Holidays Are Fun annual report 2025 to 2026

Teesside, located in the North East of England, is a vibrant region with a rich history and diverse landscape. Historically, it was renowned for its manufacturing industries, particularly steel production, which later expanded to include a thriving chemical sector that continues to play an important role in the local economy today. Alongside its industrial heritage, Teesside offers a wealth of natural beauty, from sweeping sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs to charming seaside towns along its coastline. Further inland, visitors and residents can enjoy rolling hills, open moorland, forests, and a revitalised riverside environment, creating a unique blend of industry, culture, and nature.

Within Teesside sits the Borough of Stockton‑on‑Tees. Originally a historic market town, Stockton‑on‑Tees has expanded significantly over time and now encompasses Billingham, Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Stockton, Thornaby, Yarm, and several surrounding rural villages.

The Borough has a population of approximately 196,000, made up of people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. There are approximately 31,800 children on roll in schools from reception to year 11. Of these, over 9,165 children (29%) are eligible for free school meals and are therefore entitled to access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Despite the region's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, many children in Stockton-on-Tees have never had the opportunity to experience the very attractions and environments that make the area unique. This is where the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has been invaluable for local families and for supporting children's development and wellbeing. Through HAF, children from some of the Borough's most disadvantaged communities have been able to access enriching, exciting, and often life-changing experiences that would otherwise be beyond their reach. For many families, the programme has provided first-time opportunities to visit the beach, museums, and cinemas, as well as participate in activities such as horse riding, helping to broaden horizons, build confidence, and create lasting memories.