Support for Families

Food Banks

Even if you have never used a food bank before, you may find yourself currently needing help. This might be because you experienced unexpected changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic or you are now experiencing difficulties due to the rise in cost of living. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing hardship which makes it hard to afford food, our local food banks may be able to help.

If you need a referral, or you do not live in any of the above areas, please contact our safeguarding team on lhaynes@holyrood.uat.ac or kdown@holyrood,uat.ac

Other useful contacts

The Lord’s Larder, based at The Forefront Community Centre, 42 Fore St, Chard, Phone number 07542498366

Chard Community Hub based on Fore Street, Chard, email secretary@chardcommunityhub.com,

Free School Meals

If your financial situation has changed, your child(ren) may be entitled to Free School Meals.

More details about Free School Meals, who is eligible and how you can apply can be found here.

Family Support

Somerset County Council have provided some helpful information, advice and services to parents and carers to support them being a parent, including the The Somerset Parer and Carer Toolkit

Further information about the support the can provide can be found here.

Parental Minds

About Parental Minds:

Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health. They believe that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues; this under pins all their work.

The support includes Parent Support hubs in Honiton, Sidmouth and Exeter, plus resources and webinars for parents and carers.

Visit: Home - Parental Minds

WiserMoney - Financial Hardship
& Debt Advice

Are you in financial distress due to losing your job, a relationship breakdown, mental ill health or other unexpected circumstances? You may be behind with bill payments, need help applying for benefits or have other worries about money.

For information about how WiserMoney can help please visit:
Website: NavigateCharity
Email: wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk
Phone: 01823 299050

Loan Sharks

Trading Standards have advised that in the current economic climate there has been an increase in loan shark activity and have they have received an increase in calls to their national hotline. The pandemic means that many may experience financial trouble. During times like these, people can be extremely vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of.  If you're unsure of a lender, do not use them. The helpline is open 24/7 on 0300 555 2222

‘Stop Loan Sharks’ have put together a resource pack to help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Their resource pack can be found here.

Action Fraud

Action Fraud has launched a national awareness campaign to urge the public to think twice before handing over money and personal information when booking holidays.

For information about how to avoid scams, or to report a scam of phishing attempt, visit Action Fraud or
phone 0300 123 2040

Online Learning and Safety

Parent Zone

A hub of advice for families from Parent Zone’s experts. Wide range of articles including 'How to spot when your child needs emotional help' and recommendations for awesome games and fantastic You Tube Channels:
Parent Zone – Parents' area

Screen Time and Other Internet Concerns

Many of our young people will have spent a lot of time on their electronic devices during lockdown and school closures. For many this has been a huge benefit as they have been able to keep up with school work and their friendships. If you are worried about the amount of time your child is still spending on their devices, Internet Matters offers lots of advice and information including age specific guides on managing screen time:
Screen time advice for kids | Effects of screen time - Internet Matters