Description
School holidays should be a time for fun, not worry. But for many families across the UK, the six-week break brings extra pressure as food costs rise and free school meals stop.
Meet Gigi, Kiki and their family from Tameside, Greater Manchester. Through Save the Children's Holiday Bites programme and the Children's Community - Tameside, they've found more than just food support: they've built confidence, friendships and a stronger community.
A few years ago, Gigi struggled with isolation and felt ashamed to access a local food pantry. Today, she's a volunteer helping other families at Holiday Bites, proving how community support can transform lives.
Holiday Bites was created after parents told us they felt embarrassed collecting food during the school holidays. Working alongside local families, Save the Children and community partners developed a new approach: combining free family activities, social support and food bags in a welcoming environment where everyone is received with a smile and a cuppa.
The Children's Community – Tameside is a place-based partnership supporting children and young people aged 0–19 by bringing together residents, local services and organisations to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children. Established in 2017 with support from Save the Children UK and partners, it has grown into an independent charity helping communities thrive.
👉 Every child deserves a future. Together, we can help make sure children have the support they need, not just during term time, but throughout the school holidays.
❤️ Find out more about Save the Children's work in the UK: https://bit.ly/42I2xlW
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