Latest news with #Families
Times of Oman
4 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Dhofar's beaches buzz with tourists during Khareef Season 2025
Muscat: Dhofar Governorate's beaches are witnessing a vibrant tourist movement during the Khareef season, due to the recreational, fishing, and natural exploration opportunities they offer. These opportunities cater to the needs of beachgoers and the open atmosphere, offering a pleasant time during the Khareef season and throughout the year. Al-Dahariz Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea with its soft white sand, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Salalah. It is a long, white sandy beach surrounded by tall, picturesque coconut trees. Families visit this beach for a relaxing time and various water activities. The beach, which extends over 3,500 square meters, offers numerous services, including restaurants, cafes, barbecue areas, and public facilities. The nearby Khor Al-Dahariz Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife, including various types of dense vegetation and a variety of fish. Migratory birds such as flamingos and ibises breed here. The seating areas at Al Dahariz Beach have been designed with a touristic appeal to families, with lighting for the walkways, public parking spaces, walkways, and seating areas, tailored to the surrounding landscape at night. Al Mughsail Beach is located approximately 40 kilometers west of Salalah city center and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhofar Governorate, a favorite among citizens, residents, and tourists. It features a long stretch of blue sea and white sand, and boasts a range of enchanting natural landscapes and unique natural fountains. It is nestled between a mountain range, creating a distinctive natural backdrop. Given the wonderful weather during these Khareef days, Al Mughsail Beach welcomes visitors throughout the day to enjoy its beautiful tourist attractions and watch the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea, which reach their highest levels during the autumn season. Swimming is prohibited during this period, which extends from June 21 to September 21 of each year due to high sea waves. Aftalqut Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea, is distinguished by its elevated, flat plain above the hills. It is a raised green area extending approximately 3 kilometers. Visitors can view the beach, which embraces the rocks and green hills, from a high vantage point. It is one of the most popular spots for photographers and nature lovers. The beach in the Wilayat of Taqah extends over 5 kilometers and is characterized by its soft silver sand and the presence of coconut trees along the seafront. Khor Rori Beach is a natural extension of the city of Taqah and is distinguished by its strategic location near the archaeological site of the ancient city of Samharam, an important historical landmark in the Dhofar Governorate. This beach is located directly in the ancient port of Samharam, which was a former site for exporting Omani frankincense to various regions around the world. The natural resources of the Wilayat of Taqah are diverse. It is a coastal state containing beaches, plains, and mountains. It is also home to numerous caves, as well as Khor Taqah, Khor Rori, and numerous natural springs. In the eastern part of Dhofar Governorate, Mirbat is distinguished by its coastal location overlooking the Arabian Sea, its diverse beaches, coral reefs, and attractive bays. It ocated approximately 76 kilometers from Salalah, it is one of the governorate's most important historical and tourist destinations. Mirbat Beach is distinguished by its natural beauty, silver sands, coral rocks, and small bays, known locally as "Al-Khayas." These bays are rich in fish and coral reefs, making them one of the most prominent diving sites in the Sultanate of Oman. Mirbat witnesses a vibrant tourist movement throughout the year, especially during the autumn season and weekends. Visitors enjoy fishing, seek relaxation and natural beauty, visit historical sites and ancient neighborhoods, and admire the coral reefs and waves, thanks to the diversity of its rare marine resources. Among the most prominent rare marine fisheries in the Wilayat of Mirbat are the abalone and the sharkha. The abalone is found exclusively on the beaches between the Wilayat of Mirbat and the Niyabat of Sharbathat in the Wilayat of Shaleem, as well as the Al Hallaniyat Islands. Al Fazayeh Beach, the main Rakhyut Beach, Shuaib Beach, and Al Hawtah Beach in the Wilayat of Rakhyut are also among the most beautiful natural beaches, distinguished by their unique charm and captivating tranquility, especially during the autumn season, when the atmosphere is foggy and the scenery is breathtaking. They are also known for their soft white sand and clear waters.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Households on Universal Credit can claim £300 cash this summer holiday – will you get a boost?
