Our Wear Here 4 programme in Sunderland is a city-wide programme packed with opportunities for children, young people and families to stay active, try new things, make friends and have fun throughout the school holidays. At the heart of the programme is our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) offer, providing hundreds of free, enriching activities alongside healthy, nutritious meals for eligible children and young people across Sunderland.
Summerfest 26 is new for this summer will bring even more exciting activities, events and experiences to communities across the city. Taking place every Wednesday throughout the school holidays, it offers families the chance to enjoy free fun, discover new opportunities and make lasting summer memories close to home.
Sunderland's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
Our HAF offer is a Department for Education funded programme delivered locally by Together for Children. It provides fun, enriching activities and tasty, nutritious meals during school holidays for children and young people across Sunderland.
Our Spring, Summer and Winter programmes give school-aged children the chance to enjoy a wide range of activities - from sports and dance to arts, crafts, outdoor fun and science. There are also sessions focused on cooking skills and nutrition, helping families make healthy choices at home. It's a great way for young people to socialise, learn new skills and stay active.
With more clubs and an ever-growing range of activities, there's something for everyone!
Who is HAF for?
Sessions are free for children and young people who:
Live in Sunderland
Children attending school from age 4 - 16 (children aged 4 need to be currently in reception)
Are eligible for means-tested free school meals during term time
Have a special educational need or disability (up to age 25)
2026 additional criteria (found on the booking system)
If you are a parent or carer in receipt of any of the benefits listed your child is likely to be eligible for free school meals. Find out more at Free School Meals - Together for Children.
Booking spaces
Our booking system makes it easier for families to secure places.
Free activities are available for children aged 4-16 (or up to 25 with SEND) who live in Sunderland and meet our eligibility criteria.
Each eligible child can book up to 4 sessions in Spring, 16 sessions in Summer and 4 sessions in Winter.
This year Together for Children is launching Summerfest 26 - a series of free community events taking place every Wednesday during the school holidays. Running from 12 noon to 4pm, the events will feature:
• Colour runs
• Live music
• Free food for children
• Family activities and entertainment
• Community stalls and information providers
Booking spaces
Summerfest 26 events will take place across Sunderland including Thorney Close, Mowbray Park, Houghton, Hylton Castle, Lambton Street and Washington. Families can View and book for Summerfest 26.
Contact
Together for Children works with Sunderland City Council and a range of local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, clubs, and local schools to deliver activities and food. Thousands of children, young people and families from across Sunderland got involved in our activities.
If you're a provider and interested in finding out more about the programme or want to get involved in the future, please contact [email protected].
