Summer support with school clubs, meals and uniforms | Tenant news

While the summer holiday period offers the freedom for children to hang out with friends, it can also mean financial strain for families as the costs of childcare, meals, and back to school items mount up.

Fortunately, there are a number of resources and support options available to help families make the most of the summer months.

Clubs and activities

Local councils and community organisations run a variety of school holiday clubs for children of all ages. These often include sports sessions, arts and crafts, outdoor play and day trips, which are free or at a reduced cost for families on certain benefits or those on low incomes.

To find out what’s available in your area, start by checking your local council’s website or speaking to your child’s school.

Schools will often share information about trusted providers and may even host clubs themselves. Youth centres, libraries, and leisure centres are also great places to look for local activity programmes.

Visit www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find your council’s website and search for ‘school holiday activities’.

Food support

For families who rely on school meals during term time, the summer break can stretch household food budgets. Some holiday clubs offer meals and snacks.

Check if your local authority is running the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides eligible children with healthy meals and enriching activities during the holidays. 

Food banks and community kitchens may also provide family food parcels or summer lunch clubs. Visit the Trussell Trust at www.trusselltrust.org to find your nearest food bank.

School uniforms

Many councils offer school uniform grants or vouchers to help cover the cost. Eligibility criteria usually include receiving Universal Credit, Income Support, or other qualifying benefits.

In addition, some schools run second-hand uniform sales or swap shops where parents can pick up gently used items at little or no cost. It’s worth asking your child’s school or parent-teacher association (PTA) if this is available. 

Our Cost of Living Support hub also has information on free childcare, grants for families with disabled children under 17 and information on how to get cheap and sometimes free food on apps.

We also have a Tenant Support Fund which can offer support with school uniforms and shoes for families facing financial hardship. Ask your Neighbourhood Coordinator for more information or visit www.habinteg.org.uk/cost-of-living-support .

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