We hope all our families have a happy, safe and enjoyable summer break. We know that the holidays can sometimes bring additional challenges, so we have put together a range of information and organisations that may be helpful over the summer. Whether you are looking for activities for your children, financial support, wellbeing advice or family services, we hope you find these resources useful. If you have any safeguarding concerns about a child during the holidays, please contact your local Children's Services or the emergency services if someone is in immediate danger. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

🌞 Summer Holiday Activities

Reading Challenge via your Harwich library.

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme- vouchers have been sent out via email to all eligible families

🍎 Food Support

Food banks

https://tendring.essexfrontline.org.uk/Library/ServiceDetail/6790d8f4ce4672afc55dae02

💙 Mental Health and Wellbeing

Tips for supporting children's emotional wellbeing during the holidays.

YoungMinds https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Place2Be https://www.place2be.org.uk/

Anna Freud https://www.annafreud.org/services/services-for-children-and-young-people/

NHS guidance on children's mental health. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/

👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting Support

Parenting helplines. https://www.snapcharity.org/helpline-support/

Family support services. https://essexfamilywellbeing.co.uk/locations/harwich/

Family Lives https://www.nhs.uk/services/service-directory/family-lives/N10973368

NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

💻 Online Safety

Resources to help children stay safe online during increased screen time.

Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/

Childnet https://www.childnet.com/

🛡️ Safeguarding During the Holidays

 If families have concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing they can contact:

Your local authority Children's Services.

Children's Line: 0345 603 7627 (for concerns about children).

Family Solutions: 0345 603 7627 (for family support).

For more information, you can visit the Essex County Council website. https://www.essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/support-children-young-people-and-families

NHS 111 for medical advice.

999 in an emergency.

♿ SEND Support

Local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).  https://www.essexsendiass.co.uk/

Local Offer website. https://send.essex.gov.uk/

📞 Useful National Organisations

Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Home-Start UK https://www.homestartharwich.org.uk/

Barnardo's https://www.barnardos.org.uk/

Action for Children https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/