Support for Families
We are mindful of the pressures facing not only children but also their families, especially through the current ‘cost of living crisis’. We want to ensure that families have the best possible access to information, whether this be through the school’s own services, or by directing them to appropriate external resources and support.
Food Banks
Even if you have never used a food bank before, you may find yourself currently needing help. This might be because you experienced unexpected changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic or you are now experiencing difficulties due to the rise in cost of living. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing hardship which makes it hard to afford food, our local food banks may be able to help.
If you need a referral, or you do not live in any of the above areas, please contact the school office.
Taunton Food Bank
Phone: 07761 624 216
Email: info@taunton.foodbank.org.uk
Website: Taunton Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis
Free School Meals
If your financial situation has changed, your child may be entitled to Free School Meals.
Please follow the links below to find out more:
for families living in Somerset
Website - Free school meals (somerset.gov.uk)
Phone - 0300 123 2224
Free School Meals Holiday Voucher Scheme
Somerset County Council is supporting families of children who currently receive free school meals during term time with supermarket vouchers to help buy food during the Easter Break 2024.
Somerset HAF - Holiday and Activities Programme
The Holiday Activities and Food programme is being delivered by a number of different individuals and organisations across Somerset.
To access the programme, simply book a place through one of the providers listed on the webpage here
All clubs will be operating for a minimum of four hours, including a hot meal. Please note that booking details differ depending on each provider. The schemes are fully inclusive and accessible, so please discuss your child’s needs with your chosen provider.
Family Support
Parent and Family Support Advisors (PFSAs) work with school-aged children and their families that require additional support.
PFSAs work within Somerset County Council’s Early Help Framework to enable high-quality support for children/young people and families at the earliest possible stage.
If you think you would benefit from the support of a PFSA please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance. This professional choices link provides you with more information.
Parent and Family Support Advisor (PFSA) – Professional Choices
Parental Minds
About Parental Minds:
Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health. They believe that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues; this under pins all their work.
Visit: Home - Parental Minds
Wiser Money - Financial Hardship & Debt Advice
Are you in financial distress due to losing your job, a relationship breakdown, mental ill health or other unexpected circumstances? You may be behind with bill payments, need help applying for benefits or have other worries about money.
For information about how WiserMoney can help please visit:
Website: NavigateCharity
Email: wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk
Phone: 01823 299050
Loan Sharks
Trading Standards have advised that in the current economic climate there has been an increase in loan shark activity and have they have received an increase in calls to their national hotline. The pandemic means that many may experience financial trouble. During times like these, people can be extremely vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of. If you're unsure of a lender, do not use them. The helpline is open 24/7 on 0300 555 2222
‘Stop Loan Sharks’ have put together a resource pack to help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Their resource pack can be found here.
Action Fraud
Action Fraud has launched a national awareness campaign to urge the public to think twice before handing over money and personal information when booking holidays.
For information about how to avoid scams, or to report a scam of phishing attempt, visit Action Fraud or phone 0300 123 2040
Useful Contacts
Papyrus UK - Support for young people thinking about suicide. Contact: HopeLine 0800 068 4141 or go to their website: Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
Child Bereavement UK Contact: 0800 02 888 40 or go to their website Child Bereavement UK
ChatHealth - a text service for young people aged 13-19 at secondary school to reach out to the School Nurse team for confidential advice on a wide range of issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health as well as illnesses. Contact: 07520 631722 or go to their website: Home Page - ChatHealth
Kooth - Online support including online counselling at: Home - Kooth
The Mix - safe and confidential group chat and discussion boards, plus messaging support service and telephone counselling for young people under 25. You can visit the website, call the freephone number, or if you need help immediately you can also text The Mix on their crisis messenger text service which provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258.0808 808 4994 (Freephone) or go to their website: The Mix - Essential support for under 25s
Young Minds - offers tips, advice and guidance on where to get support for your mental health during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They also have a crisis messenger providing free 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258, or go to their website at: YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds
ChildLine - Contact: 0800 1111 (Phone lines open 24/7/365) or go to their website at: Childline | Childline (Note - ChildLine offers lots of helpful advice and support and isn’t just a ‘report it’ service)
School Nurse - School nurse