered with limited HAF funded tickets, alongside a paid option. Each event on JIGSAW CharitySuite will contain a link to follow, for those wishing to book HAF tickets. Paid tickets are available for our members book through the usual JIGSAW CharitySuite booking system and do not require registration with Eequ.
Please note, all HAF funded spaces will need to be confirmed and expressing your interest does not guarantee a space.
What can I expect from attending a HAF funded activity?
The HAF funded events will run just like any other JIGSAW Thornbury holiday activity. You will be sent visual information ahead of attending, be supported to join in by our friendly team, and encouraged to have fun in your own way. As with all our activities, children under the age of 14 will remain the responsibility of their parent or carer throughout the event, with those aged 14-25 having the option to be left.
Each activity will run for 4 hours; however most are planned so that you can stay for a shorter time if this suits your family better. Please read the details on each event for more information. Every event will include a nutritious meal, sometimes with your help to prepare it.
JIGSAW have already been part of delivering one HAF funded activity over the 2026 Easter holidays. This was an exciting 2 night residential at Kilve Court in Somerset with SSE Outdoors for some of our youth volunteers alongside Krunch South West and FACE. One parent carer commented afterwards “He really benefitted from being away from home and having to be independent.”