Book Your Child's Free Place at HAF (Portsmouth & Southampton)
Last summer, 600+ children joined us for HAF cycling sessions across Portsmouth and Southampton. This year, we're going even bigger — 24 events across both cities, all summer long.
Even so, take-up of HAF places is often much lower than eligibility — only around 12% of eligible children actually use their place each holiday. That's a lot of children missing out on free activities, food, and — in our case — the chance to build real confidence on a bike. So before the summer kicks off, we wanted to break down exactly what HAF is, who it's for, what to do if your child doesn't tick the usual boxes, and where you can find us.
What is HAF?
HAF stands for Holiday Activities and Food. It's a free programme that runs during the school holidays.
Children get to take part in fun activities and get a healthy meal too — all for free.
It's for children aged 5 to 16 who get free school meals. In Portsmouth it's called HAF Fun Pompey. In Southampton it's run by Southampton City Council.
What if my child doesn't get free school meals?
Some free places are kept aside for children who don't usually qualify but still need extra support — for example, if money is tight at home, or a child needs some extra help.
If you think this might be your child, speak to your child's school. They can help you ask for a place.
How to apply
Portsmouth
If your child gets free school meals: Book online at eequ.org/haffunpompey. The system checks if your child is eligible when you sign up.
If your child doesn't get free school meals but you think they should have a place: Ask your child's school, or another professional you're in touch with (like a health visitor or social worker), to send a short form to haf@portsmouthcc.gov.uk on your behalf.
Southampton
If your child gets free school meals: Book online at southampton.gov.uk/haf. Summer bookings open on now — booking early is a good idea, as places fill up fast.
If your child doesn't get free school meals but you think they should have a place: Speak to your child's school, or email HAF@southampton.gov.uk and they'll talk you through what support is available.
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Come and brush up on your cycling skills with us
Whether your child is riding for the very first time or just wants to feel steadier on two wheels before September, we'll be running cycling sessions at HAF events across both cities all summer. Helmets and bikes can be provided where needed, subject to availability — just let the organiser know when you book.
A few venues and times are still being confirmed — we'll keep this list updated as the summer gets closer. Check your HAF booking platform (Eequ for Portsmouth, the Southampton HAF portal for Southampton) for exact booking links per venue.
If your child's eligible for HAF, or you think a referral might apply, don't let the summer slip by without booking a place. And if you spot us at one of our 24 events, come and say hello.
We deliver cycle training in Southampton, Portsmouth and surrounding areas in partnership with Bikeability, Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and Monty's Bike Hub. If you'd like to arrange 1:1 tuition outside of term time, we'd love to help with that too.
