Navigating Everyday Worries - NENC
Everyday life can bring challenges - be it financial pressures, behavioral concerns, or emotional well-being.
This section offers guidance and resources to help you navigate these issues, providing advice and support to manage daily stresses and improve your family's overall well-being.
When should you worry?
12-18 months
12-18 MONTHS
Contact your health visitor or GP if your baby is 12-18 months and they…
- Have lost skills which they could do before
- Feel very stiff, for example:
- Hold their arms and legs in the same position, such as always pulling their arm to their chest, or always crossing their legs
- Find it difficult to change their position on their own
- You find it difficult to move your baby’s arms or legs, making it tricky to change their nappy or clothes
- Feel very floppy when they are awake
- Move their arms or legs in repetitive, jerky, or strange ways
- Use one side of their body more than the other, for example:
- Lean to the side when they sit
- Drag their leg or foot when crawling or walking
- Use one arm to pull to stand more than the other
- Rarely use one of their arms to pick up toys, or eat and drink
- Finds it hard to stand or walk, for example:
- Can’t pull to stand
- Fall over a lot when standing still
- Doesn’t cruise (walk while holding on to furniture)
- Walk on their tiptoes a lot
18-24 months
18-24 MONTHS
Contact your health visitor or GP if your baby is 18-24 months and they…
- Have lost skills which they could do before
- Feel very stiff, for example:
- Hold their arms and legs in the same position, such as always pulling their arm to their chest, or always crossing their legs
- Find it difficult to change their position on their own
- You find it difficult to move your baby’s arms or legs, making it tricky to change their nappy or clothes
- Feel very floppy when they are awake
- Move their arms or legs in repetitive, jerky, or strange ways
- Use one side of their body more than the other, for example:
- Lean to the side when they sit
- Drag their leg or foot when crawling or walking
- Use one arm to pull to stand more than the other
- Rarely use one of their arms to pick up toys, or eat and drink
- Find it hard to balance when standing still, or fall over a lot
- Can’t walk by themselves
- Walk on their tiptoes a lot
- Are suddenly unsteady when walking
2 years
2 YEARS
Contact your health visitor or GP if your baby is 2 years and they…
- Have lost skills which they could do before
- Feel very stiff, for example:
- Hold their arms and legs in the same position, such as always pulling their arm to their chest, or always crossing their legs
- Find it difficult to change their position on their own
- You find it difficult to move your child’s arms or legs, making it tricky to change their nappy or clothes
- Feel very floppy when awake
- Move their arms or legs in repetitive, jerky, or strange ways
- Use one side of their body more than the other, for example:
- Lean to the side when they sit
- Drag one leg or foot behind them when crawling or walking
- Rarely use one of their arms to play, eat and drink
- Find it hard to balance when standing still or fall over a lot
- Can’t walk by themselves
- Mostly walk on their tiptoes
- Are suddenly unsteady when walking
- Haven’t started to run
- Move from laying down or sitting to standing by using their hands to push off the ground, and “walk” their hands up their legs until they are standing
3 years
3 YEARS
Contact your health visitor or GP if your baby is 3 years and they…
- Have lost skills which they could do before
- Feel very stiff, for example:
- Hold their arms and legs in the same position, such as always pulling their arm to their chest, or always crossing their legs
- Find it difficult to change their position on their own
- You find it difficult to move your child’s arms or legs, making it tricky to change their clothes
- Feel very floppy when awake
- Move their arms or legs in repetitive, jerky, or strange ways
- Use one side of their body more than the other, for example:
- Lean to the side when they sit
- Drag one leg or foot behind them when walking
- Rarely uses one of their arms to play, eat and drink
- Find it hard to balance when standing still or fall over a lot
- Can’t walk by themselves
- Mostly walk on their tiptoes
- Are suddenly unsteady when walking
- Have not started to jump or run
- Move from laying down or sitting to standing by using their hands to push off the ground, and “walk” their hands up their legs until they are standing
4 years
4 YEARS
Contact your health visitor or GP if your baby is 4 years and they…
- Have lost skills which they could do before
- Feel very stiff, for example:
- Hold their arms and legs in the same position, such as always pulling their arm to their chest, or always crossing their legs
- Find it difficult to change their position on their own
- Find it tricky to change their clothes
- Feel very floppy when awake
- Move their arms or legs in repetitive, jerky, or strange ways
- Use one side of their body more than the other, for example:
- Lean to the side when they sit
- Drag one leg or foot behind them when walking
- Rarely use one of their arms to play, eat and drink
- Find it hard to balance when standing still
- Suddenly become unsteady when walking
- Find it hard going upstairs or uphill
- Trip or fall a lot
- Walk on tiptoes most of the time
- Feel pain in their arms or legs
- Move from laying down or sitting on the floor to standing by using their hands to push off the ground, and “walk” their hands up their legs until they are standing.
