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.

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.childcarechoices.gov.uk. 

Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme

For families eligible for Free School Meals. 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.  Find out more at www.togetherforchildren.org.uk/HAF. 

Reduced travel across the North East

Kids Go FREE in the Summer Holidays!!

Up to three kids aged 11 and under can travel for free on Metro and the Shields Ferry, all day, every day when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Between 19 July and 31 August 2025, kids can also travel free on local bus services operating within County Durham, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. Find out more at Nexus.

Adult single journey bus fares are capped at £2.50 and Under 21 single bus fares £1 or £3 for a day ticket for any travel within the region.

Household Support Fund

The council has been allocated a further round of Household Support Fund Grant Funding (HSF) - called HSF7 - by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). To find out more about the range of support it provides to local residents, visit Household Support 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.