Port Macquarie Neighborhood Centre coordinator Julie Trowbridge says this time of year can be stressful for some families due to the financial cost associated with children returning to school.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"We do see a lot of families at this time of year that have the added pressure of going back to school costs and there is no assistance anymore via Centrelink so it is just another cost they have to deal with," Mrs Trowbridge said.
"Families have to buy new school uniforms, backpacks, the equipment that goes into the backpacks, that is very expensive and especially if there is more than one child."
The neighborhood centre last year provided school backpacks to struggling families through a one-off funding grant.
"Those families were so appreciative because when a child doesn't have those things when they are starting back to school it can mean bullying and then they are being ostracised because they are not the same as everyone else."
This year the centre is running 'Hastings Homework Hubs' for disadvantaged kids and their parents struggling with numeracy and literacy.
"Truancy and a lack of literacy are just intergenerational," Mrs Trowbridge said.
"If we are able to give the parents some skills we can pass on to their kids, you are working at making the situation for the families better."
Placements at the 'Hastings Homework Hubs' will be based on referrals. For more information call the Port Macquarie Neighborhood Centre on 6583 8044.
What else is making news, sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