5 years
5 YEARS
Contact your health visitor or GP if your baby is 5 years and they…
- Have lost skills which they could do before
- Feel very stiff, for example:
- Hold their arms and legs in the same position, such as always pulling their arm to their chest, or always crossing their legs
- Find it difficult to change their position on their own
- Find it tricky to change their clothes
- Feel very floppy when awake
- Move their arms or legs in repetitive, jerky, or strange ways
- Use one side of their body more than the other, for example:
- Lean to the side when they sit
- Drag one leg or foot behind them when walking
- Rarely uses one of their arms to play, eat and drink
- Find it hard to balance, or trip or fall a lot
- Persistently walk on tiptoes
- Suddenly become unsteady when walking
- Feel pain in their arms or legs
- Move from laying or sitting on the floor to standing by using their hands to push off the ground, and “walk” their hands up their legs until they are standing.
15 months
Your Child By Fifteen Months
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
- Shows you an object she likes
- Claps when excited
- Hugs stuffed doll or other toy
- Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)
Language/Communication Milestones
- Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
- Looks at a familiar object when you name it
- Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, he gives you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
- Points to ask for something or to get help
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
- Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Takes a few steps on his own
- Uses fingers to feed herself some food
18 months
Your Child By Eighteen Months
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
- Points to show you something interesting
- Puts hands out for you to wash them
- Looks at a few pages in a book with you
- Helps you dress him by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot
Language/Communication Milestones
- Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
- Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
- Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
- Scribbles
- Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
- Feeds himself with his fingers
- Tries to use a spoon
- Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help
2 years
Your Child By Two Years
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
- Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation
Language/Communication Milestones
- Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
- Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
- Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you
- Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
- Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
- Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Kicks a ball
- Runs
- Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
- Eats with a spoon
2.5 years
Your Child By Thirty Months
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
- Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!”
- Follows simple routines when told, like helping to pick up toys when you say, “It’s clean-up time.”
Language/Communication Milestones
- Says about 50 words
- Says two or more words together, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
- Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
- Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
- Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
- Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.”
- Shows he knows at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
- Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket
- Jumps off the ground with both feet
- Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to her
3 years
Your Child By Three Years
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
- Notices other children and joins them to play
Language/Communication Milestones
- Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
- Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
- Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
- Says first name, when asked
- Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Draws a circle, when you show him how
- Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
- Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
- Uses a fork
4 years
Your Child By Four Years
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)
- Asks to go play with children if none are around, like “Can I play with Alex?”
- Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
- Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground
- Likes to be a “helper”
- Changes behavior based on where she is (place of worship, library, playground)
Language/Communication Milestones
- Says sentences with four or more words
- Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme
- Talks about at least one thing that happened during her day, like “I played soccer.”
- Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Names a few colors of items
- Tells what comes next in a well-known story
- Draws a person with three or more body parts
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Catches a large ball most of the time
- Serves herself food or pours water, with adult supervision
- Unbuttons some buttons
- Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)
5 years
Your Child By Five Years
Social/Emotional Milestones
- Follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children
- Sings, dances, or acts for you
- Does simple chores at home, like matching socks or clearing the table after eating
Language/Communication Milestones
- Tells a story she heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it
- Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to him
- Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges
- Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall)
Cognitive Milestones (learning, thinking, problem-solving)
- Counts to 10
- Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
- Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night”
- Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For example, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count)
- Writes some letters in her name
- Names some letters when you point to them
Movement/Physical Development Milestones
- Buttons some buttons
- Hops on one foot
Advice and Guidance
Damp and mould
Children living in a damp home are up to 3 times more likely to have breathing problems. Damp can cause mould to grow on the walls. Mould is a type of fungus. If you have got mould at home, you will probably notice fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, ceilings or tiles. It might smell damp and musty.
Mould is more common in homes which need repairs. You might notice it’s more damp and mouldy in bathrooms or kitchens because of condensation from washing and cooking. Condensation happens when water in the air comes into contact with a cold surface e.g. wall or window.
Why are damp and mould a problem for asthma?
Asthma and Lung UK describe how living in a damp, mouldy home is not good for your child's asthma.
