Two thirds of young people in the East of England anxious about money during Christmas
Young people also worry about their parents sacrificing things over the holidays to make sure they receive presents
Over two thirds of children and young adults (aged 11 to 21 years old) in the East of England feel Christmas will be an anxious time for their parents and other family members because of money worries, according to a charity.
According to Action for Children, across the country that figure rises to three-quarters (75%) of children and young adults, while nearly seven in 10 (69%) think it is likely their parents will have to sacrifice something important or special for themselves over the Christmas holidays to make sure they receive presents.
More than a third (35%) think their family will be worse off financially this Christmas compared with last year and around a fifth (21%) worry that their parents will not have enough money to pay household bills.
Many young people were also concerned about the hardship facing others they know in their school or peer group with a third (33%) worried about a family they know who would not be able to afford Christmas presents.
"The cost of living crisis is still very real for East of England families"
Amanda Taylor, operational director at Action for Children in the East of England, 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 of England families and continues to impoverish children in every community.
"Our frontline workers are supporting children every day: we’ve seen children without a bed sleeping on the floor with just blankets, and families phoning us in tears because they have no money to feed their children. It’s relentless, and it doesn’t stop because it’s Christmas.
"Until every family has enough money to keep their child warm and well fed, we will continue to help them."