Help in the Holidays
Introduction
The school holidays can be a difficult time for many people, whether that's with food, isolation, or keeping children enriched. Up to 3 million children across the UK are at risk of going hungry over the school holidays, and nearly half of all parents on low incomes say they feel isolated in the school holidays due to being unable to afford to go out and entertain their children. And in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, as everything becomes more expensive, many more people are looking for ways to feed, to entertain, and to provide enriching activities for less.
As Christians we are driven to help and support everyone in our community.
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us1 John 4.12
The Diocese of Llandaff has pulled together a map of events that our churches are running throughout the summer holidays, alongside low or no cost opportunities to eat out for children at restaurants, cafés and other businesses. Please use this map to make yourself aware of the opportunities in your area so you are able to sign-post them to people in your community who may find them helpful.
Interactive Map
The Diocese of Llandaff has pulled together a map of events that our churches are running throughout the summer holidays, alongside low or no cost opportunities to eat out for children at restaurants, cafés and other businesses.
Set Up Your Own Community Help
If you would like advice in setting up your own summer club take a look at the Cost of Living Toolkit which has specific guidance for churches on tackling hunger, period poverty and supporting parents with infants. There is also a breakdown of the services Christians Against Poverty provide and how to bring CAP services into your Ministry Area with the support of the diocese.
If you would like a conversation with our Outreach Officer, Christoph Auckland, please contact him at christophauckland@churchinwales.org.uk.
Refer a Family for a Free Holiday
Though holidays seem like a luxury, for many it offers families an opportunity for quality time together, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where they can building meaningful relationships that strengthen their bonds. For so many the idea of a holiday is a distant dream, a dream even more unlikely as costs increase.
Our incredible friends at Mother's Union Llandaff have a static caravan at Trecco Bay, Porthcawl, which is available for free to families in Llandaff for a weeks holiday. Mother's Union also provide toys, books and some food vouchers during their stay. Clergy can make a referral to Mother's Union for a family to receive a holiday. Contact Lowrie Washington Jones, the Action and Outreach Coordinator for Mother's Union Llandaff, at lowriej@mothersunionllandaff.org or telephone 02922 218 982.
Stop the Cost of Living Crisis
Summer clubs are needed because of the larger struggle the UK is currently facing with the rising costs of food, bills, and household essentials to name a few. There are opportunities, however, to push for an end to the crisis.
Read here 5 Ways to Combat the Cost-of-Living Crisis in Wales.
Looking ahead, we have lots planned to help our communities through the cost-of-living crisis, whether that's helping with debts or finding better paid work, providing opportunities for cheaper food that also reduces waste, or encouraging Governments in Wales and the UK to do more to help.