- Mould produces spores which can be breathed in. If your child is allergic to mould spores they might have symptoms like coughing, wheezing, sneezing or watery eyes. It could trigger their asthma symptoms.
- Damp and mouldy housing can put your child more at risk of other things that can make their asthma worse like chest infections, colds and flu, and rhinitis (irritated nose).
- Dust mites are more of a problem in homes that are damp and warm.
What to do if you’ve got damp and mould at home
It is best to act quickly to sort out the problem before it gets worse. You need to:
- Deal with the damp. Find out what’s causing the damp, such as leaks, or condensation from cooking, showering or drying clothes indoors.
- Report any repairs needed or leaks, or problems with mould. If you’re living in social housing then contact your housing association or local authority. If you’re renting privately, Shelter have information about talking to your landlord/landlady. They provide further advice if your private landlord won’t do repairs.
- Get support if you are struggling to keep your home warm and dry. Citizen’s Advice offer advice on grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills and on switching energy supplier. You may be able to access support from affordable warmth services in your local area such as help with repairing your boiler if you are on a low income. The affordable warmth webpage gives contact details for services available to people living in West Yorkshire. Visit our page on keeping your home warm for further advice.
- Deal with the mould. Don’t try and get rid of any mould by yourself if you have asthma that is triggered by mould. Ask a friend to help. Get a mould removal specialist or builder in if the mould covers more than 1 square metre or if it is caused by problems with the building itself or sewage.
5 top tips to reduce damp in your home from Asthma and Lung UK
- Open windows and doors so air can move around. Be careful on high pollen or high pollution days if these are triggers
- Try to avoid drying clothes indoors. If you have nowhere else to dry them, open a window if you can
- Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom. Open a window when cooking or after a shower or bath
- Close the door of the room you are in if you are cooking or showering to prevent condensation in other rooms
- Try to keep your home at a good background temperature so it never gets too cold. At least 15 degrees in all rooms
Tips for treating mould in your home
- Remove the cause of the damp
- Clean off mould using a mould spray e.g. containing bleach
- Leave to dry overnight and then spray the area with an anti fungal wash following the manufacturers instructions
- Redecorate using mould-resistant paint
Further information and support
Advice on condensation, damp and mould from the centre for sustainable energy.
Shelter provide advice on damp in rented homes and what to do if it is affecting your families health.
Asthma UK also provide advice about mould and damp.
Home energy saving tips from Groundwork’s Green Doctor energy efficiency experts give tips on setting your storage heater to save money, reducing energy costs from appliances within your home, saving money by adjusting your hot water temperature, using programmers and thermostats to make sure you aren’t wasting heat, draught proofing to save money and keep warm, and installing radiator foil to keep heat in.
UK Gov guidance on understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home
Housing
A child’s health and education can suffer if they do not have a safe and warm home.
No one wants to live in a damp, mouldy or cold home. You can ask the council for help if your landlord won’t deal with repairs or bad conditions in your home.
Damp and Mould
Children living in a damp home are up to 3 times more likely to have breathing problems. The most common cause of damp is condensation. Condensation happens when water in the air comes into contact with a cold surface e.g. wall or window.
Sometimes damp/mould happens when a house needs repairs e.g. a leaking pipe. First try to find out what is causing the damp and fix the problem. You may need advice from a damp specialist or a builder.
Tips to reduce damp in your home:
- Dry clothes outside or use a vented tumble dryer
- Keep lids on pans when cooking
- Use an extractor fan when cooking or showering
- Keep the kitchen or bathroom door closed and open a window so that moist air goes outside
- Let fresh air circulate by leaving a gap between walls and furniture
- Heat your home a little more if possible as very cold rooms are more likely to get damp or mouldy. It helps to keep your home above 15 degrees
- Wipe down damp windows with a cloth and wring it out (don’t dry it on a radiator)
- Open bedroom windows for 5-10 minutes every morning
- Insulate your home e.g. your loft
- Draft proof your doors
Damp can cause mould to grow on the walls. Mould is a type of fungus. Mould produces spores which your child can breathe in. This may worsen asthma
Tips for treating mould in your home:
- Remove the cause of the damp
- Clean off mould using a mould spray e.g. containing bleach
- Leave to dry overnight and then spray the area with an anti fungal wash following the manufacturers instructions
- Redecorate using mould-resistant paint
What to do about damp and mould if you rent
Tell your landlord if you have damp especially if it is affecting your child’s health.
Further information and support:
Advice on condensation, damp and mould from the centre for sustainable energy.
