FUEL Programme Celebrates Summer Success and Extended Funding

More than 1,700 young people took part in Wiltshire Council’s Holiday Activity and Food programme over the summer holidays, enjoying a range of activities and nutritious meals.

The programme, branded FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy, Laughter) in Wiltshire, has been funded by the Department for Education (DfE) since 2021.

It provides children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals with free access to activities, food and nutritional education during school holidays. Since the programme began in Wiltshire, more than 100,000 activity places and nutritious meals have been provided.

The DfE has recently confirmed that funding for the Holiday Activity and Food programme will be extended for a further three years up to March 2029 as part of the government’s Best Start in Life mission.

For each FUEL camp, the council has partnered with a range of activity partners, schools and community groups and provided the opportunity for participants to experience a range of activities, including sports, animal care, arts, photography and outdoor pursuits.

Participants also received a nutritious lunch and participated in fun cooking workshops with a focus on healthy eating.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “It’s been fantastic to have so many children taking part in our FUEL programme over the summer holidays. The energy, joy, and engagement across our sites has been a real testament to the value of this initiative, not just in providing fun and enriching activities but in offering vital support to families who need it most.

“Often, children from low-income families can miss out on out-of-school activities, leading to reduced physical activity and social isolation during the holidays. That’s why programmes like FUEL are so important, and why we’re so thrilled that the Department for Education has extended funding for the programme for a further three years. This means we can continue building on the success of this summer and ensure even more children and young people benefit from safe, supportive, and enjoyable holiday experiences.”

Families have also been sharing their feedback, with one commenting: “We are truly grateful to the FUEL Programme. For our family, it is not just an activity scheme it is a blessing that has made life so much easier and happier for our children.”

Another said: “The programme is brilliant and incredibly beneficial for my child. It gives structure, routine and an outlet for activity during school holidays.”

Children and young people who were part of the FUEL programme, as well as children in secondary school who are eligible for benefit-related free school meals, were also invited to take part in a free summer swimming pilot.

Eligible children were offered 10 free sessions at Wiltshire Council-run leisure centres during the summer holiday period. In total, 711 children signed up for the scheme. The pilot scheme will now be reviewed in conjunction with Public Health outcomes..

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said, “We were delighted to be able to offer the free swimming initiative this Summer in addition to our FUEL programme. It’s been great to see so many young people take up the offer and staying active during the holidays.”

For further information about the Holiday Activity and Food Programme in Wiltshire, visit FUEL programme - Wiltshire Council