Westcountry parents cutting back spending to provide for their kids
Research for Save the Children has revealed a third of parents in low-income households are cutting back on food because of the cost of living crisis
Almost 90 percent of parents in the Westcountry say they're cutting back on spending this summer holiday to make sure they can provide for their kids.
It follows research undertaken by Opinium on behalf of Save the Children and In Kind Direct, which has revealed a third of parents (34%) in low-income families are also cutting back on food to afford summer activities for their children.
They also found:
- Two thirds (63%) of parents in low-income households are worried about their children missing out on experiences their friends are having this summer
- 2 in 5 parents (41%) say they are not aware of free recreational activities (such as talks, exhibitions, sports and music events) in their area and how they would find out information on them
- A quarter of parents in low-income households (26%) say they don’t have enough outdoor toys and equipment to keep their child entertained this summer
The new research is why they've joined forces with hundreds of businesses, charities, community groups, and councils in the Westcountry and across the UK for their 'Summer of Play' campaign.
It aims to help parents and local charities with the donation of things which kids can do over the summer holidays, such as arts and crafts, games and outdoor activities.
Also being made available is a bank of free resources, full of advice for parents and carers on how to play with their young children - which you can find more about here.
Save the Children and In Kind Direct will also be supporting its partners across the UK to provide fun summer activities for children, and in some locations, it will continue to provide Early Years Grants to families.
These grants include vouchers for things like food and basic goods, as well as toys and activity packs.
They're also launching 'Wonderpacks', in partnership with Boromi, to help babies and young children learn and grow.
"It's heartbreaking"
Dan Paskins, director of UK Impact at Save the Children, said: "Our research shows that families are struggling to give their children the summer they want to, with the cost of days out, food and transport all huge barriers to creating important childhood moments.
"To help families, our Summer of Play campaign in partnership with In Kind Direct provides financial support for organisations to run activities for families across the UK. We will also be providing tips and ideas for free low-cost summer activities to give kids the best break possible.”
Paul Buchanan, Interim CEO of Charity In Kind Direct said: “Our research has revealed that a staggering 87% of parents are cutting down on something to ensure they have enough money to provide for their children over the summer holidays. It’s heart-breaking to hear stories on a daily basis from families struggling to afford food and to pay their bills, let alone being able to access activities and day trips during the summer months.
“We are extremely proud to be working with Save the Children and our committed corporate partners, to ensure children and their families are supported throughout the summer holidays, by distributing much needed arts, crafts, games, back to school items and sharing free, low-cost ideas so families can play, learn and live well’’.
Charitable organisations who need access to access arts and crafts, games, outdoor activities and back to school items like backpacks and stationery are encouraged to join In Kind Direct’s network.