Shelter provide advice on damp in rented homes and what to do if it is affecting your health.
You may also be able to get a housing assessment from your local council. You can find contact information in the Local Support and Contact Details section below.
Asthma UK also provide advice about mould and damp.
Heating
Children living in cold homes are twice as likely to have breathing problems such as asthma.
Some families need to make hard decisions about whether to buy things like food or use that money to heat their home..
Visit our section on keeping your home warm below
See our local area support lists for more information
Pests (rats/insects)
Problems with your home can sometimes lead to pests e.g. ants, rats, mites and bedbugs.
It isn’t always clear who is responsible for dealing with pests. Your landlord will probably be responsible if the problem has happened because repairs are needed, for example fixing holes in the wall.
You might be responsible for dealing with the problem if it was caused by something you did, for example not disposing of rubbish properly.
Tips for avoiding rats:
- Block up gaps around pipes
- Repair holes in the pointing
- Keep rubbish in your bin and avoid it overflowing
- Don’t leave bin bags outside
- Don’t feed the birds as it will also attract rats and mice
Check if your local council provides a pest control service. Those that don’t should still be able to provide you with some advice. You can find contact information for your local council in the Local Support section below.
Further advice:
Citizens advice on pests and vermin
Shelter provide information about who is responsible for dealing with an infestation in your rented home and what you can do about it.
The National Pest Technicians Association and the British Pest Control Association can provide details of local pest control services
Repairs
Shelter provides advice on housing, including problems with repairs.
Safety
The home is the most common place for young children to get injured. Children who live in rented, older or overcrowded homes are at higher risk of injury.
- Tips on safety in the home.
- Get a safe and well check from your from your local fire service. They provide advice to those at low risk of fire. They may offer a home visit to those at high risk. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
- RoSPA provides lots of useful information e.g. about blind cords, falls, fires, poisoning, suffocating and choking, drowning, scalds and burns.
At risk of homelessness
Everybody should have a safe place to live. It is a basic human right. However, we know that there are thousands of children across the UK who do not have this. You don’t have to be living on the street to be considered homeless. Some families live in temporary accommodation, with friends or sofa surf whilst others live in fear of losing their home.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness:
- Speak to your local council as soon as possible. You can find contact information in the Local Support and Contact Details section below.
- If you are struggling to pay rent speak to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible
- Speak to your social worker if you have one
- Make a list of people you trust who you could stay with if you had to
- Pack what you need e.g. warm clothes, phone charger, medication and I.D
If the council agrees that you are eligible then it must offer you accommodation. This is likely to be temporary accommodation. If you turn down an offer of temporary accommodation, the council may refuse to offer you anything else. In general it is best to accept it and challenge it later, unless you are at risk of harm there.
Where can I get help?
If you are in immediate danger, dial 999 and speak to the police.
Childline - if you are a child in need of help, call for free on 0800 1111.
Centrepoint - Advice and support for young people in England aged 16-25. Call free on 0808 800 0661 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).
Shelter - Support and advice if you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are worried about losing your home in the next 2 months or are at risk of harm. Call free on 0808 800 4444 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm).
Citizens Advice - Get advice about housing, your homeless application and how to challenge the council’s homeless decision. Call the national advice line on 0800 144 8848.
Duty to refer
Some organisations such as hospitals and social workers have a duty to refer anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within the next 56 days.
Keeping your house warm
Many families are finding it difficult to keep their home warm.
Living in a cold and damp home can lead to:
- more respiratory infections
- higher levels of asthma
- effects on mental health such as depression
- slower growth and development for children
- less money to spend on food
- family stress
How to save energy
- turn off standby appliances such as your TV at the wall
- turn down your thermostat
- turn off heating in rooms you are not using
- switch off lights when you leave a room
- fill kettles only with the water you need
- put a lid on pans when cooking
- slow cookers and microwaves are the most efficient cooking methods. Gas hobs are more energy efficient compared to electric hobs
- wash clothes at a lower temperature
- if you have one make sure your water immersion heater is not on all day
- be smarter about hot water use. Use a washing up bowl instead of running a tap. Reduce shower time
- draw your curtains at dusk to stop draughts and heat loss
- fit radiator foil behind radiators on external walls
- move furniture away from radiators and heaters
- draught proof your property. Use draught excluders. Seal cracks in floors and skirting boards. Block unused chimneys. Line your letterbox
- monitor your energy use
How can I get help?
