Croydon Council has helped hundreds of children and young people through targeted support designed to ease financial pressures on families and provide opportunities for children to learn, socialise and thrive.
Using funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) alongside local partnership working, the Council’s housing service has supported families living in temporary accommodation with back-to-school costs and helped more children access free holiday activities and meals.
More than 180 families living in temporary accommodation received a £150 supermarket voucher for each eligible child starting Year 7 this September. The vouchers helped families meet the costs associated with starting secondary school, including school uniforms and other essential items.
The Council also worked with local children and young people’s organisation Play Place to expand access to its Summer of Fun programme. Additional funding from Croydon’s housing service meant more children living on local estates and in the surrounding community could take part, including those who would not normally be eligible for the existing funded programme.
The programme offered sports, arts and crafts, digital sessions and team activities across four locations in Croydon, helping children stay active, develop new skills and spend time with friends in safe and welcoming environments throughout August.
Croydon’s housing service has supported the Summer of Fun programme for the past two years and continues to use resident feedback and local data to identify where funding can have the greatest impact for children and families.
As demand for support continues to grow, the Council remains committed to exploring opportunities that help reduce pressures on families and improve outcomes for children across the borough.
Both initiatives form part of the Council’s continued work to support children and families and reduce the impact that housing and financial pressures can have on children’s lives.
“We know that families facing housing challenges are often dealing with additional pressures, whether that’s managing the cost of starting a new school year or finding opportunities for their children during the holidays.
“By using available funding in practical ways, we’ve been able to support hundreds of children and young people across Croydon in ways that make a real difference.
“From helping with school costs to providing access to activities and nutritious meals, our priority is making sure children have the support they need to thrive, build confidence and make the most of the opportunities available to them.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
