With the cost of living increasing quicker than we can keep up with and the summer holidays well underway here is a list of free and affordable events for the children over the break.

From free family cookery workshops, football clubs and summer song writing bootcamps there really is something for everybody – including children with special educational needs (SEN).

Many activities are part of the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme where children eligible for benefit-related school meals can access fun activities and free meals over the holidays – this year the pass codes are also being offered to refuge children, including Ukrainian guests, and the children of Host families.

August 5 - If you and your family are wanting to get hands on in the kitchen then the Friendly Food Club are offering free family cookery workshops in Sturminster Newton, with the session culminating in a hot and tasty lunch for everyone. This one is just for families with a HAF passcode. SEN and wheelchair friendly. For more information and to book contact booking.friendlyfoodclub@gmail.com.

August 8 – A family art and activity session for 4 – 16-year-olds in Weymouth, which include eco arts and crafts, bouncy castle and more. Free for those with a HAF passcode and £5 for others. A free hot lunch is also on offer for those with a HAF passcode. They can also offer quieter creative space for families that need it. Contact C Mason on 07423555318 or cloverhouseworks@gmail.com.

August 15 – Fun football games and coaching in Weymouth for 6–12-year-olds. Free with a HAF passcode and £5 otherwise. SEN and wheelchair friendly. For more details and to book reach C Mason on 07423555318 or cloverhouseworks@gmail.com.

August 16-19 – A four-day School of Rock workshop that ends with a band performance is taking place in Sturminster Newton. Suitable for kids aged 8-12, it runs across four sessions which is free for those with a HAF passcode and £30 for others. Suitable for SEN children. For further details contact 01305 225770 or dorsetmusicservice@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Across multiple dates and venues – Free swimming for children at Everyone Active Blandford Leisure Centre (01258 455566) and Everyone Active Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre (01305 774373) between July 25 and September 2. These are in conjunction with the HAF programme.

Shaftesbury Lido are offering free swims to all children under 16 between July 25 and September 4 – including weekends, evenings and bank holidays. Advanced booking is essential as the pool can get busy on warm and sunny days. You can book via www.bookwhen.com/shaftesburylido