Support for Families

We are mindful of the pressures facing not only students but also their families, and want to ensure that they have the best possible access to information, whether this be through the school’s own services, or by directing them to appropriate external resources and support.

Food Banks

Even if you have never used a food bank before, you may find yourself currently needing help. This might be because you experienced unexpected changes or you are now experiencing difficulties due to the rise in cost of living. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing hardship which makes it hard to afford food, our local food banks may be able to help.

If you need a referral, please contact Ms Hammond, Student Welfare Officer

Email: hammonds@uffculmeschool.bep.ac

Cullompton and surrounding villages of Willand, Uffculme, Bradninch and Kentisbeare: People Matter is a group at St Andrew’s Church which organises the food bank serving these areas.

Phone: 01884 33249 (voicemail)
Email: peoplematter@standrewscullompton.com
Website: PeopleMatter

Tiverton and Surrounding Area: CHAT (Churches Housing Action Team)

Visit: CHAT, Coggan’s Well House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, EX16 6LU
between 9.30 and 12.30 Mon to Fri
Freephone: 0800 0590104
Website: CHAT MID

Taunton Area: Taunton Food Bank

Phone: 07761 624 216
Email: info@taunton.foodbank.org.uk
Website: Taunton Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

Free School Meals

Parents/Carers can claim free school meals for their children (if eligible) from Year 3 at Primary School and upwards.

To claim Free School Meals, parents should be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
Income Support (IS).
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA).
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (IRESA).
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs that does not exceed £16,190).
Working Tax Credit run-on (the payment you get for a further 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

In addition, children who receive a qualifying benefit in their own right can also get free school meals.

Please follow the links below to find out more:

for families living in Devon
Website - Free school meals - Support for schools (devon.gov.uk)
Phone - 0345 155 1019
for families living in Somerset
Website - Free school meals (somerset.gov.uk)
Phone - 0300 123 2224

Free School Meals Holiday Voucher Scheme

Devon County Council is supporting families of children who currently receive free school meals during term time with supermarket vouchers to help buy food during the October Half Term 2024. For more information please go here.

Universal Credit

Please note that from 1 April 2018, all children currently eligible for free school meals will continue to do so whilst Universal Credit is rolled out. This will apply even if their parents’ earnings rise above the new threshold during that time. In addition, any child who becomes eligible for free school meals after 1 April 2018 will be protected against losing these during the Universal Credit rollout period.

If you have any queries about Free School Meals, please contact the Finance Office on finance@uffculmeschool.bep.ac.

Devon HAF - Holiday and Activities Programme

The Holiday Activities and Food programme is being delivered by a number of different individuals and organisations across Devon including in Uffculme, Cullompton and Tiverton.

To access the programme, simply book a place through one of the providers listed on the webpage here

HAF providers – Easter 2024 – Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)

All clubs will be operating for a minimum of four hours, including a hot meal. Please note that booking details differ depending on each provider. The schemes are fully inclusive and accessible, so please discuss your child’s needs with your chosen provider.

Family Support

Colab Exeter run a full timetable of events and activities to support families. Please see the overview here and timetable here and for more information on Colab Exeter go to:

CoLab Exeter

Parental Minds

About Parental Minds:

Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health. They believe that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues; this under pins all their work.

The support includes Parent Support hubs in Honiton, Sidmouth and Exeter, plus resources and webinars for parents and carers.

Visit: Home - Parental Minds

WiserMoney - Financial Hardship & Debt Advice

Are you in financial distress due to losing your job, a relationship breakdown, mental ill health or other unexpected circumstances? You may be behind with bill payments, need help applying for benefits or have other worries about money.

For information about how WiserMoney can help please visit:
Website: NavigateCharity
Email: wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk
Phone: 01823 299050

Loan Sharks

Trading Standards have advised that in the current economic climate there has been an increase in loan shark activity and have they have received an increase in calls to their national hotline. The pandemic means that many may experience financial trouble. During times like these, people can be extremely vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of. If you're unsure of a lender, do not use them. The helpline is open 24/7 on 0300 555 2222

‘Stop Loan Sharks’ have put together a resource pack to help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Their resource pack can be found here

Action Fraud

Action Fraud has launched a national awareness campaign to urge the public to think twice before handing over money and personal information when booking holidays.

For information about how to avoid scams, or to report a scam of phishing attempt, visit Action Fraud or phone 0300 123 2040

Online Learning and Safety

Parent Zone

A hub of advice for families from Parent Zone’s experts. Wide range of articles including 'How to spot when your child needs emotional help' and recommendations for awesome games and fantastic You Tube Channels: Parent Zone – Parents' area

Screen Time and Other Internet Concerns

Many of our young people will have spent a lot of time on their electronic devices during lockdown and school closures. For many this has been a huge benefit as they have been able to keep up with school work and their friendships. If you are worried about the amount of time your child is still spending on their devices, Internet Matters offers lots of advice and information including age specific guides on managing screen time: Screen time advice for kids | Effects of screen time - Internet Matters

Useful Contacts

Papyrus UK - Support for young people thinking about suicide. Contact: HopeLine 0800 068 4141 or go to their website: Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)

Tiverton Youth Services and Virtual Youth Club Website: Tiverton — Space Youth Services

Child Bereavement UK Contact: 0800 02 888 40 or go to their website Child Bereavement UK

ChatHealth - a text service for young people aged 13-19 at secondary school to reach out to the School Nurse team for confidential advice on a wide range of issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health as well as illnesses. Contact: 07520 631722 or go to their website: Home Page - ChatHealth

Kooth - Online support including online counselling at: Home - Kooth

Young Devon - Face to face counselling (via video call at the moment) Contact: 07935 364 652 or email: yes.exeter@youngdevon.org or go to their website: Wellbeing | Young Devon

The Mix - safe and confidential group chat and discussion boards, plus messaging support service and telephone counselling for young people under 25. You can visit the website, call the freephone number, or if you need help immediately you can also text The Mix on their crisis messenger text service which provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258.0808 808 4994 (Freephone) or go to their website: The Mix - Essential support for under 25s

Young Minds - offers tips, advice and guidance on where to get support for your mental health during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They also have a crisis messenger providing free 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258, or go to their website at: YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

ChildLine - Contact: 0800 1111 (Phone lines open 24/7/365) or go to their website at: Childline | Childline (Note - ChildLine offers lots of helpful advice and support and isn’t just a ‘report it’ service)

School Nurse and Health Visiting HUB - support and advice available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, for parents and families. This is for both physical and mental health including support around anxiety and sleep. Contact: 0333 234 1903 or email easternphnhub@devon.gov.uk