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40% of poorest families can't afford a holiday this year
A Christian charity has highlighted the impact that rising poverty will have on children in many poorer families.
Two in five of the poorest families can't afford a week's holiday
Tim Jeffery, chief executive of
Spurgeons, commented: "According to government statistics released this month, two out of
five families in the lowest income bracket won’t be able to afford even
a week’s holiday this year."
"Without any kind of holiday to look forward to, children can be deeply affected, emotionally," maintains Jeffery. "Those living in poverty often suffer from a lack of self-confidence and, eventually, lose hope. We have to reach them before that happens."
While thousands of people will soon jet off to idyllic, warmer climes, crushing poverty forces Susan, in Littlehampton, to do the best she can for her five children - at home.
"It’s the worst time of all because I can’t afford to take them away," explains the 37-year-old single mum. "Keeping them occupied for six weeks is ludicrously expensive."
Until she came into contact with Spurgeons, Susan’s home was a council house where her four sons were forced to share one bedroom. Jamie, Lewis, Kyle, Joe and Katy, aged between nine and 15, have special needs (ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, vision impairment, learning difficulties and behavioural difficulties). As Susan struggles to make ends meet financially, she worries about them missing out on experiences other young people may take for granted.
"All my children want to do after-school clubs, camps and school trips but it’s hard because I don’t have the money and that breaks my heart."
