Rise in demand for holiday activities programme

More than 1,300 children have attended the programme this year in Slough

There has been an increase in demand for Slough's holiday activities and food (HAF) programme, according the borough council.

The government-funded initiative provides free holiday clubs to children who are eligible for free school meals, with 1,315 taking part this summer.

Slough has the highest number of low-income families in Berkshire, containing 7,756 children under 16, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Council HAF coordinator Shakir Hussain said the programme was an "essential part" of tackling deprivation in the town.

Mr Hussain said he had seen the social impact on the children in the HAF programme

There has been an expansion of the programme in Slough, with a more than 19% increase in attendance compared to summer last year.

Mr Hussain said he received free school meals as a child and that experience was one reason he had wanted to coordinate the programme.

"This programme is great for helping families and children from a lower economic background," he said.

The HAF programme in Slough offers participants 16 days, which include four hours of activities and a meal.

Mr Hussain added that it has also benefitted parents who need a respite during the summer holidays.

Seventeen-year-old programme volunteer Mohammed was once a HAF child himself

Seventeen-year-old programme volunteer Mohammed was once a HAF child himself and said he had seen how much it helped the children.

He said "When I was in their position, I would enjoy it so I would want to give back and [get them to] enjoy it the same as I did, I want to make sure they have an even better experience."

Bria said she had been making lots of friends through the HAF programme

Deliah, 6, who has been enjoying the HAF programme throughout the summer, said: "They are fun, and it includes everybody."

Summer, who is 10 years old, said she had made new friends when joining the programme.

Without it she would be "bored on her phone", she said, adding that the activities "take my brain off things".

Eight-year-old Bria added: "I have been making lots of new friends it's been amazing to see them."