Families across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break.
When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult.
Available Payments and Support
Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help Lanarkshire families with everyday costs. These include Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per child every four weeks to help buy healthy food, and Scottish Child Payment, worth over £112 every four weeks for each eligible child.
Families who receive free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority. This is alongside a nationwide summer of sport, with free and low cost activities - including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics - to be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.
Community Organisations
Community organisations are also on hand to help, such as Home-Start, located across Scotland, including North Lanarkshire, who provide practical and emotional support to parents, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and create positive experiences for their children during the holidays and throughout the year.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "The Scottish Government is committed to eliminating child poverty and offers the best cost of living support package in the UK. Our social security support for families could be worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16. We’re also providing £21 million to local authorities to help support families on low incomes during the school holidays, so that children can continue to eat well, stay active and enjoy their summer. I encourage every family to check what they could be entitled to. There is support out there - not just over the summer, but all year round."
Parent and Expert Testimonials
Eliza Waye, Home Start strategic lead for Scotland added: "We know that the holidays can be long for families, with additional childcare expenses, food costs and keeping the children entertained. For many families, opportunities for big holidays or even day trips can feel out of reach. At Home-Start we provide one to one and group support, providing a nurturing environment and opportunities for families to have fun and create happy memories that last a lifetime. Together with support like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, this can transform the summer months for families."
Hiba, a parent of three children, said: "The support from the Scottish Child Payment and Home-Start helps us afford more summer activities for our children. It gives them opportunities to have fun, make friends, and feel more connected to their community. This support makes the summer holidays a much happier time for our family."
How to Access Support
Families in Lanarkshire can find out more about Social Security Scotland support alongside wider help available by visiting www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot.
