Perth and Kinross Anti-Poverty Taskforce has launched a comprehensive summer guide titled 'Making the Summer better' to help families access support, activities, and financial assistance during the school holidays. The initiative aims to alleviate the added pressure on families as costs for food, childcare, and activities soar.
Financial Pressures on Families
A recent survey by Coram Family and Childcare estimated that summer holiday childcare alone can cost parents over £1,000 per child. Additionally, £100 spent on food and essentials in 2020 now requires £127 to match the same value, according to the Taskforce.
One-Stop Guide for Support
The guide, developed by a multi-agency group of 15 public and private partners, includes key family payments through the Scottish Government, parent-to-parent supports, multilingual cost of living advice, kids' clubs, wraparound care, and free or low-cost activities. Among the activities listed are free daily swimming sessions and weekend family sports at council venues as part of the 'Summer of Sport' programme, along with craft afternoons and soft play sessions.
Expert Insights
Shaheena Din, Project Chair of the Taskforce, said: 'Summer holidays can be a tricky time for all parents. Parents want their children to be able to have fun and enjoy their time off school but, in reality, this means trying to juggle childcare options that don’t always fit if they are working. It can also mean paying for activities that are so expensive which can take away the fun of planning.'
She added: 'While individual circumstances differ, summertime can bring challenges for many. That is why, if people are finding things difficult, they should not be afraid to seek the help they are entitled to. They won’t be the only person feeling that way.'
Impact of the Taskforce
Despite 30,000 people in Perth and Kinross living with hardship, cross-agency actions have shown tangible results. In 2025/26, 530 families and 950 children received one-to-one support through family wellbeing services. One Taskforce partner, PKAVS, provides carers support and respite, as well as summer activity programmes. PKAVS also oversees The Big Hoose, a referral project in Perthshire that supplies essential household items to families with children and young people under 25 struggling with the cost of living.
Challenges for Young Carers
Gail Hamilton, parent carers respite development support worker at PKAVS, noted: 'Summertime can be difficult for young people who are carers because there is no respite. School is classed as a respite for some of them, so it can be hard for them to get a break. Our summer activity programme is full, currently. One of the challenges is offering enough activities but it is important for organisations to come together and increase capacity on what they can offer, and for people to know what is available.'
How to Access the Guide
The Taskforce is also asking other groups running free or low-cost activities to contact them. The guide will be updated on the Third Sector Perth and Kinross website.
