More than 200 vulnerable families will benefit from additional support over the school holidays, thanks to an award-winning charity in Glasgow’s east end.

Possibilities for Each and Every Kid (PEEK), which has seen increased demand for its services during the half-term break, is offering supermarket and fuel vouchers to households across the city as part of its wellbeing programme. The team behind its play, creative arts and youth programmes are also delivering outdoor activities for school children to keep fit, happy and healthy.

Established in 2000, PEEK works to improve the lives of children, young people and families experiencing poverty in Glasgow. Its programmes were recently supported by a £30,000 funding grant awarded to the charity through the Glasgow Community Anchors’ Fund – a partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation.

The charity’s ‘PEEK-A-CHEW’ food truck is on hand to provide free nutritious meals during the outdoor activity days. PEEK will also deliver ingredient boxes alongside healthy recipe cards which aim to inspire families to cook at home. The charity works with 23 schools citywide to give children access to free, hot meals and additional support.

Parents have said the holiday programme reduces the pressure they’ve previously felt to keep children busy during the break. One parent commented, “You’re not worrying all the time about what you’re going to give them for lunch.” Another added, “PEEK’s a lifesaver for activities to keep my kids busy during the holidays.”

Funding will also go towards chocolate eggs and other Easter treats for children to enjoy over the break, as well as essentials such as hygiene and personal care products for their families.  

Earlier this year, a report from Glasgow City Council found that there are over 2,500 more children living in relative poverty in Glasgow than before the pandemic. The report also indicated that poverty levels have deepened and families in relative poverty are now £115 per week below the poverty line, compared to £107 pre-pandemic.

Emma Hill, head of operations at PEEK, said: “The school holidays are a particularly tough time for many families – now more so than ever with rising costs of childcare, food and fuel bills. This support from the Glasgow Community Anchors’ Fund means we can provide children with continued support outside of the classroom, and our PEEK-A-CHEW truck is fully stocked with healthy meals for them to enjoy.

The food and fuel vouchers we offer are an essential lifeline for the families we work with, and I urge anybody struggling to pay their bills or feed their families to get in touch to see what help is available to them.”

Lauren McKenzie, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “The Glasgow Community Anchors’ Fund was set up to support fantastic causes that are making a huge difference to local communities across the city. 

Charities like the PEEK Project are proving to be invaluable as we continue to navigate the cost-of-living crisis, and it’s great to hear those children have a safe place to play and more families are being fed because of their excellent work.” 

Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director at the Virgin Money Foundation, added: “Seeing community groups like PEEK benefit from the Community Anchors’ Fund is the reason it was established in the first place. 

The fund was designed to help local charities and community groups, but its impact is much wider, benefitting the entire community. That’s particularly important in times like now when we’re experiencing an increased cost of living.”