The Herts Card is a digital card that will be available to families who are in receipt of benefit related free school meals. Hertfordshire County Council’s (HCC) Children’s Services hopes that vendors, suppliers, businesses will be able to offer a perk/discount to these families so that the children can experience activities that they may not otherwise be able to do, due to financial stress.

How would this work?

Every family who is entitled to the receipt of benefit related free school meals is eligible for the Herts Card. They will be communicated with when they have a successful application for free school meals in school or via communication channels if they are already in receipt. This card is a digital card that they can carry with them on their phone or print out to present to business/vendor providing an offer. HCC hopes that any benefit is related per child and not just the family. You will be able to identify that the card is part of the Free School Meal programme element of this card, by a star logo with the number of children applicable inside the logo.

How could you help?

This is entirely down to the business and what you are able to offer. Essentially, it is up to you what you are able to offer, and HCC would be grateful for anything you are able to contribute to the project.

HCC have had some great offers to join the project already and they really want to continue to grow the list of providers/businesses joining us to help make sure children do not miss out due to financial stress.

In case you are stuck for ideas on how you could join, below are some the offers already signed up:

• Sport teams placing the Herts Card Scheme under the ‘Concessions’ prices allowing the adult to enter for a reduced fee when they bring their child who will only be paying £1 towards entry of the game.
• A free sweet treat when an adult purchases a medium or bigger hot drink.
• Reduced entry fee to toddler sessions.
• A free soft drink when purchasing an activity at a local centre.

The above are only a few of the amazing offers and as mentioned above, it is entirely down to you what you are able to offer.

What happens next?

If you are willing to join the project, please do let HCC know at your earliest convenience so that they can get the ball rolling. Please could you include the offer you are willing to contribute to the project. HCC will then add you to the project scheme provider list and will liaise with you on further updates as the card develops. Being involved in this scheme, will help promote your business in the communities you are based. With support from Hertfordshire County Council Communications teams, the programme will be promoted through all council channels including through schools and social media.

Please do get in touch if you would like to join the scheme by emailing Ashleigh.Carpenter@hertfordshire.gov.uk . HCC don’t need to have your offer ironed out just yet – just your commitment to the project would be a fantastic start.