Summer Savings
Find out about any support you might be eligible for plus how you can save money over the summer holidays. From cheap cinema tickets and days out to travel and free kids meals, see how much you can save on keeping the kids entertained this summer.
Lightning Reach Financial Support Portal
Summer can be an exciting time, but we know it can also bring extra costs for families.
The Lightning Reach portal helps you find and apply for financial support in one place. Whether it's help with food, utility bills, clothing, or other essential costs - there's support available for families with children.
It's quick, easy and confidential to:
- Check what you're eligible for
- Apply for support online - in minutes
- Get help from trusted providers
Get started today at Lightning Reach.
School uniform support
We know the cost of school uniforms can be a struggle for most families so we have put together some information that might be helpful when you are organising your child's school uniform. Visit School uniform support to find out more.
Save money on food and activities
Money Saving Central have brought together information around which restaurants, pubs and cafes are offering the "Kids eat free or for £1" deal at Money Saving Central - kids eat free. There's also information about cheap cinemas tickets and days out that are on offer. Head over to Money Saving Central to find out more.
Days Out By Bus
Save up to 25% on entry to top North East attractions when you travel by bus, rail, Metro, or the Shields Ferry - or a combination!. Leave the car at home and make the most of affordable, stress-free days out - no petrol costs, no parking fees, just great experiences across the region. Find out more at Days Out by Bus.
Childcare Support
Summer holidays can often mean higher childcare costs for families, so now's a great time to check if you could get help with childcare costs. Whether your child is with a nursery, childminder, holiday club, or summer camp, it all counts as "childcare" under the government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme. If you're eligible, you could receive up to £2,000 per child each year. Check to see if you are eligible for support through the range of childcare schemes available at www.beststartinlife.gov.uk.
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme
The sessions offer school aged children an opportunity to get involved in a range of activities centred around sports, culture, arts and learning, as well as providing healthy meals and activities based on developing cooking skills and knowledge about nutrition that families can use at home.
Sessions are free for children and young people who:
- Live in Sunderland
- Children attending school from age 4 - 16
- Are eligible for means-tested free school meals during term time
- Have a special educational need or disability (up to age 25)
- 2026 additional criteria (found on the booking system)
Find out more at www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/HAF.
Reduced travel across the North East
There are a range of offers available to help you save money on travel across the North East. Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50, with under 21s able to travel for £1 or less, or £3 for an unlimited day ticket across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham, including Metro and ferry travel. During the school holidays, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free on buses, Metro and the Shields Ferry when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Find out more North East MSA.
Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF)
Councils have been allocated funding from the CRF to
- Provide effective crisis support to stop emergencies from happening, happening again or getting worse
- Help people manage unexpected financial shocks and reduce the need for crisis help in the future
- Strengthen local support networks helping people access the support they need, where and when they need it
The funding is allocated for a 3-year period, and the following page is updated when new support is available - Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Sunderland App
Download The Sunderland App to help you enjoy the summer break without breaking the bank! Looking for free days out, seaside fun and local deals that make your money go further? The Sunderland App puts it all in your pocket: download today to access exclusive local offers.
Disclaimer
The purpose of the above information is to provide householders with general guidance and useful tips only and not designed to provide professional or financial advice and should not be relied on as such. While the council uses reasonable endeavours to include and update information neither the council nor its employees will be liable for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising from the use of this information. You should check any information before acting or relying upon it.
The council does not endorse any 3rd party advice and hence if claims are made from organisations to be acting on behalf of the council, you should check the validity of those claims.
This information was correct at the time of publishing, for any changes to services, offer or opening times please contact the provider directly or visit the website listed.
