Fun-times for nothing and the kids go free

CHARITY, Christians Against Poverty has produced a top-10 of money-saving ideas for families wanting to keep a close eye on the holiday purse-strings.

The charity with a centre in Ballymena helps people to escape the misery of spiralling debt and teaches people how to budget to avoid financial trouble.

Now it’s come up with a list of ideas in a bid to reduce the pressure on parents and ensure the younger members of the household enjoy the school break.

“A lot of people on low incomes really worry about the six weeks holiday and what they are going to do with the children while living on a budget,” said Valerie, the Ballymena centre manager.

“They feel a big pressure to entertain them but many of the big obvious attractions. Sadly, the weather plays its part too. When it’s wet, it’s much harder to keep it cheap but that’s when us parents have to have a few imaginative tricks up our sleeves.

“So, if you see it’s going to be a rainy week, get on the phone and sort out some play dates with friends – an afternoon shared is always more fun and your little one will probably get invited back and give you a bit of space.”

CAP is encouraging parents to spend some time researching the free activities on offer and having a store of ideas to help keep boredom at bay.

“Our best advice is plan ahead to see what your options are. You could also create a treats fund to remind everyone – including yourself – to take it steady and stick to the budget. It might event motivate older children to do a bit of car-washing for some extra cash!”

CAP’s Summer Top Ten

1.Find a quiet moment to compile a list of all the indoor things you could do with your child so even when you’re tired or busy, you can come up with something interesting – making pizzas? finger painting?

2.www.moneysavingexpert.com has a comprehensive list of all the free museums and art galleries – eat before you go or take sandwiches with you to cut costs.

3.See what your local council has on offer so you can make the most of any free entertainment eg watching a brass band or making a kite session in the local park and find out what your local libraries have on offer and when they are open.

4.DIY store B&Q are offering free “Kids Can Do It” sessions where children aged seven to 11 can make a nesting box, media storage unit or hedgehog house. Parents need to accompany them and book online and some stores seem to be offering more than others – but it’s a great free activity.

5.Never underestimate the power of a picnic! Keep it simple – an open space, a football, a friend or two and plenty to nibble on and you have the sort of day memories are made of.

6.British Gas are offering free swimming sessions – and you don’t have to even be a customer! Have a look at www.britishgasswimming.co.uk and book a session near you.

7.Get some ice lolly moulds and see what your offspring can do with a bit of juice or squash and some slices of fruit.

8.Get your wellies on and find some woods – check www.naturedetectives.org.uk for great free resources to print off, including information on spotting birds, trees and bugs.

9.Suggest a DVD evening for older children, make homemade popcorn and mocktails (non-alcoholic fruity drinks)

10.Twenty-two towns and cities will have the Olympic events on their BBC Big screens helping to engage the local community with London 2012 – go and watch for free OR hold your own Olympics with friends or neighbours and invent your own sports.

REMEMBER if money is tight because you have spiralling debts, get it sorted with Christians Against Poverty’s free service which is there to help anyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background. Visit www.capdebthelp.org or call the freephone helpline 0800 328 0006.