Supporting Medway’s Children over the Christmas Break
Published: 29th November 2022
Children in Medway who receive benefits-related free school meals will continue to receive support over the Christmas break.
Families, with children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, will automatically be issued with a £15 e-voucher and families will be able to choose which supermarket they spend the food voucher in.
To find out more click HERE to download the information.
With the cost of living increasing many families across the county need as much support as they can. Please see below for guidance and some helpful website links to support you further.
If you would like to speak to us about support please fill in this form and you will be contacted Parental Support
Please see details of the list of websites where you can gain advice and information on support available in your local area:
Eating out this Summer Click here for Info
Food Bank Recipe Book Click here to view
Just Ask
We know that many families will be facing a period of financial hardship at the moment and that this can be very worrying. As a Trust, one of our core values is ‘care’ and so we want to do whatever we can to support families who are struggling financially.
In the first instance our advice would be that if you are struggling financially, just ask – email justask@sflt.org.uk giving us some brief details about who your child is and what your particular situation is. We can then come back to you with any support we can offer or signpost you to any external agencies that could advise or support you. All emails will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.
Below are some other services and suggestions that might help in the meantime..
2nd Hand Uniform
Both Walderslade Girls School and Greenacre Academy offer a 2nd Hand Uniform Bank. If you are struggling to purchase new uniform, please let us know and we will see what we have that’s suitable.
Hygiene Bank
We can provide personal hygiene products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste and shampoo as well as sanitary products. Just let us know what you need.
Food Bank Vouchers & Food
We are partnered with Medway Foodbank and can issue vouchers for food packages. We also work with local supermarkets to help distribute any surplus stock they might have.
Free School Meals
Check whether your child is eligible for Free School Meals using the link below:
https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200164/school_information/354/free_school_meals
Local Council Support
Visit Medway Council’s Website to find out what financial support they can offer.
https://www.medway.gov.uk/householdhelp
Government Support
Visit the Government Website to find out more about the national schemes that are in place to help those families most affected by the cost of living increase.
https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/
Free school meals Edenred ecode
The Department for Education national free school meals voucher scheme has now ended. However, Edenred UK are now working with a small number of local authorities to deliver Free School Meals vouchers to cover the school holidays and for pupils that cannot attend school because they are isolating. See the Department for Education guidance here.
Click the link below to find out how it works. https://www.edenred.co.uk/en/free-school-meals-local-authorities/
Useful Information
How to use your e-code?
Free school meals Select Grocery parent/carer FAQs
Citizens advice
You can access their services via the following options:
You can call on 01634 383 760 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00am and 4:30pm on Fridays.
Local call rates apply.
You can visit between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00am and 4:30pm on Fridays at the office:
Third Floor, Kingsley House, 37-39 Balmoral Road, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 4PF
You can call the national Citizens Advice telephone service for free on 0800 144 8848 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. If you’re calling from a mobile, you will be asked to enter a landline number to help direct your call to the nearest Citizens Advice office. This can be any landline number if you don’t have one.
They have a number of specialist numbers available:
You can arrange a Foodbank delivery by calling the Citizens Advice Foodbank Helpline for free on:
0808 208 2138 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
You can get advice on issues relating to goods & services by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Service for free on:
0808 223 1133 between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
You can find out what benefits you can claim and get help claiming Universal Credit by calling the Citizens Advice Help to Claim Service for free on 0800 144 8444 between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday.
Home start Medway
Advice and support for families with a child under five years old.
Click to view the Home Start Medway Page
Call 01634 570717
Christians against poverty
If you need support with Debt:
To take your first step out of debt, call the friendly New Enquiries team who will arrange your first appointment with your local Debt Coach.
Call 0800 328 0006
Cost of living support
Click here for GOV.UK Cost of Living