The Trussell Trust and English Heritage have begun a new initiative to provide free days out for people who access food banks.
The partnership will see people who receive an emergency food parcel also receiving a voucher for a free visit to a local English Heritage site.
Launched ahead of the Easter break, the project follows a pilot scheme last summer which saw more than 600 people book free days out to seven English Heritage properties.
Now, more than 100 food bank centres in the Trussell Trust network and 25 English Heritage properties across England will be taking part in the 2024 partnership.
English Heritage sites in the scheme include Stonehenge in Wiltshire, where family tickets range between roughly £36-65 for non English Heritage members; Corbridge Roman Town on Hadrian’s Wall, where family tickets average between £17-28, and Clifford’s Tower in York.
Harriet Fairbrother, Head of Network Support and Grant Giving at Trussell Trust, said: “Food banks in our network support people who are struggling to afford the essentials and having to choose between heating and eating, therefore a day trip is often a treat they cannot afford.
“We often hear from parents that they are constantly trying to shield their children from the impacts of poverty and ensure they can still enjoy being a kid, and this scheme makes it possible for families to have a fun day out. We know it will be very popular with the food banks in our network and the communities they support.”
Dr Nick Merriman, English Heritage’s Chief Executive,, said “although we’ve seen our visitor and member numbers increase, we know that for some, the opportunity of a day out is simply out of reach. We’re really delighted to be teaming up with the Trussell Trust to help those who are often most in need of some time out with their family and friends.”
The offer will be valid from today (28 March 2024) until 3 November 2024 and is available to anyone receiving emergency food and support from one of the participating Trussell Trust food banks.
