Updated June 2026
If the school holidays feel harder than they should, you're not alone. When term ends, the support many families rely on stops too - free school meals, school-based help, structured days. What doesn't stop is the cost of keeping children fed, busy, and happy for six weeks.
Save the Children has been providing grants to families across the UK since 2021. Through our grants programme, we've delivered more than 10,500 grants reaching over 21,000 children, working with more than 120 trusted local partner organisations across 30 communities.
We know how much pressure the holidays put on families, and we want to help you find every bit of support you're entitled to.
This page covers the questions we hear most from families during the summer - from uniform grants and food banks to energy bills and government schemes. The answers come from Save the Children's advisers and from parents who've been through it themselves.
Skip to what you need:
Where can I get help to afford school uniform?
In Scotland, every eligible family can claim a school clothing grant, with a national minimum set by the Scottish Government. Find out more here.
In Wales, the Pupil Development Grant helps with the cost of uniform and equipment, with a higher rate for children starting Year 7. Find out more.
In Northern Ireland, uniform grants are available through the Education Authority. Find out more.
Beyond grants, many schools run uniform swap shops or second-hand sales - often in the first week back in September. It's worth asking a teacher or the school office. Facebook Marketplace and local community groups are also worth checking.
What parents in our community say:
"Uniform sheds at schools are widely used now, and they make a massive difference. If your child's school doesn't have one, it's worth suggesting or helping to introduce one - most parents are grateful for it. You can also get support through your local council, community groups, and charities. Many schools have hardship funds too, even if they don't shout about it." - Emmeline
"Our school/Local Authority gives us a £70 voucher towards uniform but it can only be used at one shop which is the branded uniform provider and she doesn't like their skirts so we end up either wasting half of the voucher or getting extra things - she's got 3 ties!" - Pippa
Paula and son Cameron, five, with their certificates, at their final Families Connect session in Belfast
Where can I get help with my energy bills?
If you're struggling to pay your energy bills, there are several places to turn.
The Warm Home Discount scheme gives eligible low-income households £150 off their electricity bill each year. The 2025/26 cycle has now closed, but the next cycle typically opens in autumn - look out for letters from your energy supplier from around October 2026. Check your eligibility at GOV.UK.
From April 2026, average household energy bills also dropped by around £150 a year as part of the government's changes to energy levies - so if you haven't already reviewed your bill and payment plan with your supplier, it's worth doing that now.
Citizens Advice can check whether you're entitled to benefits or support you're not currently receiving, and can also help with energy debt. Contact them at citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848.
If you live in Northern Ireland, the following organisations can help with energy costs:
NI Energy Advice - free, impartial advice including grants information. Call 0800 111 4455 (freephone) or email [email protected]
National Energy Action (NEA) - the fuel poverty charity. Call 028 9023 9909
Advice NI - free, independent advice on benefits and financial support. adviceni.net
Consumer Council NI - has a tariff comparison tool and appliance cost checker to see whether switching supplier could save you money
Grants and schemes currently available in Northern Ireland:
The Affordable Warmth Scheme, managed by the NI Housing Executive, offers grants of up to £7,500 (or up to £10,000 for solid wall insulation) for households with an income under £23,000.
The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP), run by the Energy Saving Trust, offers funded and partly-funded insulation and heating upgrades across providers including Phoenix Energy, Evolve, and Power NI. Schemes are running from April 2026 to March 2027. Find out more at energysavingtrust.org.uk/programme/nisep.
Phoenix Energy's Boiler Replacement Allowance offers up to £600 cashback for switching to natural gas, for households earning under £90,000. Available until 30th of June 2026.
What a parent in our community says:
“It depends on where you live, but a lot of areas now use Warm and Safe, which is a collaboration between local councils and the Centre for Sustainable Energy. They can help with energy advice, grants, and support if you’re struggling. You can also check if you’re eligible for things like the Warm Home Discount or supplier grants. Citizens Advice can point you in the right direction too.” - Emmeline
Bethan, three & mum Mary at home in Cardiff
Can I use a food bank?
Most food banks, including those in the Trussell network, need a referral before your first visit. The easiest way to get one is the Help through Hardship helpline, run jointly by Trussell and Citizens Advice. Call 0808 208 2138, free, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (England and Wales). Advisers will check what you're entitled to and can give you a referral for emergency food if you need it. You can also get a referral from your GP, health visitor, social worker, or school.
