Summer HAF B&D
This Summer
Free healthy activities and a hot lunch, every day, for children and young people in Barking & Dagenham.
Three activity zones, one brilliant day
Children rotate through all three zones every day, so there's something for everyone — active, creative and chilled. Small groups, friendly mentors, and a free hot lunch in the middle.
Sports & Active
Tournaments, team games and skills to get moving and have fun.
- Football
- Hockey
- Tag rugby
- Short tennis
- Penalty King
Creative & Enterprise
Make, design and create — from crafts to sustainable fashion.
- Arts & crafts
- Jewellery making
- Poster design
- Sustainable fashion
Media, Music & Chill
Record, edit, perform or unwind in the calmer creative space.
- Podcasting
- Film editing
- Karaoke & dance
- Gaming
- Board games
A healthy lunch
A free hot meal every day, plus snacks and water throughout — pork-free, with a vegetarian choice daily.
Wellbeing & life skills
Short daily sessions on teamwork, healthy choices, confidence and staying well.
Here's how a day runs
A proper hot meal, every single day
Lunch is part of every session — freshly prepared, balanced and inclusive. We run a rotating weekly menu so there's plenty of variety across the holidays.
Free places for eligible families
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education through Barking & Dagenham Council. Places at our Marks Gate sessions are free for eligible children and young people.
Please confirm exact age range and any paid-place options for your setting before publishing.
Open to local primary and secondary-aged children and young people.
These children qualify for a free place on the programme.
Check the council programme or get in touch — we're happy to help.
Four weeks of summer, Monday to Thursday
Each day runs 9:45am to 2:15pm at our indoor Marks Gate venue.
Booking is quick and easy
Visit lbbd.gov.uk/HAF
Choose Youth Unity — Marks Gate and pick your dates.
Complete the short booking form. That's it — see you this summer!