Charity highlights the stress families are feeling this Christmas and how you can help

This need is greater today than ever, as Family Action research shows that worries about finances can also impact children’s well-being.

More than a third of parents/carers surveyed in the West Midlands are concerned that their children themselves will worry about Christmas spending and family finances this year, and the same number are worried that their children will think they have been “naughty” when they won’t get any gifts because their parents can’t afford to buy them this year.

Last year, Family Action’s Toy Appeal provided more than 15,000 gifts to children across the country, and this year the charity is aiming to do more and ensure that every child Family Action supports experiences the magic of Christmas morning.

Family Action chief executive Sir David Holmes CBE said: “Our research has revealed the heartbreaking impact that financial pressure is having on families this Christmas. Many parents are concerned that their children may feel that they are ‘naughty’ or that they have done something wrong if Santa doesn’t come, and we know that this can result in them having to have difficult discussions with your children. .

“Every family has a different story, and some are more complicated than others. This year, even more families are going without food and struggling to maintain the magic of Christmas. It is extremely sad to hear that many parents and carers feel they have let their children down because they simply cannot afford to buy the gifts their children are hoping for.”

As the cost of living crisis continues to impact families across the UK, Family Action is calling on communities to come together to help bring joy to children and young people who might otherwise go without, and to ensure no child misses out on the joy of unwrapping a special Christmas present in the morning.

Sir David Holmes CBE concludes: “By supporting our appeal for toys, you can help bring the magic back to a family Christmas, making a difference for parents and children going through difficult times.

To donate or find out more about how you can support Family Action’s toy appeal, visit family-action.org.uk/give-support/toy-appeal.

Your gift, no matter how small, can bring a smile to a child’s face and light up a family’s Christmas.