Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 07:35 pm
Research conducted by national charity Family Action has revealed the harsh reality many families face this Christmas.
14% of parents surveyed said that they will not be able to buy presents for their children due to financial constraints. Furthermore, 25% said they will not be able to buy presents for their parents, while 24% said presents for their partner will be too expensive. 20% of those surveyed said they will have to go without heating in their homes this Christmas.
The research also found that 54% of parents/carers agree that Christmas will negatively affect their mental health due to financial worries. 34% of respondents said that they will need to seek external support with finances, while 47% expect to be in debt after Christmas 2023 and 29% are still paying off debt from Christmas 2022.
In response to these findings, Family Action has launched their ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign to support families facing hard times this Christmas. The charity aims to provide emotional and practical support to over 60,000 families, as well as distributing thousands of toys through the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal.
Hayley, a mother of two, said: “I’ve been handling Christmas a bit differently this year. I’ve even bought some presents in the January sales. I’ve got no idea how Christmas is going to look at the moment. I’ve cut back, but I don’t know where we’ll find the money and I don’t think we’re seeing family at Christmas. It’s still a special day, it’s a home day for us.”
David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action, commented: “Every family deserves comfort and joy at Christmas, but with the high costs of food and utilities, many will find their holiday season stressful and difficult. We work with thousands of families across the country, and from the research findings and feedback from our frontline staff, we know only too well the challenges families are facing.”
Cathryne, a mother of three, added: “At the moment I can’t work so I could never afford the gifts my children were given by people donating to the Toy Appeal. It takes away the guilt I feel as no parent wants to be in that position.”
David Holmes CBE concluded: “It does seem, this year, that Christmas magic is in short supply, but this is where Family Action comes in. This Christmas we’re offering a sleigh load of practical and emotional support to families through our FOOD clubs, financial grants, FamilyLine, and our Christmas Toy Appeal. By supporting our ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign, people can help with a special gift that could bring Christmas cheer to a child and their family. Together, we can keep the magic of Christmas alive. Thank you.”
A survey of 1010 parents/carers of children under the age of 18, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed the stark reality of many UK families this Christmas. Research by national charity Family Action has found that 1 in 7 parents will not be able to buy presents for their children due to financial constraints, with 25% unable to buy presents for their parents and 24% unable to buy presents for their partner. Additionally, 20% of those surveyed said they will have to go without heating in their homes this Christmas.
54% of parents/carers agree that Christmas will negatively affect their mental health due to financial worries. 34% said that they will need to seek external support with finances, while 47% expect to be in debt after Christmas 2023 and 29% are still paying off debt from Christmas 2022.
In response to these findings, Family Action have launched their ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign to provide emotional and practical support to over 60,000 families, as well as distributing thousands of toys through the Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal.
David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive of Family Action, said: “Every family deserves comfort and joy at Christmas, but with the high costs of food and utilities, many will find their holiday season stressful and difficult. We work with thousands of families across the country, and from the research findings and feedback from our frontline staff, we know only too well the challenges families are facing. This Christmas we’re offering a sleigh load of practical and emotional support to families through our FOOD clubs, financial grants, FamilyLine, and our Christmas Toy Appeal. By supporting our ‘Make Theirs Magic’ campaign, people can help with a special gift that could bring Christmas cheer to a child and their family. Together, we can keep the magic of Christmas alive. Thank you.”
