Three quarters of young people in the East Midlands worried about family finances this Christmas

More than three quarters of kids in the East Midlands are worried about their family’s finances this Christmas, a study by Action for Children has found.

The results of a poll of young people between the ages of 11 and 21 found that they were worried about the cost-of-living, with food prices being the top concern.

Over two thirds think their family will have to make significant sacrifices so their children get presents.

The study also found that more than 42% think their family will be worse off financially this Christmas compared to last year. The study found that these statistics were 14% higher for children whose families are on Universal Credit.

Kathryn Barker, a locality services manager for Action for Children in Derbyshire, says being away from school makes children more aware of how difficult things can be at home.

"At a time of year when children are off school for two weeks, they're often acutely aware of the stresses that are on their family in regard to their finances.

"It's children who are really wanting to have the same as their friends but equally they know that their carers can't afford that and so they try to support them in managing finances which shouldn't be a child's job."

She explains that the festive period can take its toll on young people's mental health.

"The increase in referrals around deterioration in mental health has been substantial. The cost-of-living crisis has certainly been a contributing factor to that for children, especially around an increase in anxiety and depression."

The burden can be felt not just by children, but by schools as well.

"Schools are typically really concerned at this time of year that families are not going to have the daily input from school with meals and advice. It's a crucial time of year for families being quite isolated."

'Christmas should be a magical and joyful time of year for children and their families but we know it can be the complete opposite of that with lots of worry and stress'

Amanda Taylor, operational director at Action for Children in the East Midlands, said: "It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere, but as our research shows the cost of living crisis is still very real for East Midlands families and continues to impoverish children in every community."

The survey coincides with the charity's annual Secret Santa campaign to provide the country’s most vulnerable children with hot food and a Christmas present.

"Until every family has enough money to keep their child warm and well fed, we will continue to help them."

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