If you are spending a large amount of your household income on energy bills because you are on a low income or have a low energy efficient home you may qualify for benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
If you’re living in social housing, contact your housing association or local authority in the first instance. If you’re renting privately or own your home, these services might be able to help:
- National Energy Action - If you or someone you know can’t afford to heat their home then we’re here to help – we offer a range of advice and support both directly to people in need, and via frontline workers and other intermediaries.
- Turn2Us - Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
- Healthier Together | Support for the winter months below.
If anyone in your household is receiving benefits speak to your energy supplier about help available. The Energy Company Obligation scheme supports energy efficiency improvements.
Energy Saving Trust and Simple Energy Advice (freephone: 0800 444202) have more information.
Warm home discount scheme
The warm home discount scheme is a one off discount of up to £140 off your energy bill over winter. Your energy supplier needs to participate in the scheme for you to get the discount. If you are on a low income you may qualify. Contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. There are a limited number of discounts each winter. Your energy supplier can tell you how to apply.
Cold weather payments
This is a government scheme which gives eligible people £25 for every 7 days the temperature is 0 degrees C or below between 1st November and 31st March. You may qualify if you receive:
- income support
- income based job seeker’s allowance
- income related employment and support allowance
- universal credit
- pension credit
If you qualify it should be paid automatically and does not effect your other benefits. You can check your eligibility using a benefit calculator.
Further help and support
Turn 2 Us is a national charity that helps people who are struggling financially.
Citizens Advice is a network of independent charities who offer free and confidential advice online, over the phone and in person.
British Gas Energy Trust offers energy grants to customers and non-customers. Visit the website or call them on 0121 348 7797
Simple ways to save water at home
MoneyHelper has advice on what to do if you are worried about your energy bills rising
Money worries!
Talking about money
It is important to have conversations with your partner, children and friends about money. MoneyHelper’s Talk Money series can help have those difficult conversations. It also has advice on teaching your children and teenagers about money.
Budget planning and Debt advice
- Money Helper has a collection of guides to help you manage your money and save. They have advice on managing your money in uncertain times.
- Step Change offers free debt advice and support online. Their online debt test can help you find out if you need help
- MoneySavingExpert has a money makeover guide
- Citizens Advice has advice on getting help with bills and help with the cost of living
- If you are on a low income you can get help with saving
- You can claim tax relief for job expenses including working from home, uniform, work clothes and tools
- There can be a lot to sort out following the death of someone close. MoneyHelper has guides to help you know what you need to do
Household bills
Many people are already taking measures to reduce their bills at home.
Our keeping your home warm page has tips on reducing energy use and information on how you can get help. If you’re living in social housing, contact your housing association or local authority in the first instance. If you’re renting privately or own your home, take a look at our local resources as they may be able to help:
https://www.nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/resources/information-on-local-healthcare-services/support-during-winter
Citizens advice has information on grants and benefits to help you pay for your energy bills.
MoneyHelper has information on what to do if you are worried about your energy bills rising.
There are simple ways to save water at home. You can also see if it would be cheaper to have a water meter using this calculator.
MoneySavingExpert website has guides and tools to help you get the best deal on your household bills.
Running a car is another large household expense. MoneyHelper has guidance on buying and running a care.
There are guides on buying car insurance.
Compare fuel prices in your area with this app.
Shopping
There are tips available to try to reduce the cost of your supermarket shop from money saving expert and the video below.
Supermarket shopping comparison app could help.
The too good to go scheme allows you to buy food at cheaper prices before it goes to waste.
Local food banks
Food banks provide free emergency supplies of food. To visit a food bank you may need to contact Citizen's advice, local children's centre or your Health visitor for a foodbank voucher. Please see the links below for details about your local food bank.
- Food banks and free emergency food in Newcastle - Information Now
- Find a Food Bank - The Trussell Trust
School Uniform Exchanges
These provide good quality pre owned school uniforms to local families for free or low cost.
- Home | Amberley Primary School
- Bailey Green Primary School
- Bailey Green keep a supply of uniform in school that has been donated from other parents. This is always available should any parent need this
- Balliol Primary School
- A stock of pre owned uniform is available direct from school. Parents and carers can drop in during normal working hours (8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday during term time) or contact the school office at info@balliolprimary.co.uk
- Battle Hill Primary School
- The school offers the use of a swap shop, where good quality, pre-used uniform and other clothing, including winter coats and footwear, are available. Please note the title 'Swap Shop' does not mean you have to donate. Financial assistance is available for new uniform to families who may be struggling. This support is considered upon request and is dealt with confidentially.
