Three-quarters of parents are worried about their ability to cope financially this winter, with one in four “very worried”, according to a new poll released by the Evening Standard on Monday.
The situation is particularly acute for young parents aged 25-34, with 79 per cent worried about their ability to get by, as the cost-of-living crisis deepens and enters a second winter.
Almost three in five said their disposable income has decreased this year and 55 per cent said “my mental health has worsened” since the start of the cost-of-living crisis.
This data showing how widely the crisis has spread is the outcome of a nationwide survey of more than 2,000 parents with children under 17 years of age.
It was conducted by Censuswide, research consultants, having been commissioned by Comic Relief, our Winter Survival Appeal partner, to assess the financial fragility of parents moving forward.
The study revealed the areas parents are most concerned about this winter, with 69 per cent worried about their ability to pay household bills and three in 10 very worried. Almost two-thirds said they were concerned about their ability to afford Christmas presents. Four in 10 said their children’s well-being was one of the top things causing them most concern. And more than half worried about their ability to pay for food this winter.
Asked what would stop them seeking help with food and essential items, 34 per cent of parents said “shame and embarrassment” and 28 per cent said “other people knowing they can’t afford to support their family”.
Thirty per cent said they had asked family in the last year for help with food, while one in eight had turned to friends.
Our Christmas campaign is raising funds to support a group of transformative charities in London and across Britain that will help people struggling with food insecurity as well as their children’s health and well-being. Comic Relief CEO Samir Patel said: “The results paint a devastating picture of what many will face. It’s never felt more urgent to come together and do what we can to help those who are most vulnerable.
“Families are navigating huge financial pressure from all angles — from having enough food for their children, keeping a roof over their heads and keeping up with bills to buying baby essentials like nappies.”
We have partnered with Comic Relief to launch our Winter Survival Appeal Christmas Campaign, with Comic Relief pledging £500,000 to kick off our fund. The money we raise will help fund charities in London and across the country helping people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/wintersurvival
