Nine out of 10 low-income parents in Northern Ireland say they are having to cut back on essential spending for themselves this summer in order to provide for their children, a new survey reveals.
Research commissioned by Save the Children, in partnership with charity In Kind Direct, found that 41 per cent of people researched are having to choose between feeding themselves and providing for their children.
Elsewhere, the research reveals that 91 per cent of parents are cutting back on items such as clothes and energy bills, so they can afford activities for their families.
More than a quarter of respondents (27 per cent) said they were taking their children on fewer days out this summer, while more than half (54 per cent) are worried about their children feeling lonely this summer.
Laura Feeney from Save the Children said: “The summer should be a time of fun and freedom for children, but we know from the stories we’re hearing how big the struggles are for many families.
"Our real hope is that the grants we’re offering organisations to create Summer of Play will provide hundreds of children with summer memories they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
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Save the Children and In Kind Direct advocate every child being given the opportunity to play during the summer months ahead of going back to school or starting nursery ready to learn.
The two charities have joined forces for the Summer of Play campaign, along with hundreds of businesses, charities, community groups and councils to provide support for parents and local charities with donations of arts and crafts, games and outdoor activities.
The survey's publication comes as Save the Children announced the provision of £20,000 to a range of community organisations in the north o deliver Summer of Play activities, including forest schools and fun days, that will reach around 500 children.
In Derry, one of those programmes is a dance academy hosted by the Family First Support Hub.
Sharon Doherty from the hub said: “The funding will enable us to provide fun, interactive activities for children in the local area who do not have either access to or options during the summer months, for play that’s specific to their needs.”
To access the Summer of Play free resources visit www.summerofplay.co.uk
