Make (Good) Trouble has carried out peer-led reviews of the Holiday, Activity and Food programme on behalf of East Sussex County Council, in East Sussex for two years, covering 2021 and 2022. The HAF programme offers free enrichment activities and nutritious meals to children on benefit-related free school meals, in school holidays. 

We visited 39 clubs and interviewed 211 young people, 30 parents, and 51 youth workers to provide a deeper understanding of the successes and future needs of those using and delivering the services. The conversations and observations reflect how young people are faring today, particularly after Covid and lockdowns.

“By speaking directly to the young people and their families, Make (Good) Trouble were able to capture the wide ranging positive impacts of the HAF programme. It was incredibly important to be able to capture what had worked well but also identify areas for improvement to inform planning for future delivery. The recommendations are shared with The Department for Education, helping to set the direction of HAF in 2022 and beyond.”
– Ben Baker, Holiday Activities and Food Programme, Project Manager, Equality and Participation Team, Children’s Services, East Sussex County Council

Peer-led interviews

Our young team conducted de-identified audio recorded interviews with participants, providers and parents. They are trained in clean questions, health and safety, mental health first aid and are DBS checked, and are actively involved in all aspects of the planning and research process. They worked with us to create a comfortable environment for interviews with young attendees, taking cues from the provider at each club. Some children were interviewed in groups if they preferred. The adolescent brain often creates a barrier of communication between children and adults, therefore our methodology allows young people to open up and be listened to by those near to their own age with unconditional positive regard. 

For each review, we chose to spend time at each club, building trust with young people there, and in some cases, joining in with activities.

Celebratory films

Alongside each review, we produced a celebratory film, demonstrating how important the programme is to vulnerable families, and for the wellbeing of young people in the county.

Find out more about the ESCC Holiday Activities and Food programme