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Days Left to Apply for 30 Hours Free Childcare in England
Attention, working parents: the clock is ticking. If you’re aiming to benefit from the expanded 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme for your child in September, your application must land by Sunday, 31st August 2025, just three days from now. No exceptions. What’s Changed? From September 2025, eligible working parents in England will receive 30 hours

What you’ll learnWhat’s Changed?Who Qualifies?Why You MUST Apply by This Sunday What to Do by SundayRead full guide
A Guide to Early Years Pupil Premium and Disability Access Funding
As a parent, you naturally want your child to have the best possible start in life, especially when it comes to their education. What many families don’t realise is that financial support is available to help early years providers offer extra help to children who may need it. Two key forms of support available in

What you’ll learnWhat Is the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)?Who Can Get EYPP?How to Apply for EYPP What Is the Disability Access Fund (DAF)?Read full guide
Help with Costs School Uniforms and How to Get
School uniforms can help create a sense of community and equality among pupils, but for many families, the cost can be a real concern. Fortunately, there are rules in place to keep school uniforms affordable, and in some cases, financial help is available. This guide will help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the support

What you’ll learnWho Decides the School Uniform?Making Uniforms Affordable Help with Uniform Costs: What Support Is Available?In EnglandRead full guide
How to Access the School Milk Subsidy Scheme
A Guide for Schools and Providers The School Milk Subsidy Scheme helps reduce the cost of milk and eligible dairy products for schoolchildren in England and Wales. If you’re a school, local authority, or milk supplier, this scheme can help you provide milk at a lower price, or even for free, especially for younger pupils.

What you’ll learnWhat Is the School Milk Subsidy Scheme?Who Can Apply?Who Is Eligible for Subsidised Milk?Which Products Are Eligible?Read full guide
Finding Help for Mental Health and Addiction
A Guide to Support Services Across the UK Mental health difficulties and addiction can affect anyone, at any time. You don’t have to face these challenges alone, there are many support options across the UK to help you on your journey to recovery and wellbeing. How to Find Local Mental Health Support If you’re struggling

What you’ll learnHow to Find Local Mental Health Support NHS & National Services England ScotlandRead full guide
Getting Mental Health Support Through NHS 24 and Local Authority Hubs
A UK Guide Mental health difficulties can affect people of any age or background, whether it’s anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or something else. You are not alone, and you do not have to cope without support. Across the UK there are services through the NHS, local authorities and community organisations. This guide focuses

What you’ll learnWhat is a Mental Health Support Hub?Mental Health Support Across the UK What Can Local Mental Health Support Hubs Offer?Accessibility and Inclusive SupportRead full guide
Understanding NHS Talking Therapies and Mental Health Support in the UK
Mental health affects every part of our lives, and getting help early can make a real difference. Across the UK, free and confidential NHS mental health services are available to support you, whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional distress. This guide explains what NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression (formerly IAPT)

What you’ll learnWhat Are NHS Talking Therapies?How to Access Support Types of Therapy Available Employment SupportRead full guide
Child Online Safety: Ensuring Age-Appropriate Content for Young Users
With children spending more time online than ever before, ensuring that the digital environment is safe and age-appropriate is a growing priority. Whether you’re a digital service provider, educator, or parent, protecting children from harmful or unsuitable content is crucial. This guide outlines key responsibilities for businesses and online platforms, additional considerations for younger children,

What you’ll learnWhy Age-Appropriate Content Matters What Online Services and Businesses Should Do Extra Steps for Services Used by Under-13s How to Go Above and BeyondRead full guide
Understanding Addiction and How to Get Help
A Guide to Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services Addiction affects millions of people and can take many forms, from drugs and alcohol to behaviours like gambling, internet use, or even work. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, it’s important to know that help is available and recovery is possible. What

What you’ll learnWhat is Addiction?Causes and Effects of Addiction Recognising You Need Help Getting Help: Where to StartRead full guide
Carers and Families
All 2026 Benefit Changes in One Guide Many families worry about how each new financial year will affect their benefits.The good news is that most changes in 2026 build on existing support rather than removing it. From the Carer’s Allowance uprating to the childcare expansion scheme and higher Universal Credit child elements, the government’s April

What you’ll learn1. Carer’s Allowance: Higher Rate and Updated Earnings Limit For carers of disabled children:2. Universal Credit: Family and Child Element Increases Universal Credit Child ElementsRead full guide
National Digital Inclusion Network
Supporting Communities to Get Online The internet is now essential for everyday life, from applying for jobs and accessing benefits to managing money and staying in touch with loved ones. Yet millions of people across the UK remain digitally excluded due to a lack of access, devices, skills, or confidence. The National Digital Inclusion Network

What you’ll learnWhat Is the National Digital Inclusion Network?Why Is Digital Inclusion Important?What Digital Inclusion Hubs Offer Key Services Delivered by the NetworkRead full guide
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme offers essential parking concessions for people with disabilities, helping them maintain independence by making it easier to access shops, services, and community facilities. What Is the Blue Badge Scheme? The Blue Badge can be used when the disabled person is travelling, whether they’re driving or travelling as a passenger. It lets

