Children’s charity praise Northumbria Council’s half-term family food support

A local children's charity has praised Northumbria Council's efforts in supporting families through the October half term.

The council has found funding for support with food, fuel or uniform over the break.

Parents or carers of children and young people who receive free school meals during term time are eligible to receive £20 in vouchers.

Luke Bramhall, Head of Youth Services and Poverty Proofing at Children North East told Newcastle World: “We are pleased to see Northumberland County Council is seeking to support families who may be struggling during the October half-term.

"The school holidays can be a particularly difficult time for those experiencing financial hardship and this extra provision will be a welcome lifeline for many.”

Vouchers will be distributed either by schools, through local authorities’ Huggg scheme or via alternative school voucher schemes.

It's estimated that over 9,000 children and young people will benefit from the support.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “We are pleased to be able to support those families most in need during the half-term break.

“We want to ensure everyone is supported as we head into the colder months, so I urge those families not eligible for free school meals but finding themselves needing additional help to contact our Northumberland Communities Together team.”