If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, contact your local food bank directly to ask about referrals, as the Help through Hardship helpline doesn't currently cover those areas. Find your nearest food bank using The Trussell Trust, the Independent Food Aid Network, or contact your local council or advice organisation - there are many food banks and social supermarkets operating across the UK and one may be closer than you think. If you live in Northern Ireland, use the NI Assembly's foodbank distribution interactive map which includes both Trussell and independent food banks.
A standard food parcel usually provides around three days of food. If you have dietary requirements, let them know when you're referred.
It's also worth checking apps like Olio for free food in your area, and asking your child's school whether they have any local food partnerships.
What parents in our community say:
“Yes. Food banks are there for anyone who needs them, whether it’s a one‑off crisis or ongoing support. You can get a referral through the council — often via the Local Welfare Provision scheme — or through social prescribing link workers at your GP surgery. They can help with vouchers, referrals, and other support. There’s no judgement at all; lots of families use them when things are tight.” - Emmeline
"Everybody should feel free to access food banks - there is no level of desperation or poverty you have to reach. I work full time and used food banks recently when I had issues with Universal Credit reimbursing me for childcare. They were super understanding and kind and didn't ask any intrusive questions. I'd also check out apps like Olio and supermarket waste programmes. Our school has a partnership with local supermarkets where parent volunteers collect unsold foods and set them out on a big table for school families to take every Monday morning - everything from bread to fruit and vegetables to sandwiches and ready meals. At first parents were shy about taking stuff but the school spread the message that the food will be thrown away anyway so it's actually good for the environment to use it whether you're struggling." - Thea
Alyssiah, nine, and Akieal three, look through the pantry food together with mum Beth, in Sheffield Matt Grayson / Save the Children
I can't afford school trips for my child. What do I do?
What a parent in our community says:
“I’d speak to the school privately. Many schools can support through Pupil Premium, especially for curriculum‑based trips. Some schools also let you pay in instalments over time to make it more manageable. They won’t want your child to miss out. And if it’s an optional trip, it’s okay to say no — children don’t remember every trip, but they do remember feeling supported at home.” - Emmeline
Rainbow, five, is pulled along in a wagon, on a Summer of Play camping trip, Sheffield.
I am on a low income. Can I get government support for the holidays?
Yes - there are two main routes worth checking.
If you're unsure what you're entitled to more broadly, Citizens Advice (or Advice NI and local Community Advice Services if you're in Northern Ireland)can do a full benefits check to make sure you're not missing out on anything. Contact them at citizensadvice.org.uk.
I need furniture and essentials, but payday is weeks away. Where can I get help?
You are not the only family in this situation, and there is support out there.
Turn2us has a free grants search tool that matches your circumstances to charitable funds you may be eligible for - it covers thousands of grants across the UK.
The British Red Cross and local furniture reuse charities often provide low-cost or free furniture and household items. Your council's social services team can also point you to local schemes, including anything available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
If you have a disabled or seriously ill child and are on a low income, Family Fund provides grants for essential items across the UK. There is also a specific Northern Ireland programme. Cash for Kids supports disadvantaged children and families across the UK with poverty, illness, and additional needs. In Northern Ireland, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides confidential, non-judgmental financial assistance, food, fuel and household items to families in need.
Community groups, local reuse pages, Freecycle, and Facebook community groups are also worth checking. And don't overlook our own charity shops - Save the Children shops across the UK stock good-quality second-hand clothing, toys and games at low prices. Find your nearest Save the Children shop.
What a parent in our community says:
“You’re definitely not the only family who ends up in this situation, and there is support out there. In our area we have Group 5, which helps families with essential furniture when money is tight — they’re a brilliant local option. Your local council may also help through schemes like the Local Welfare Provision (LWP), and some areas have reuse projects where you can get good‑quality second‑hand items for free or very cheap.
If you have social prescribers at your GP surgery, they can help with referrals, vouchers, and point you to other support. Community groups, local reuse pages, Freecycle, and Facebook community groups can be lifesavers too. People are often far kinder and more generous than you expect.” - Emmeline
Sophie, nine & her siblings draw at home in Cardiff. Her family received our Early Years Grant in the summer of 2023.
