Support for families

Surviving Winter 2023-24

The Surviving Winter appeal aims to support the most vulnerable households during the winter months with a payment of up to £175 towards fuel costs. For details of eligibility and how to apply for a Surviving Winter grant see the Citizens Advice Ipswich - Surviving Winter webpage

Holiday Activities Programme

There are free places at these events under the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Eligibility for free places, set out by The Department for Education (DfE), is based on children and families who are on benefits related free school meals or pupil premium or where there is an identified need (such as being in care, bereavement, or if they are homeless).

But West Suffolk Council recognises that there will be other families in financial hardship who are ineligible. It is allowed to use up to 15 per cent of its share of the Government funding to offer free places to families who are in financial hardship but who wouldn’t otherwise qualify.

For more details see our Suffolk Holiday Activities webpage

School costs

If you’re on a low income, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school:

  • many schools offer support to families who need financial assistance with uniforms, for example by giving you vouchers towards the cost.
  • it's also worth checking if your school has any second-hand uniform sales – this can be a good way to pick up lower-priced uniform at a fraction of the retail cost.
  • is your child eligible for free school meals? Check through Suffolk County Council - Apply for free school meals

Further support in West Suffolk

National support