What you’ll learnWhat Is the Blue Badge Scheme?Eligibility Your Responsibilities as a Badge Holder How to Use and Display the BadgeRead full guide
Helping Your Child Thrive with the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible start in life, and that includes their early education. What many families don’t realise is that financial support is available to help nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders give children a stronger foundation before they start school. One valuable form of support in England is

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Support for Children with Disabilities
What You Need to Know About the Disability Access Fund (DAF) If your child has a disability, it’s important they receive the support they need to take part in early education confidently and comfortably. That’s where the Disability Access Fund (DAF) comes in. This government grant helps early years providers create a more inclusive environment

What you’ll learnWhat You Need to Know About the Disability Access Fund (DAF)Read full guide
Healthy Start: Help to Buy Nutritious Food and Get Free Vitamins
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you might qualify for Healthy Start, a government scheme that helps low-income families buy healthy food, infant formula, and vitamins. This support can make a real difference to your family’s health, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.

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Cost of Living Support for Disabled People and People with Health Conditions
If you’re living with a disability or a long term health condition, you may be entitled to a range of benefits, financial help, and support services to help with the rising cost of living. Whether you’re working, caring for someone, or managing daily life on a low income, there are options to ease the pressure.

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School Uniforms: A Guide for Families
School uniforms are designed to promote a sense of community and equality among pupils. But for many families, buying uniforms every year, especially if you have more than one child, can put real pressure on the household budget. The good news is that schools are legally required to keep uniforms affordable, and financial help is

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Scope and UK Power Networks Host Disability Summit in London
Collaborate. Challenge. Change. Reflections on the Disability and Utilities Summit in London Earlier this month, we joined disability equality charity Scope along with UK Power Networks at a landmark summit in London, a gathering designed to challenge the way the utilities sector supports disabled customers. We attended as Consumer Rights CIC to shine a light

What you’ll learnReflections on the Disability and Utilities Summit in LondonRead full guide
Free School Transport, What Parents Need to Know
Many parents face the challenge of arranging safe and affordable travel for their children. Fortunately, if you live in England, Wales, or Scotland, your child may be entitled to free school transport, but the rules can be confusing. This guide breaks down who qualifies, how to apply, and what to do if you’re refused.

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Free School Meals in England
Who Qualifies and How to Apply Free school meals are an important source of support for families across England, ensuring children have access to healthy, nutritious meals every school day. If you’re not sure whether your child is eligible or how to apply, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What you’ll learnWho Qualifies and How to ApplyRead full guide
The Free Childcare Expansion Scheme Starting September 2025
The Free Childcare Expansion scheme provides increased access to funded childcare, helping families manage childcare expenses and support parents or guardians in work or education. This initiative aims to offer broader childcare opportunities, facilitating improved early childhood education and family financial stability. Eligibility for Free Childcare Eligibility criteria typically include: Child age requirements, usually between

What you’ll learnEligibility for Free Childcare Available Childcare Hours Application Process Maintaining EligibilityRead full guide
Poor mental health and long waits for support are fuelling school absence
Growing levels of school absence are being exacerbated by poor mental health among young people, made worse by poverty and long waits for support, according to a new report. This report, Not in School: The Mental Health Barriers to School Attendance, compiled by the Centre for Mental Health and the Children & Young People’s Mental

What you’ll learnSoaring school absences Young people’s mental health has got worseRead full guide
How beneficial is it to manage your health via the NHS App?
Technology and Apps are key tools in disseminating information to users. As smartphones are predominantly our go-to source for information it makes perfect sense that we should also be able to access our health information in this way. This is backed up by the latest report from The Patient Coalition for AI, Data and Digital

What you’ll learnGPs prevent access to health records A fifth rarely or never use the NHS App A third do not want to engage with technologyRead full guide
£4.65 million for bus operators to help disabled passengers
Disabled consumers will be able to enjoy travelling with small buses and coach operators as funding is now available for them to install high-quality and accessible announcements. Known as the Accessible Information Grant, this £4.65 million funding is now available to ensure they can also become compliant before the October 2025 deadline. This funding is

What you’ll learnUnlocking opportunities for those with sight loss The right to rideRead full guide
Residents live with fungi growing and children living in damp and mould
Social Housing is supposed to play an important role in providing safe and secure housing. Yet for four families this was not the case as the Housing Ombudsman made four severe maladministration findings against the Guinness Partnership, with vulnerable children living in damp and mould for 3 years and another resident with mushrooms growing in

What you’ll learnFailure to fix a roof Mushrooms growing in a bedroom Children sleeping in damp and mould Repairs not done 14 months laterRead full guide
Celebrities and influencers join forces to tackle loneliness
The next phase of the Every Mind Matters campaign, addressing the stigma of loneliness in young people, is being tackled by the Government with the assistance of TV personalities and social media influencers. Research shows that 16 to 24-year-olds are the loneliest age group and are also the least likely to take action to help

