From our work with families we know that many will struggle more over school holidays, so we polled over 1,000 parents and carers to find out how this summer will look for families who face increasing financial pressures and to understand what support they might need.
“The poll revealed that 76% of families worry about the cost of days out because of the cost of living crisis – the expense of travel, entry fees and equipment costs.”
The poll revealed that 76% of families worry about the cost of days out because of the cost of living crisis – the expense of travel, entry fees and equipment costs.
So it wasn’t surprising that 26% of parents and carers also said they’ll be going without days out completely, and 33% will forgo a family holiday entirely this year due to the rising cost of living.
“The poll revealed that 76% of families worry about the cost of days out because of the cost of living crisis – the expense of travel, entry fees and equipment costs.”
Further findings highlighted the mental health aspect of these worries, with nearly half (46%) of parents and carers saying they feel more stressed and anxious about the school summer holidays than excited. Almost a fifth (18%) are worried about the school summer holidays due to mental health issues.
“When you do it by yourself you have all these worries, all these stresses, and all these anxieties but, when support is provided, you can sit, relax and make beautiful memories with your children.”
The survey also reveals that this year the school summer holidays are set to be a time when the social aspect of inequalities are amplified, with almost half (46%) of parents/carers surveyed saying they will be comparing the school summer holiday they give their children this year with other parents around them.
Across the country, our services are gearing up to help families make happy memories this year in spite of the cost of living crisis. We understand how isolating it can be to struggle and feel like your children are missing out. We want people to know that Family Action is here to help. Our services provide targeted financial, practical and emotional support. And FamilyLine is our national advice line open to anyone feeling overwhelmed this summer.
Sanna is one of the parents who uses our services and says it will be a struggle to cope with the added financial costs resulting from the six-week school holidays.
She said: “The gas and electricity bill increased twice and the support we were getting from the government has stopped and has taken a chunk off the family budget, so I am worried about how I am going to keep the children entertained through the holidays.
“When you do it by yourself you have all these worries, all these stresses, and all these anxieties but, when support is provided, you can sit, relax and make beautiful memories with your children.”
Family Action CEO David Holmes says that, though the best memories don’t have to be expensive, he’s keen to support families with the stresses generated by trying to provide the best possible summer holidays for their children in such a difficult time.
He adds: “Together we can overcome the summer struggle and make it one to remember for the right reasons”.
If you know someone feeling overwhelmed with the pressures of summer, tell them they can contact FamilyLine on 0808 802 6666, text 07537 404 282, email [email protected], or visit Family Action.
If you’re a professional who’d like to know more about how our services help families year round please read our latest Impact Report.
