School holidays can be a challenging time for families, especially with the extra costs of food, activities and everyday essentials. If you’re worried about managing your money or need a little extra help, there is support available. We’ve brought together useful local services, financial advice, food support and free or low-cost activities to help you and your family during the school holidays.
Need more help?
If you’re unsure where to turn, Luton Family Hubs can help you find information, advice and local support for your family.
Help Available
Food Support
Food First Luton Map
Discover local food support across Luton with this interactive directory map. Whether you need emergency food help, or local community projects, find accessible and flexible food support services right in your neighbourhood.
Active Luton: Energise Luton Holiday Camps
Funded by the Department for Education, holiday activity and food programmes are designed for school-age children (up to 16) eligible for free school meals. The camps include nutritious meals, physical activity, arts and crafts, music and creative games.
Luton Food Bank
Providing emergency food parcels and essential support for individuals and families facing financial hardship in Luton. Discover how to get food support and find local drop-off points.
Family Action: Summer Budgeting Guide
A practical self-help guide packed with tips on how to feed your family on a budget during the school holidays. Learn how to manage food expenses, batch-cook creative meals, and access national helpline support.
Olio App
The go-to money-saving app designed to connect neighbour’s and local businesses to share surplus food and household items for free. Rescue good food from your favourite shops and help eliminate waste in your local community.
Too Good To Go
Save money while fighting food waste by rescuing “Surprise Bags” of delicious, unsold food from local restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores at a fraction of the original price.
Crisis Support & Reducing Bills
Luton Borough Council
Access local welfare assistance, including the Crisis and Resilience Fund, housing payments, Council Tax hardship reductions, and pension support designed to help Luton residents facing severe financial hardship
NHS Healthy Start Scheme
The scheme helps pregnant women and families with children under 4 afford nutritious food and milk. Eligible low-income households receive a prepaid card topped up every 4 weeks. Explore the link to find out where you can collect free Healthy Start vitamins locally.
Level Trust Uniform Exchange
An online Luton uniform exchange service providing free, sustainable school clothing. Swap outgrown items or request the school uniform your child needs.
The Courtney Foundation
Supporting families, low-income residents, and refugees with practical, material and social support including 1:1, community café and free baby and children’s clothing.
National Energy Action (NEA)
The fuel poverty charity offers free advice, helplines, and resources to help vulnerable households manage energy bills, improve home insulation, and ensure everyone can afford a warm, safe home.
National Energy Foundation
A domestic energy and sustainability charity focused on alleviating fuel poverty and cutting household carbon emissions.
Better Housing Better Health
Impartial expert advice for residents to help improve the energy efficiency of their home, save money and improve comfort.
Benefits & Debt Advice
Luton Supporting You
A local portal offering guidance on welfare benefits, debt management, budgeting assistance, and comprehensive financial tools to help navigate the cost-of-living crisis.
Money Helper UK
The service provides free, impartial guidance backed by the UK government. Benefits calculators, budget tools, and expert advice to help you manage your money with confidence.
Family Fund
Is a charity providing grants and wider support for families raising disabled or seriously ill children. They help low-income families access essential items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, digital devices, alongside money management guidance.
The Well Child Grants: Family Hubs
Provides a directory and guidance for parents caring for children with complex medical needs or disabilities. WellChild can connect low-income families with trusted organisations that fund mobility equipment, sensory toys, therapies, and essential home adaptions.
Turn2Us Grants Search
Is a free, confidential, and easy-to-use online tool designed to help individuals find extra support by identifying available funds you might be eligible to apply for.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
The Luton Family Information Service
This is a free, local authority initiative providing information, advice, and guidance for Luton families. The portal connects residents to vital community resources, including childcare options, free early education funding, school holiday activities.
Step Forward Luton
Your ultimate local guide to finding free and low-cost things to do including events, festivals, and family activities in Luton.
Fun Fest Luton
A vibrant holiday club for kids, offering energetic activities from sports and crafts to specialized dynamic sessions tailored to keep children active and engaged.
Money Saving Expert
A comprehensive guide to keeping children entertained without breaking the bank. Discover national deals, free museum days, theme park vouchers, and creative budget holiday hacks.