What you’ll learnThe next phase of the digital-led campaign Loneliness. It’s a part of life. Let’s talk about it Causes of loneliness Better Health: Every Mind MattersRead full guide
Families will save money using energy-saving practices
The campaign debuts new energy-saving ideas for families and £150 in warm home discount assistance for the most disadvantaged. Families can now obtain simple energy-saving recommendations as the government partners with Amazon Alexa to relaunch a public information campaign that saved British families an estimated £120 million last winter. Anyone asking Alexa how to cut

What you’ll learnThis experience will be available through the Alexa app on Amazon Echo & mobile devices.Advice is available online through the help for households website.Six activities may save a household up to £100 on their energy bill.Since its inception in October 2021, the Household Support Fund has made 26 million awards.Read full guide
Age UK’s digital instruction materials
The internet can be confusing, but Age UK‘s digital step-by-step guides can help you understand it. These guides are for you if you’re a service provider looking for an additional helpful resource when delivering sessions, a friend or family member of someone wishing to get online, or if you’d like to get online independently but

What you’ll learnChoosing your apparatus Increasing your device’s usability Establishing a connection to the internet Email sending and receiving.Read full guide
Hungry Children In the UK Doubled in the Past Year
In the face of increased hunger, support for expanding free school lunches to struggling families surges. New data reveals that the number of hungry children in the UK has nearly doubled in the past year to over 4 million, increasing pressure on politicians to expand the provision of free school meals to struggling families. In January,

What you’ll learnIn January, 22% of households, up from 12% on the same date in 2022, reported skipping meals, going hungry, or not eating for an entire day.To reduce the cost-of-living issue for low-income families, there has been renewed political interest in expanding eligibility for free school meals.After energy expenses, the soaring cost of putting food on the table is now the greatest single strain on the budgets of low-income households.Read full guide
Hidden Food Project feeds Gwynedd families
Local Bangor man helps Gwynedd’s most vulnerable by providing essential food parcels. There is no doubt locals in Bangor are familiar with Bwyd Da, the coffee shop based in central Bangor, which offers amazing food with a great ambience. However, most people are unaware of the hidden gem underneath. This warm welcoming cafe provides those

What you’ll learnInterview With Steve from Bwyd Da The Trussell Trust Food Surplus Club Consumer Rights visit to Bwyd DaRead full guide
The Devastating Effects of the Cost of Living Crisis on Children and Families in the UK
New research reveals the alarming effects of the UK’s rising cost of living on children and families. Some parents face the threat of homelessness as they struggle to sustain their children and keep their homes warm. This article investigates the crisis, its effects, and possible solutions. Parental Struggles and Rising Costs As the cost of

What you’ll learnParental Struggles and Rising Costs Personal Accounts of Families in Struggle Government Reaction and Future Budget Regional Variations and Demographic EffectsRead full guide
Understanding Childcare Costs and Benefits in the UK
Costs associated with child care can be challenging for many families. There are numerous government initiatives and benefits in the UK designed to alleviate the financial burden of childcare. This article will discuss these programmes, their eligibility requirements and application procedures and provide additional resources to help you maximise the available support. Available Benefits for

What you’ll learnEligibility:Free Childcare for Fifteen Hours (in England only)Child Benefit Universal Credit Support for ChildcareRead full guide
Over 8 Million Families to Receive New Cost of Living Payment
Over eight million families in the UK will continue to receive direct financial assistance from the government. A full breakdown of the Cost of Living and Disability Payment recipients by the local authority and parliamentary constituency has been released. After confirming the payment schedule for five costs of living payments through the 2023/24 fiscal year, the Department

What you’ll learn“These payments are the next phase of the substantial support we provide during this difficult time.”Read full guide
The Mental Health Of Welsh Residents Is Affected By The Cost Of Living
Almost half of British adults are troubled by money concerns. The cost of living problem negatively impacts the mental health of nearly half of all adults in the UK, with the Welsh being the unhappiest. 61% of respondents in Wales reported that their present financial condition negatively impacted their mental health. Compared to 48% in Scotland and 47% in England.

What you’ll learn61% of the Welsh population reported that their present financial condition was detrimental to their mental health.“This is money that helps individuals remain afloat,” he said.Read full guide
The Disturbing Truth Behind Britain’s “Warm Banks”
A few short months ago, the concept of areas where people could go to get away from their frigid homes was regarded with skepticism. Now, young families, restaurant employees, and even a former cleaner for the NHS are taking refuge in a library in Suffolk. Carla Francesca, who is 41 years old and has a two-year-old daughter,

What you’ll learnA decade ago, the concept of food banks was foreign to most people.Local governments across the US collaborate with charitable organizations to provide “warm places” in public venues.On the library shelves, cardboard boxes with free menstrual products have been tucked in between the book displays to make it easy for visitors to help themselves.“If it’s nothing more than a warm room, no one is going to come,” they said.Read full guide