'It's hard at this time of the year' - Hebburn Helps prepare to support families over six week school break
The founder of Hebburn Helps has spoken ahead of the charity’s busiest time of the year.
After handing out 2,000 packed lunches last summer, South Tyneside charity Hebburn Helps is preparing for another busy six week period.
While many young people are excited for the upcoming six week break between academic years, the charity’s team are on hand to support anyone who may need help buying food while away from the classroom.
“It’s hard, but really rewarding” said Hebburn Helps founder Angie Comerford.
“Especially at this time of year. It’s the kids we try and concentrate on to make sure they’re fed and watered with them not having school and the activities there.”
The charity operates a food bank throughout the year, but their offerings are stretched over the summer months as families look to feed their children three meals rather than the usual two during term time.
They also operate a summer activity club.
“It means the team is massively stretched” added Angie.
“On a staff level it’s a struggle, but trying to keep the food on the shelves is another big thing.
“We also do a packed lunch service” she continues.
This service is available to any family across the town and over 2,000 lunches were handed out by Hebburn Helps over the 2025 summer holidays.
With the next long break coming up for schools across South Tyneside, the team are looking for additional donations to help keep their stocks up.
“In ways to support us, it would always be to help us with food. That’s the main aim of the game” adds Angie.
“Upstairs at Hebburn Helps is full of packed lunches. All we need to do is as the sandwiches and add the fruit. ANy food for the shelves would be ideal and anything to support the packed lunch scheme would be marvellous.”
Hebburn Helps to not have funding for the packed lunch scheme, meaning everything handed to children in the project comes from the charity’s bank account.
“We are one of the lucky food banks” adds Angie, talking about the support the charity gets.
“This is our 11th year but the gratitude is through the roof.”
Anyone who may need help this summer can contact the charity directly.