As half term holidays approach, Oxford City Council is reminding families that there is support available, from food support to activities for children.
Help with financial hardship
The city council supports food larders and community groups across the city, to help households struggling with food or fuel poverty. This is in addition to the free school meals that are provided through the County Council.
Covid Support Grants are also still available for essential household costs – these grants provide the needed goods or services direct, not cash (for example, providing families with a community larder membership).
Anyone needing support can get in touch with the council on 01865 249 811 or visit the Council’s community assistance web page.
The council’s experienced customer services team can also signpost anyone who is struggling financially to the appropriate support. That might be help from a team in the council with social rent and council tax, or it could be help from a charity or advice centre that can help with their specific issues.
Activities for young people
For those worried about how to keep the family busy, there are also a range of activities for young people to get involved with.
The Council this week launched its GO Active Families online resources, with plenty of free and low cost activities for families to enjoy together.
Oxford’s public leisure centres have reopened, meaning swimming and ice skating are back on offer. For those on qualifying benefits, the Bonus Card offers huge discounts to make participation affordable.
The Council is also working with groups providing activities for young people over half term. Many of these are listed on the GO Active Families page, from art projects to story writing competitions. The council funds cultural groups across the city to make getting involved in creative projects and performances, or just enjoying the show, affordable to everyone in Oxford.
“I know school holidays are a challenging time for families who are struggling and it can be an anxious and overwhelming time, but help and support is available across our city. Friendly and approachable community groups are working with the council to provide assistance and support including free and low-cost activities for children and families. These spaces are inclusive and there for children and families. If you’re worried about how your family will cope with the holidays, find out what support is on offer.”
Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities
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