A Winter activity programme has been voted a success by Coventry children and young people who have been taking part in some exciting activities and sessions across the city.
Delivered through the city’s HAF (Holiday Activities & Food) Winter programme, city councillors and senior managers saw first-hand the excellent sessions being delivered by two programme partners at Pet Xi-Techtronic and CV Life.
At Pet Xi-Techtronic, young people were taking part in computer coding sessions led by the expert team there, providing an opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a business-setting environment, whilst more interactive and fun-filled children sessions where team games and fun-filled activity was more the theme!
The visit also took in the Xcel Centre in Canley, where local children had been spending an enjoyable day in the centre’s swimming pool, alongside taking part watching Christmas-themed films and playing party games.
Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said:
“It’s always inspiring and valuable to visit some of the programmes being delivered through the city’s HAF programme. I met many talented, creative and inspiring young people across both visits and it’s plain to see the huge difference it makes to their confidence, life skills whilst developing new friendships.
“The great thing about these programmes is the sheer variety and scope of opportunities they provide our city’s children and young people, from simply enjoying a fun time together to opening their eyes to new opportunities and experiences as they develop their lives. I really enjoyed visiting both Coventry venues who are playing a big part in supporting young people’s lives in the city.”
The current Winter HAF programme continues across the city, with sessions taking place up to early January, offering a range of programmes and activities aimed at engaging and developing young people’s skills, confidence and bringing people together.
Sukriti Sen, Director of Children's and Education Services, said:
“Taking the opportunity to visit sessions such as these is great as it provides a first-hand experience of the importance of delivering opportunities for our children and young people to learn, grow and enjoy different experiences together.
“The HAF programme enables the Council to work with a wide range of partners to offer children and young people a variety of opportunities and, as I saw myself on the visits, provide real tangible benefits, be it through creativity, exploring new ideas or just enjoying time together.”
For more information about the current HAF programme, eligibility, how to apply and future programmes in 2026, please visit coventry.gov.uk/haf