ACTIVITY HUNGER CRISIS LEAVES MILLIONS OF CHILDREN MISSING OUT 

With school summer holiday under way, new research shows that more than 40% of parents agree that both holiday hunger (42%) and activity hunger (44%) are major challenges during school breaks. 

The research also highlights how almost half of UK children missed out on paid play activities over May half term (2025), with parents warning of an escalating ‘activity hunger’ crisis impacting on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.   Evidence suggests that parents are finding it difficult to access the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, with a staggering 56% of parents believing the Government must do more to make school holiday activities affordable and accessible for all families.  

Leading grant-maker, John Lyon’s Charity is concerned that too many children from low-income families are missing out on enriching experiences during the school holidays due to financial constraints, and warns that lack of access to both food and stimulating activities risks isolating children harming both their physical and mental wellbeing.   

John Lyon’s Charity identified this growing need ten years ago, and in response, created the School Holiday Activity Fund (SHAF). Since its launch in 2015, the Charity has awarded more than 1,000 SHAF grants at a cost of over £4 million to hundreds of grassroots organisations across North and West London.  Grants have been used to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during the school holidays – providing a lifeline for children and parents alike. 

Anna Hoddinott, Grants Director at John Lyon’s Charity, said: “We have found that, tragically, 3 in 10 parents often feel they must choose between providing food or activities for their children, due to financial pressures.  Providing food for your children has to take priority but they also need play, social interaction, and new experiences. We created SHAF to bridge that gap and give every child, regardless of their background, a chance to enjoy their holidays.” 

To mark ten years of SHAF and to celebrate National Play Day (6 August), John Lyon’s Charity is giving over 500 children and young people from underserved communities a rare and unforgettable day out at London Zoo. 

For many of these children, it will be their first visit to the zoo. The day, themed as ‘SHAFari’, will include face painting, party entertainers, a special activity pack, and a visit from the Charity’s friendly mascot, John the Lyon. It is designed to provide children not just with fun, but with memories and experiences they would not otherwise have access to. 

Alex, a 14 year old regular of the Pirate Castle, a SHAF-funded organisation based in Camden, said: “From the minute I stepped through The Pirate Castle’s doors for my first Holiday Scheme over six years ago, I felt an immediate sense of warmth and welcoming. Since then, I have learnt loads of new skills, developed many valuable friendships and had so much fun out on the water – as well as training to become a Paddle UK instructor. JLC’s SHAF funding has allowed me to grow not only in paddle sports but also as a person. Thanks to the amazing work they do, places like The Pirate Castle are able to keep running engaging, fun and affordable sessions and provide opportunities for all young people during the school holidays.” 

Children’s Commissioner – Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Childhood is precious and fleeting, so I want every child to have the opportunity to play and have fun. Alongside a safe home and a great education, these are fundamental experiences for every child growing up. With rising costs, too many parents are forced to choose between these things for their families, but no child should miss out on the chance to explore the world around them, meet new people or take up activities. Children from low-income families have spoken to me about the sense of shame that comes from feeling like you’re missing out – that’s why I’m so pleased to be part of this fantastic event at London Zoo celebrating 10 years of creating opportunities for children to just be children.” 

As families continue to struggle under rising costs, John Lyon’s Charity is calling on the Government to close this gap, ensuring no child is needlessly confined within four walls during the holidays. 

*The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 2001 Nat Rep Respondents (including 1,223 who are parents). The data was collected between 06.06.2025 – 09.06.2025. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Opinion Matters is also a member of the British Polling Council.