These grants are given to families with children of school age who receive regular support from the charity. The aim is to meet the extra costs of the long summer holidays, for example additional meals, activities and childcare costs. The families were also given grants to help with school uniforms; £110 for each primary school-age child and £165 for those in secondary school.
As the Benevolent Fund’s chairman, professor Ros Keeton explained, “While an idealised time for some, for many, including our vulnerable low-income families, school holiday periods can be a time of stress and indebtedness. Social isolation and financial stress can undermine children’s school readiness and well-being well beyond the holiday period. Our support is vital to these dental families.’
If you would to talk to someone from the BDA Benevolent Fund to see how you might be helped, simply call 020 7486 4994. Alternatively, for more information, visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk.