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If you need to make the pennies stretch further for the next few weeks, there are plenty of free activities taking place to keep the children entertained.
Here’s a round-up of what’s coming up:
- Free ParkPlay sessions have launched in North Somerset. Play and muck about with family and friends and make new friends from noon to 1.30pm every Saturday at Ellenborough Park West, in Weston-super-Mare. Follow on Facebook for the latest updates.
- Live entertainment, games, magic and more is coming to Shipham next Tuesday (15 August), during Party in the Park, The free fun, at Shipham Village Hall, is on from 11am to 2pm.
- Does your child love daleks or is a Transformer fan? Get close to some of your favourite characters in the Sovereign, Weston-super-Mare, from 11am to 1pm next Wednesday (16 August).
- Everyone is invited to a free community picnic in Weston-super-Mare, on Thursday 24 August. The Purple Sheep Pantry picnic is being held at the Vintage Church Hall, in Hughenden Road, from noon to 2pm. Bring your own picnic (plastic free if possible). Drinks and cakes will be served in the hall and some activities may be available. Tickets are free but book online in advance.
- A festival of fun, music and food for all the family returns to Nailsea on Saturday 26 August. Enjoy the fun at Trendlewood Community Festival from 11.30am to 6.30pm in the grounds of Golden Valley School. The well-loved festival is now in its 10th anniversary year. The not-for-profit event started in 2013 to bring the community together and has continued to grow. Enjoy food and drink, static car display, market stalls and music on the main stage.
- Does your child love the police? Visitors can try on a uniform and sit in marked cars during the Police Engagement Day, from 10am to 3pm on Friday 1 September, at Castle Batch Children’s Centre in Bishop Avenue, Worle, Weston-super-Mare. Workshops will also take place throughout the day, with a free hotdog and refreshment for those who attend one. The Cyber Security Team will be running online safety workshops for five to 12-year-olds all day. There will also be 45-minute workshops on exploitation and grooming, for both children and parents.
- It’s not too late to join this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. The popular scheme, produced by The Reading Agency, is open for children aged four to 11 and available through our libraries. Children have until Saturday 9 September to read or listen to six books of their choice. Free sport-themed art and craft activities are also being held throughout our libraries to coincide with the reading challenge. Visit the North Somerset Council website to find out what else is on or follow the library team on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
- Explore local history when the popular Heritage Open Days returns from Friday 8 to Sunday 17 September. Visit the Heritage Open Days website for the full list of events.
- High flying thrills and a riot of music and comedy can be enjoyed when the free Whirligig Festival of Outdoor Arts returns on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. See mesmerising performances in the Italian Gardens, with additional activities in the High Street, seafront and at Marine Lake. A Climate Carnival kicks off the two-day event, an environmentally-themed community parade. The weekend also includes a ‘You Shrine’ pop-up photo installation celebrating the people of Weston, a kaleidoscopic nod to the Beatles visit to the town 60 years ago, and artist Luke Jerram’s immersive and thought-provoking artwork ‘Crossings’ at Marine Lake.
Help if you’re struggling
Interest rates went up again last week but help is available if you’re worried about soaring prices and bills.
If the continued high price of food is your main worry, guidance and advice is available in the benefits section of our website.
Money Saving Central has updated its list of supermarkets and restaurants where children can eat for a £1 until September.
Links to local community fridges for discounted food are also available on the Better Health North Somerset website.
With the new school year just a few weeks away, Hope Uniform Exchange in Weston-super-Mare runs regular table-top sales of second-hand uniforms.
It also shares details of events and activities on its Facebook page.
Also look on your local buy, sell, swap websites or Facebook pages for second-hand school uniforms, as parents may be making donations.
Citizens Advice North Somerset can give free, impartial and confidential advice if you’re struggling with the cost of living.
There’s been a big increase in the number of people contacting them for advice and they’re doing their best to see, speak to, and email as many people as they can.
GPs, health visitors, social workers and family support workers can also offer food bank vouchers so if you can’t contact Citizen’s Advice, get in touch with the Help Through Hardship helpline on 0808 208 2138 (open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays).
If you need to start a new claim for Universal Credit, contact the national Citizens Advice Help to Claim team directly.
Find a round-up of advice and guidance on our website or follow #NorthSomersetTogether on our Facebook or Twitter pages.