For many children, summer is a time of freedom, adventure, and happy memories. But for families already struggling to make ends meet, the school holidays can bring extra pressure, with higher food costs, childcare expenses, and the challenge of keeping children occupied throughout the long break.
Our Special Projects Manager Jo Moon explains how we’re supporting children and families living in poverty during the summer, helping them to navigate tough financial challenges and create lasting memories.
Our research shows that over 1 in 4 children in the UK live in poverty, meaning many can miss out on summer activities because of financial pressures at home, limiting opportunities to build up their confidence, wellbeing, and development.
That's why the Barnardo's Child Poverty Fund is so important. Since November 2024, our fund has helped meet the often-urgent needs of children and families supported through our services, reaching over 33,000 people across the UK.
What support looks like through our Child Poverty Fund
Our support could be as fundamental as helping a family to put food on the table. During the summer holidays, it can also help ease the specific pressures families face when schools close.
Last summer, nearly a quarter of funding helped children to enjoy activities and experiences, while we also offered significant support towards school uniforms, shoes, and food costs.
Our targeted support helps parents stay in work, makes sure children can take part in activities alongside their peers, and gives families greater confidence that they can meet the costs of everyday essentials.
We help provide practical relief when it's needed most, alongside creating opportunities for children to build confidence, make memories, and enjoy the experiences every child deserves.
Creating memories that last for families like Lisa's
Last year, our Child Poverty Fund helped mum-of-two Lisa to purchase camping equipment so she could take her children on holiday together for the first time. A tent, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and other essentials made it possible for the family to enjoy a low-cost break and create memories that would otherwise have been out of reach.
For Lisa, this wasn't simply about receiving practical help.
The support lifted mine and my children's spirits so much. It gave me hope—because sometimes I do feel hopeless trying to make ends meet.
Lisa
mum of two
Together, Lisa and her children learned how to pitch a tent, built a campfire, and spent time outdoors enjoying each other's company away from the pressures of daily life. What might seem like a simple weekend away became a treasured family experience.
I can't remember the last time I felt so happy. And I saw that happiness in my kids as well. They just lit up and I could tell they saw a change in me.
Lisa
mum of two
Our support also created something lasting. Lisa and her children have continued planning future camping trips together, turning a one-off intervention into an opportunity for ongoing family experiences and connection.
How we’re supporting families across the UK
In Northern Ireland, we helped Nadine, a single parent of three, with food shopping, school shoes, and back-to-school supplies during a period of financial pressure. Our support also helped her children to enjoy bowling, swimming, and trips out together as a family during the summer holidays.
The support from the fund has made a big difference. I was dreading the summer holidays coming up because of the financial side of things. But with this support, I've been able to buy food shopping and take the kids on days out that we wouldn't have otherwise been able to do.
Nadine
mum of three
For Nadine, the support eased immediate financial pressures while also helping her children stay active, build confidence, and create lasting memories over the summer break.
In Essex, our Child Poverty Fund also helped 11-year-old Elena receive a new bicycle, which is helping her to get more physically active and spend more time outdoors. For her mum, Abeni, the support gave Elena new opportunities to build skills and confidence.
Not only has it helped her build her cycling skills, it's also helped increase her confidence and transformed other areas of her life.
Abeni
Elena's mum
Looking beyond the numbers
While we're proud to have supported thousands of families last summer, the true impact goes far beyond the numbers.
It's found in a family's first camping trip together. In the relief of a parent who no longer has to choose between school uniforms and groceries. In the moments of joy, connection, and opportunity that every child deserves.
Through the Barnardo's Child Poverty Fund, we're helping families meet urgent needs and navigate some of the toughest financial challenges they face. But we're also helping children build confidence, stay connected, try new experiences, and create lasting memories.
And that's what we’re all about. Changing childhoods and changing lives, one family at a time. Wherever you are, and whenever you need us.
I’m looking for support with being a parent or carer
Family life can be full of moments that make you smile, as well as times that test your patience or leave you searching for answers. That’s why we’ve created our Family Space, a place for parents and carers like you to get advice and guidance from our specialists.
Worried about money?
If you or someone you care about is struggling to afford the essentials, like heating, food or rent, you're not alone. Whether it’s rising food and energy bills or a sudden change in income, financial pressure can affect anyone.
Your donation helps change a life
Thanks to donations like yours, we could help make sure families get the support they need—whether it’s helping them put food on the table, keeping the electricity on so they can stay warm, or organising special days out for them to enjoy as a family.