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The ongoing cost of living crisis has affected us all with increased prices for goods and services along with higher bills. Families, however, don’t have to spend the Earth to ensure their children have a good time this half-term – and help, food and financial support is available if needed.
Visiting the local library is free of charge and gives access to over 2.5million items available to borrow including books, digital resources and learning materials. With the option to borrow up to 20 items at a time, there’s bound to be something to keep the children entertained. Visit www.librarieswest.org.uk for more information.
A number of free library events and activities will also be taking place during half-term, from children’s story-telling, board game afternoons, junk modelling, Lego clubs and more. Visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraryevents for the most up to date details.
Enjoy some amazing walks this half-term along the region’s many beaches, parks, woodlands and North Somerset’s public rights of way. Check out www.northsomersetlife.co.uk for inspiration on new walks to try – and if the pennies stretch, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat along the way and support local North Somerset businesses.
This month, Weston-super-Mare will be transformed by a series of pop-up illustrated artworks as part of a new, expanded programme for GLOW Light Festival 2023, taking place from 15 to 18 February.
Created by a stellar line-up of national artists, the light installations will spill out from the main festival site at Grove Park into popular town centre locations where they can be enjoyed free of charge by residents and visitors to Weston.
Families can also explore the art, architecture and history of Weston-super-Mare by following a tour of the town this half-term. Several walks have now been uploaded onto the Super Weston website, including Weston Woods, Weston Wallz street art trail, and the Historic England Heritage Tour. All tours are level and on pavements, making them wheelchair, pushchair and dog friendly. See the interactive maps at www.superweston.net/explore/tours.
Cllr Mike Bell, North Somerset Council's Deputy Leader said: "We’re very lucky to live in a beautiful region with plenty to keep the children entertained right here on our doorstep. Check out your local social media sites for more ideas on events happening near you. If you can, please support our local businesses during half-term who equally are facing tough times right now. And don’t forget that if you’re financially struggling, additional short-term support is available via our welfare provision scheme. We’ve also recently announced a package of Council Tax support. Visit the North Somerset Council Cost of Living website pages for more information on the help and support available.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, the council's executive member for children’s services added: "We don’t want any child to go hungry this half-term. If feeding your family is a concern during this school holiday, help is available. Food vouchers of £60 have already been paid to care leavers and families eligible for free school meals. This was intended to provide help towards the cost of food between last October to March 2023, particularly during school holidays. This applied to over 5,000 children and young people with North Somerset Council committing £300k to help. The Money Saving Central has also created a helpful round-up of places where children can eat free or for £1 next week. Visit www.moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free for more information.”
Anyone needing additional short-term support can find out more about North Somerset Council’s welfare provision scheme at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/wps. Applications can be made by phone on 01934 888 035 or 0800 138 5665 (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday).
For more information about Cost of Living help and support, including childcare costs, housing support, energy and heating advice, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk.