Exeter school partners with local charities to support families in need

A primary school in Exeter has established new links with three local charities to help families access practical support services.

Matford Brook Academy has been approved as a referral partner for Exeter Baby Bank, Exeter Foodbank and Turntable Exeter, enabling staff to connect families directly with assistance when required.

The arrangement means the school can refer households to organisations offering help with essential items such as food supplies, baby equipment and household furniture.

Exeter Baby Bank supports families across Exeter and the surrounding area, providing items for infants and young children to those experiencing financial difficulty. 

The charity works alongside health professionals, community groups and local organisations to deliver support.

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Exeter Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to individuals and families in crisis, operating through a referral system with schools, charities and other agencies.

Turntable Exeter supplies good-quality second-hand furniture and household items to people on low incomes, helping residents set up or maintain their homes while also promoting the reuse of donated goods.

Matford Brook Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, said the partnerships would strengthen the support it can offer to its school community.

Headteacher Emily Simpson-Horne said: “These partnerships allow us to provide practical support for families when they need it.”

“By working with established local organisations, we can help ensure that assistance is available in a straightforward and effective way.”

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, added: “This reflects our commitment to schools working closely with their communities.” 

“Connecting families with local organisations helps ensure they can access the right support at the right time.”