Help for families to have fun in Hertfordshire

Councillor Fiona Thomson, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We want all children in Hertfordshire to thrive in their local communities. But we know that financial challenges can sometimes be a barrier for families accessing the range of fun activities available across the county.

“By launching the Herts Card and working in partnership with local providers and businesses, we’re giving families more opportunities to make the most of entertainment on offer in Hertfordshire and access holiday camps that will help children and young people meet new friends and learn new skills.”

The Herts Card

The Herts Card is designed to give discounts to children and young people, for lots of activities and days out that they might not be able to access otherwise. Local wildlife parks, football clubs and holiday activity camps are already part of the scheme, offering discounts to Hertfordshire’s families who might benefit from additional support.

The idea for the card builds on the success of the HAND card, which was used by young people and families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to gain exclusive access and discount prices to events and activities in Hertfordshire.

Now families who are eligible for free school meals can also take advantage of pre-negotiated discounts with local businesses and activity providers. Families of children and young people with SEND who have an existing HAND card can download the new version of the Herts Card and continue to enjoy all of the discounts they previously accessed, and more.

It's easy for eligible families to get their new Herts Card; those already in receipt of free school meals will be contacted by the council with a link to sign up to the card. Anyone newly signing up for free school meals will also be sent a link to get their card.

The council has made it easy for local businesses and organisations to register their discounts and help make sure children do not miss out due to financial stress. Local businesses can email: hertscard@hertfordshire.gov.uk and include details of what they’re able to offer.

HAPpy camps

HAPpy activity camps are returning this Easter, providing eligible children and young people with the chance to meet friends, learn new skills and enjoy nutritious food during the Easter break.

The HAPpy programme is funded by Hertfordshire County Council and the Department of Education (DfE) via the government’s Holiday Activity and Food programme and coordinated by Herts Sport and Activity Partnership and the Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

Children and young people who are in school years Reception to Year 11, who attend a Hertfordshire school and are in receipt of benefits related free school meals can attend the HAPpy Easter camps. Eligible families should already have been given their booking code from their school. Parents/carers who have not received the code should contact their school office.

Every camp is inclusive and able to meet the needs of most children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), provided the right information is supplied with their booking. There are also SEND-specific camps which are better for children with higher support needs.

Bookings open at 12pm on Thursday 13 March.  For further details of the programme, the camps available and to book places visit: HAPpy Activity Camps

Families eligible for free school meals will also be given supermarket vouchers for during the Easter holiday by their school.