Designed By Young People
For Young People
The digital tool for engaging teenagers in holiday activities
The HAF Plus app was developed out of a collaboration between Northumbria University, Gateshead Council and Nebula Labs.
It has been co-created with young people so it’s an app that they want, like and will use.
It has proved effective in engaging teenagers with the HAF Plus Programme.
HAF Plus is a Holiday Activities and Food Programme specifically developed for 13 to 16 years olds. Northumbria University developed HAF Plus after their researchers found teenagers weren’t engaging with the original HAF Programme.
Co-design was key and young people were involved in developing the programme, and also identified the need for an app. Commissioned by Gateshead Council who were piloting HAF Plus, a group of young people worked with software house Nebula Labs to develop their very own HAF Plus app. The app was launched alongside the summer holiday programme and proved effective to engage with and encourage young people to take part in activities.
“Most people have phones and it’s easier than signing up on bits of paper, and it makes it easier to cancel if you need to… you’ve always got your phone on you so it’s convenient.”
– Jay, 15
“It gives you the chance to do stuff and try stuff you never really would have.”
– Anya, 14
“We worked hard to provide a comprehensive offer this summer, and the app really was pivotal – developed with the young people to be something they would use, and like using – and it’s proven to be successful in helping us engage young people with the programme.”
– Gwen Young, HAF Programme Support Officer, Gateshead Council
“Great to see an app being used as an effective HAF Plus booking system for organisations and the young people themselves. The power of putting youth voice into co-designed action.”
– Professor Greta Defeyter, Director of the Healthy Living Lab, Northumbria University
“This is a great example of using Tech for Good and co-creation in a really exciting project involving young people in developing something that is just for them.”
– Nebula Labs CEO Dylan McKee
