Ealing Council are offering several exciting free activities for children during the spring holidays and are offering families help with food, heating, and bills. 

The spring holiday activity and food programme gives to children a variety of activities during the Easter holidays from schools, with the opportunity to learn about nutrition, and spark some new interests and hobbies, from archery, arts and crafts, dance and drama, swimming, to football and outdoor sports activities. 

This programme runs from Monday 3rd April to Friday 14th April at different locations around the borough running for four hours a day and eligible children from reception up to year 11 can go for four days, and it also includes a free nutritious meal. 

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start said: "With the rising cost of living, school holidays can be a real challenge for some families on lower incomes. This programme gives our children the opportunities in life they deserve." 

The Household Support Fund can also give families for free school meals supermarket vouchers worth £35 per child, and families with children under the age of five who receive housing benefit and/or council tax reduction can also receive this. 

This week is also Debt Awareness Week and Ealing Council are looking to give residents more information about how they can get on top of their finances. 

Leader of the council, Cllr Peter Mason says: "Global economic insecurity and high interest rates are having far-reaching and worrying consequences for Ealing residents.  

"We are aware of the strain that the spiralling cost of living crisis is having on Ealing households, but support is out there." 

Cabinet member for inclusive economy, Cllr Steve Donnelly added: "The cost-of-living crisis means that more people than ever are experiencing financial difficulty.  

"At the council, we are doing everything we can to support Ealing residents, so please do reach out for impartial, non-judgemental advice. You don't have to struggle with this alone." 

To find out more about the activities and things available for families over the school holidays, visit the council website.