A Co Down school has been hailed for its community-led approach to the cost-of-living crisis.
St Colmcille's Primary School, in the heart of Downpatrick, issued a statement to its school community on Thursday night outlining a number of initiatives it will take going forward. They received an incredible amount of support and praise from those in the town.
"We understand the cost of living crisis is impacting on a number of members our school community," a spokesperson for St Colmcille's said.
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"We greatly value everyone in our school community and want to help in whatever way possible. Therefore, we will be putting the following measures in place, which are designed to be of assistance.
"Free break - healthy snack and drink. Available Monday to Friday (must be ordered daily via Seesaw). Free Christmas Pantomime Trip for all pupils. A meeting with Principal or Vice Principal (at request of parent) to explore support available from local agencies. Low cost After-School Clubs and Breakfast Club."
The school also announced that it will be open on a Monday evenings from 6pm to 8pm for a "warm places and spaces" initiative. They will be providing somewhere warm and safe for any member of the community who needs it.
"[Anyone can] come for free tea, coffee and biscuits, to read the newspaper/magazines and socialise etc. Additional evenings may be made available if demand is sufficient.
"These initiatives are designed to help those families in genuine need during this time of financial uncertainty."
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