- Burnside College
- Parents and carers can contact the school if they require any financial support with purchasing uniform items.
- Benton Dene Primary
- The ‘Little Green Shed’ project here is ran by a group of volunteers from a dedicated container bought for the project, its sees school uniform donated, sorted into age, year group, zone and then collected by those who need the support.
- Benton Dene School
- At parents’ evenings, a table of available items are left out for parents to take what their child may need. The school also hosts specific pre-loved coffee afternoons where parents can bring uniforms in and swap for bigger sizes etc. Finally, there is information shared in the school newsletter where parents are invited to contact the home school link team, who will put a collection of items together and send them home.
- Burradon Community Primary
- Burradon Primary liaises directly with parents to ask questions about their uniform needs. Local schemes are advertised on the school’s website and a stock of donated items is kept in school and is distributed to parents who complete a uniform request sheet. Before the summer holidays, the school also hosts a Swap Shop where parents can donate uniform which is now too small and swap it for items which have been donated by other parents to be used in the next school year.
- Carville Primary School
- The school has pre-owned cardigans and jumpers available from the office at all time. Various sizes are available, depending on what has been donated. All donated uniform is machine washed at school.
- Pre-owned and washed t-shirts, trousers, skirts, dresses etc are available during the week at set times. Days/times TBC. More information will be issued directly to parents.
- George Stephenson High School
- The school has a supply of donated (sometimes new) school uniform items. They give them to families, free of charge, when requests are made. Unfortunately, they may not have all sizes, but welcome all requests. The school will will shortly be adding a form to our website, where families can request uniform, as well as being able to contact school directly.
- Greenfields Community Primary School
- Greenfields has a stock of pre-loved uniform for anyone who needs it. Families can contact the school office on 0191 6250100 or by emailing adminteam@greenfieldsprimary.org.uk to inform them of their requirements. Alternatively, go to the school office and speak to Miss Watton who will be able to help you. During the first week of term, including on our INSET days, uniform will be set out next to the main office for families to select from.
- Hadrian Park Primary
- The school has a trolley of pre-loved uniform which one of their parents takes to a central spot at the school gates on a Monday and Friday at the end of the school day. The items on the trolley can be bought for £1 or parents can bring an item to swap for another item.
- John Spence High School
- Runs an extensive and well equipped uniform bank of good quality second hand and some items of new uniform including shoes and trainers - these are lent out on a daily basis for pupils who don't have any items they need for that day or long term loaned for pupils who may be facing longer term difficulties. Stock of worn but good quality coats available to give to pupils in need School have also hosted swap shop events which have been well attended.
- Kings Priory School
- Offer discounted prices for items of uniform at our Sustainable shop.
- Marden High School
- A well equipped uniform stock with good quality new and second hand uniform including blazers, jumpers, trousers, skirts, leggings, PE hoodies, PE shorts, shoes and trainers is lent out on a daily basis for pupils who don't have the items they need for that day or long term loaned for pupils who may require this support. They meet with parents of Y6 children joining Marden to provide uniform if needed and there is information and contact details online for families to request school clothing items if needed. Support remains in place for students all through the school and welcome donations from families, alongside the work we do with the Council to ensure a wide range of uniform in excellent condition so every child can enjoy wearing the full Marden High School uniform.
- Marine Park First School
- The school has a uniform swap shop in the main entrance. Parents can donate and pick up uniform as and when they need it.
- Monkhouse Primary School
- The school always has spare uniform and lost property at the end of each term and this is out for families to take at the front of school and in the yard. They support parents with the cost of their child's first set of PE uniform - they subsidise the price. They don't enforce the purchase of 'branded' school items. Families can purchase plain items from supermarkets etc.
- Monkseaton High
- Monkseaton High School used funds from the Household Support Grant to create uniform packages for families. This allows a student to receive the following, brand new items of uniform: two school polo shirts, two school sweatshirts, one PE polo shirt, one pair of PE shorts, one pair of PE socks, one winter jacket. They place the order with its uniform supplier, which then delivers it to the student’s home address. The school also has a well-stocked and well-used Uniform Swap Shop in school, so once students have grown out of the initial items purchased, they can bring them in to exchange.
- New York Primary
- A free of charge, pre loved/worn school uniform store is at the front entrance of school. This includes all items of uniform across the terms including summer item and PE kits. A selection of warm clothing including coats and anoraks and some footwear is also available. Where they are unable to provide from our preloved/worn supplies we urge families to let us know their need and we can provide uniform items from supermarket ranges.
