Free summer activities and back to school discounts

If you’re a parent or carer, you know school holidays can prove expensive at times.

We’ve pooled together some resources to help you keep the costs down, keep the kids entertained, and get them ready for going back to school.

School uniform discounts

There are multiple chains like Aldi or Tesco where you can get good deals on school uniform items. Find out more here.

Keep in mind these are offers of generic items, which some schools don’t allow. Also bear in mind that stock tends to be limited and you might not get what you’re looking for.

Support with the cost of childcare

Many working parents are missing out on childcare support that’s available to them. Money Saving Expert have provided a guide on making sure you’re getting all the support you can.

It covers things like reclaiming costs of childcare if you’re on Universal Credit or getting childcare for two – four-year-olds. Read the guide here.

Getting foodbank vouchers

Foodbanks operate on a referral basis, so you’ll need to get one before you can use them. ISHA can refer you, so if you think you need food vouchers, please contact ISHA’s Outreach team by emailing Outreachandsupport@isha.co.uk or call 0300 131 7300.

You can locate the food bank nearest to you on the Trussel Trust website or call us and we can help identify one for you.

Foodbanks often receive donations of other items like essential toiletries or cleaning supplies, which may be helpful even if you don’t need groceries.

Free summer activities for kids

Keeping children busy during summer breaks with fun and affordable activities can be challenging. Here’s some ideas that are free or that can be done at home:

For teens

Your teen children may not find colouring in quite so much fun. There are youth centers and social clubs that might interest them though.

There’s plenty on across Hackney. Find out what’s happening in Stoke Newington, Forest Road, Woodberry Down and Homerton.
Islington Council Youth Clubs, include options like cooking classes, dance classes and much more.
Check out Haringey’s Summer Fun programme
There are 36 youth centers across Tower Hamlets. Find one that suits you here.