Christians Against Poverty, which has nearby debt centres in Egham and Staines, says many parents find it difficult to keep children amused through the long break without over-spending. Now it wants to remind families of the free or low-cost activities that can be enjoyed instead of putting family finances at risk.
Egham Centre Manager Sue Gray said: “When the weather is good, the options are more obvious but when it’s wet, you have to be more inventive and it helps to have some good ideas to hand.” Many local councils have activities on offer for children in parks, libraries and sports centres while most museums are free and may have special Summer events on offer. Sue added: “I want to say to parents: be smart about the Summer holidays; do your research now and make a plan; decide how much you can afford each week and create a ‘treats fund’ - however small - and talk about it with your children. Involve them in how you will spend the money – they will appreciate what happens so much more and it’s a great lesson for them.”
Christians Against Poverty has a wealth of knowledge in helping families overcome spiralling debts and encouraging them to live to a budget. To find out more, visit www.capuk.org or call 0800 3280006.
CAP’S TOP TEN TIPS:
1. Make sure you have other parents’ phone numbers before the children break up from school. A play date is the easiest way to entertain – and if the favour is returned, you might win yourself a quiet day!
2. Remember treasure hunts as a kid? Geocaching is the updated version and is suitable for all ages. Download a free app such as c:geo onto your smart phone and away you go. Find out more at geocaching.com.
3. Avoid the ice-cream van by making your own lollies with cheap moulds and squash/fruit juice. Freeze different colours in sessions to make stripes!
4. If you’re going anywhere for the day, take a picnic and you’ll avoid the expense of cafés. Refill water bottles with squash, add some crisps, sandwiches and fruit – done!
5. Get crafty with papier-mâché or card making, find someone who knits, paints, or does DIY and can share this expertise.
6. Get baking! It doesn’t have to be expensive. Buns, flapjacks, biscuits – they are all fairly easy and will brighten up a dull afternoon. If you don’t want to put the oven on, try putting ‘fridge cake’ into Google.
7. Visit someone – a relative, friend or neighbour who would like some company. It will make their day and give you all a change of scene.
8. Avoid shopping as a pastime. It’s not a good habit for you and could spell trouble for your children in future.
9. Become a nature detective! Lots of free printables, ideas and venues to discover from the Woodland Trust.
10. Don’t beat yourself up about not being able to provide a plush holiday for your family. The most valuable thing you can do is to spend time with them – even if it’s washing the car together and getting soaked.
(CAP Press Release July)
About CAP: Christians Against Poverty is a charity determined to reduce hardship in the UK, with the help of local churches. It does this through 260 debt counselling centres; a money education programme; the CAP Money Course and CAP Job Clubs for unemployed people. All services are given freely for everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background.
Contact: Sue Gray 07593 609122 or National PR Manager Marianne Clough 01274 761924.