South Gloucestershire Council has launched its ‘Summer, Sorted’ campaign, offering practical tips, advice and support to help families enjoy the school summer holidays while managing household costs.
The campaign brings together money-saving ideas for free and low-cost activities, family-friendly days out, budget-friendly meals and information about financial support available through the council and its partners.
With many families facing additional costs during the six-week break, ‘Summer, Sorted’ aims to show that keeping children entertained, staying active and eating well does not have to be expensive.
The campaign highlights a range of free places to visit across South Gloucestershire, including Grimsbury Community Farm, Three Brooks Nature Reserve, Page Park, Kingswood Park, Warmley Forest Park and the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Families are also being reminded that The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is funding free bus travel for children across the West of England during the summer holidays, making low-cost days out even more accessible.
Alongside ideas for great days out, the campaign provides suggestions for simple, affordable activities to try, including water play, gardening, arts and crafts, geocaching and baking. It also encourages visits to local libraries, which are offering free activities and the Summer Reading Challenge throughout the holidays.
There are also suggestions for budget-friendly family meals and picnic ideas, such as rainbow veggie wraps and easy pizza pinwheels, helping families save money while making mealtimes fun for children.
Importantly, ‘Summer, Sorted’ is also encouraging families to check whether they may be eligible for financial support, including Universal Credit and free school meals. Even during the holidays, eligibility for these benefits can unlock wider support and ensure families receive all the help they are entitled to.
Residents are also being signposted to the range of support available through the council and local partners including help with food costs, energy bills, budgeting and debt advice. Community Welcome Spaces, One Stop Shops and partner organisations across South Gloucestershire continue to provide free, friendly support for anyone who may be struggling financially.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Cost of Living, councillor Alison Evans, said: “Summer is a period for families to enjoy spending time together, but we know the school holidays can put extra pressure on household budgets. Our ‘Summer, Sorted’ campaign is packed with ideas to help families have fun for less, whether that’s discovering free places to explore, finding affordable activities to do at home or making tasty, low-cost meals together.
“We also want to make sure that anyone who needs extra support knows where to find it. From help with food and energy costs to debt advice and benefit checks, there is support available and we would encourage residents to see what they may be entitled to.”
Throughout the summer, council staff and partner organisations will also be attending events at shopping centres and community venues across South Gloucestershire to share information, offer practical money-saving advice and help residents access support.
Come and talk to us at:
- Friday 24 July at St Mary’s Shopping Centre, Thornbury, 10am-1pm
- Tuesday 28 July, Lyde Green Community Centre, 9.30am-1pm
- Wednesday 29 July at Willow Brook Shopping Centre, Bradley Stoke, 11am-4pm
- Thursday 6 August at Yate Shopping Centre, 11am-3pm
Families can find ‘Summer, Sorted’ resources, money-saving tips and information about support services at www.southglos.gov.uk/costofliving