- Norham High School
- Norham High School has set up an in-house uniform bank which allows the school to support pupils swiftly and with no stigma attached. The project provides free of charge new and preloved uniforms as well as other items, all year round. This is not means-tested.
- Richardson Dees Primary School
- The school only has one compulsory item of clothing - a school hoodie or sweatshirt - and they provide the initial one free of charge. They offer a free second hand uniform rail which parents can just help themselves from and is located in the front entrance. They hold stock of some new uniform which is available for anyone struggling or is provided to pupils who may require something for any reason.
- Riverside Primary School
- They provide a uniform exchange throughout the year and encourage parents to support with donations. They also have a limited amount of new uniform we have purchased (excluding embroidered sweatshirts) for the beginning of the new academic year. They hold a stock of plimsolls that can be purchased in school throughout the year.
- Rockcliffe First School
- Parents and carers can exchange outgrown garments for those in the correct size, or purchase items for a small voluntary contribution (recommended 50p per item but this is not compulsory). Operates a 'swap and sell' system for second-hand uniform and has stalls at all special events and at other times throughout the year. Parents/carers may ask their children's teachers or TAs about uniform items at any time. There's no obligation to buy garments with the school badge and that generic items from supermarkets or other outlets are perfectly acceptable.
- Shiremoor Primary School
- Parents and carers should contact the school office if they are struggling with uniform or any other school related costs.
- Southlands School
- The school has a supply of pre-loved uniform in school. Parents can contact school on 0191 300 0505 should they need uniform. There will be opportunities for parents to be able to see the stock at parents evening and select items for their child. Donations from parents for pre-loved uniforms, coats and shoes are welcomed. They have a flexible approach to branded clothing - students can wear non-branded items both for sensory and financial needs.
- St Bartholomew's C of E Primary School
- Spare, second hand uniform is available for no cost. Extra support is also available for families in receipt of Pupil Premium and other vulnerable pupils.
- St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School
- The school offers a confidential avenue for all families to request either full or partial support with purchase of school uniform. The level of annual support is limited to funding we have available but they aim to supply at least two sets of uniform for each child. They have pre-loved items available from school and offer opportunities in year for access to support. They actively encourage recycling of uniform and are looking to develop a uniform hub at the school in the coming year.
- Sir Thomas More Catholic High School
- Runs a pre-loved uniform shop and provide support for families in need with financial costs of school through the email address familysupport@stmacademy.org.uk.
- St Columba's Catholic Primary School
- They have free pre-loved uniform available in school. Families can also donate uniform to use in the Uniform Swap Shop.
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School (Forest Hall)
- Hosts a uniform swap shop. They take in uniform in good clean condition and parents can contact the school office if they need something.
- Star of the Sea Primary School
- Offers a recycle scheme where they encourage parents to send pre loved uniform into school. Parents can contact the office to collect or exchange uniform via starofthesea.primary@ntlp.org.uk or calling 0191 6432080.
- Valley Gardens Middle School
- As a school they strongly support upcycling and redistribution of school uniform. Parents very kindly donate items which are no longer of use and these items are laundered and re-distributed to other parents.
- Waterville Primary
- The school regularly has donations from local providers which consist of trousers, skirts and polo shirts. Each term they display any spare uniform in our playground to be collected by parents. Any parents who would like further support please contact the school office.
- Western Community Primary School
- The school has storage boxes of used clean donated uniform. The uniform is organised in age/size to make it easily accessible to families. In addition, they also have racks of winter coats and shoes/trainers. The racks and boxes are placed outside the main entrance to school for families to help themselves to.
- Whitley Bay Appletree Gardens First School
- Offers preloved uniform for free which is located outside of the school office.
- Whitley Bay High School
- The coastal based secondary school has an account with its local uniform provider where the school can pre-pay for uniform for some students. The school also holds a small stock of items to distribute, discreetly, to students when an item is required and isn’t attainable, including PE kit. For colder months, the school has an arrangement with Newcastle United for donations of winter coats which are then distributed to students in need.
- Woodlawn School
- A range of donated uniform is available for both primary and secondary and support is available for individual families where required.
- Michael Sehgal - find your school
Baby banks
These provide items for babies. You may need to ask your midwife or health visitor for a referral to the baby bank.
Second hand items
You may have items which you can sell online this video shows you how.