HOUSEHOLDS on Universal Credit can claim up to £300 in cash this summer. Hard-up families can claim support through the government's Household Support Fund. 1 The scheme has been extended multiple times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Each council has a share of £742million which it can dole out to residents in need. Eligibility criteria varies but help is usually offered to those on low income or claiming benefits. Households in Doncaster can apply for cost of living cash worth up to £300 to help with a supermarket shop. You must have dependent children to qualify for the support. A dependant child is a child for whom you receive Child Benefit. For example, if you have one dependent child you will receive £100. This rises to £200 if you are a household with two dependent children. If you have three or more kids the amount you receive is £300. To be eligible for the support you must be claiming Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, means tested free school meals or council tax reductions. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now If you previously applied for the support, a payment will be made to the bank account using information you previously provided. If you have not submitted an application before you can do so online by visiting, Elsewhere, residents of North Northamptonshire can apply for supermarket vouchers worth up to £320 on August 4. A person who lives alone will be given a voucher worth £150. Meanwhile, a house with two residents could receive £260 for their food shop. If you live in a home with three residents or more you will receive a voucher worth £320. Does every council offer support? The £742million Household Support Fund has been shared between all councils in England. So, if you don't live in this area but are struggling financially or are on benefits you will likely be eligible for help. This is because the fund was originally set up to help those on low incomes or classed as vulnerable. What type of help you can get will vary but it could range from a free cash payment to supermarket vouchers. For example, residents in Worcestershire can apply for support worth up to £500 to help with water and energy costs. Devon County Council has also issued supermarket vouchers worth more than £90 to 22,000 families with children on free school meals. The £90 is equivalent to £15 per week for the six week school holiday. Households in Redcar & Cleveland can also now apply for support worth up to £230. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Families on benefits can apply now to get up to £120 in free cost of living cash – are you eligible?
THOUSANDS of households can now apply for cost of living cash worth up to £120. Cash-strapped families can get access to the money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). 1 The scheme has been extended several times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Every council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can give it to residents in need. Exactly how the money will be paid depends on your council but it could come in the form of free cash, vouchers or white goods. Eligibility criteria also varies depending on where you live but the help is usually available to those on benefits or a low income. Households in Middlesbrough can now apply for the support, which is worth up to £120. The money is available to help residents with energy bills, food and essential costs, such as council tax. To qualify for the support you must live at a property in Middlesbrough and be responsible for paying the council tax, rent or a mortgage. The support is being rolled out in stages to different types of residents in need. Households who get benefits and have children can now apply. Families with children who receive free school meals were automatically sent a voucher before July 9. But the cash is also available to families with a child who receives income-related free school meals and: Is aged under five, if another child in the household is eligible for free school meals. Goes to a school outside of Middlesbrough but lives in Middlesbrough. You can also apply if your child is not eligible for income-related free school meals but your household gets one of the following benefits: Council Tax Reduction Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Housing Benefit Income Support Pension Credit Universal Credit Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible. Eligible households will receive a voucher for £60 per child. This means that if you have two children you could be given £120. To apply visit . It can take up to 21 working days for the council to process applications, so apply now to avoid the payment being delayed. Which other councils are also offering support? Other councils have also announced the details of their schemes. Among them is Sutton, which is offering residents support worth up to £150. To qualify for the cash you must live in the borough of Sutton and have less than £3,000 in your bank account. Meanwhile, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers of up to £100 to those in need. Plus, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. At the same time, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. Keep an eye on your local council's website or social media channels to avoid missing out. .
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- The Guardian
What can be done to make childcare safer?
Read more: Abuse allegations have prompted distress and outrage – but will Australia's childcare system be fixed?
Hans India
06-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
42,817 Banagru Kutumbalu in the dist
Parvatipuram: There are approximately 42,817 Banagru Kutumbalu (Golden Families) in the Parvatipuram Manyam district. The district is preparing to coordinate these families with Margadarsi (guides). The families were selected by the government based on household data available online. Constituency-level workshops have begun to ensure the success of the programme, which aims to uplift families from poverty through guidance provided by Margadarsi. On Saturday, district collector A Shyam Prasad conducted a workshop with the relevant officials, instructing them to work with dedication to help families rise out of poverty. He emphasised that the government is prioritising this initiative to eradicate poverty within these families. The official team is expected to collaborate effectively to bridge the gap between the Bangaru families and Margadarsi. The collector praised the district team for their successful work in Yogandhra, where about 500,000 people enrolled in the program. He encouraged them to maintain that same spirit in this initiative to make the district a model for others. He motivated the officials to work diligently and thoughtfully, noting that such efforts could lead to remarkable outcomes. He stressed the importance of continuous support and coordination until each family reaches a certain level of stability. The district collector instructed the Grama Sachivalayam staff to contact the families and conduct a needs survey to understand their requirements, ensuring effective coordination with Margadarsi.