Support during School Holidays
There is support for children who have free school meals during the school holidays:
Holiday activities and food programme 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Support to help you and your family stay warm and well
Cost of living sources of support
There are lots of sources of support for you and your family if you need help or advice about the cost of living this winter.
On this page you will find relevant information links to advice pages provided by your council by local authority area including:
- Warm spaces
- Food support
- Benefits and other financial assistance
- How to get help with housing
Your local Citizens Advice can also be contacted directly if you want to speak to someone about any difficulties you may be having, see our local service list below.
Resources by all and local authority area
Cumbria
Cost of Living Support - provides local information for Cumbrian residents on a range of helpful topics
Printable Cost of Living Support leaflet
Warm Spots – find your nearest Warm Spot, offering a warm, welcoming space for people to visit this winter if they need it. They are run by a range of different organisations including churches, village halls, local councils and libraries.
Food Banks : Cumbria County Council (cumbriasafeguardingchildren.co.uk)
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden
Darlington Borough Council
Money advice – guidance and support for residents, including Warm Space venues
Food banks – find your nearest food bank
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland
Durham County Council
Help with your money – advice and guidance for residents
Warm Spaces - Warm Spaces are somewhere you can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company. In some you'll also be able to get refreshments.
Help with food costs – find your nearest food bank
Other sources of support in your area:
Gateshead Council
Help with the Cost of Living - Information and advice to help families and individuals, whether you're working or not
Warm Spaces Directory – Providing spaces with respect, dignity and warmth
Support with food - A directory of organisations and social movements that can help relieve pressure caused by rising living costs
Other sources of support in your area:
Hartlepool Borough Council
Hardship Advice and Support for Residents – what support is available and how to access it
Printable ‘Worrying About Money?’ leaflet
Printable ‘Hartlepool Discounted Food Services’ leaflet
Other sources of support in your area:
Middlesbrough Council
Cost of Living Support - This hub has information about what help you can get if you're in financial difficulty, and services which can support you
Warm Spaces Warm Welcome – map and list of warm spaces in Middlesbrough
Food banks – find your nearest food bank
Other sources of support in your area:
Newcastle City Council
Cost of Living Support for Newcastle - If you’re struggling to manage you can access a range of advice and support so you can find the help you need
Printable ‘Help with the Cost of Living Crisis’ booklet
Winter Wellbeing Hubs - Across the city a network of winter wellbeing spaces can support you, providing not just warmth but a warm welcome and a place for coming together.
Food banks – find your nearest food bank
Other sources of support in your area:
North Tyneside Council
North Tyneside Council
Cost of Living Support - find the support available from the Council, advice, and signposting to other relevant organisations, including support with food
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice North Tyneside
Northumberland County Council
Northumberland Frontline - Frontline is a community project. It helps frontline workers and the public to quickly find details on local health and wellbeing services and to contact services through call back and referral options.
Northumberland County Council - Information for councillors - resources for supporting residents
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice Northumberland
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Cost of Living Support - information and advice to help families and individuals, whether you're working or not
Warm Spaces - Information about where to find warm spaces and what they are offering
Food banks – information about food banks and where to find them
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland
South Tyneside Council
Cost of Living Support and Advice – Guidance and signposting for residents
Warm Spaces South Tyneside - Warm spaces are free public places where residents can go to get warm, save money on their heating costs, avoid social isolation, and receive support and advice
Food banks – find a local food bank
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice South Tyneside
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Food insecurity and poverty - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Other sources of support in your area:
Citizens Advice Stockton & District Advice & Information Service
Sunderland City Council
Cost of Living Support Hub – help and advice for residents
Warm Spaces - Warm Spaces are free to use and will provide a warm welcome to all
Food support services – find your nearest food bank
Other sources of support in your area:
Support covering all areas
Support covering all areas
www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner
www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/way-forward/bill-prioritiser
helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/
National Energy Action - If you or someone you know can’t afford to heat their home then we’re here to help – we offer a range of advice and support both directly to people in need, and via frontline workers and other intermediaries.
Turn2Us - Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.
North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network – sources of support for cost of living, and signposting to help and advice on mental health and wellbeing
Worried about your child's health?
If you are at all worried about your child’s health and wellbeing over the winter months you can find lots of information about common childhood illnesses on this website, which will help you take the most appropriate action for their symptoms.
Illnesses in children affecting their chest and lungs, like asthma and bronchiolitis, can be made worse by cold temperatures and damp air so do seek help if keeping them warm is difficult for you to manage at home.
Self care and Prevention
Video Showcase
