1 in 5 children stuck at home during holidays as a result of financial restraints

1 in 5 children stuck at home during holidays as a result of financial restraints

A new survey by John Lyon’s Charity has discovered that countless children will have to stay at home during the six-week summer break because family money is tight. To help the situation, the Charity has funded 88 groups across North and West London through its School Holiday Activity Fund to offer fun and accessible activities for children to experience during the summer holidays.

The new survey reveals that:

  • Due to the Cost of Living crisis, 31% of parents can no longer afford to take their child/ren out to theme parks, day trips, camping trips and other activities during the school holidays
  • 30% of parents are worried about what they can do with their children during the school holidays because everything is so expensive.
  • 21% of children will have to stay at home for the majority of the school holidays because their parents cannot afford to take them out.

Six weeks of summer holiday is exciting for children but can be challenging for parents.  This year the Cost of Living crisis is squeezing family budgets even more during the school holidays, leaving little extra money for outings, trips and treats.

To help alleviate the pressures of the current climate for families and young people during the school holidays, John Lyon’s Charity wants to remind parents of the many school holiday clubs and activities that run throughout North and West London thanks to the Charity’s School Holiday Activity Fund (SHAF). The Fund is designed to enable organisations to deliver fun and accessible activities for children and young people during the school holidays so that they can experience camping trips, family activities, trips to the beach or the zoo and other sports activities without any financial pressures or limitations. Almost all of the 88 groups awarded are providing meals on top of snacks and refreshments as part of their delivery.

Dr. Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity said:

“We are shocked at the findings from our survey and will do all we can to support families who are continuously affected by the Cost of Living crisis. Whilst we cannot fund families directly, we can take the financial pressures off in other ways and our School Holiday Activity Fund is one of them. This opportunity will ensure many young people won’t have to stay at home during the school holidays and will still be able to experience the same opportunities as any other young person. 21% of young people staying at home for the whole of the summer holidays is 21% too many!”

John Lyon’s Charity has funded 88 groups through its School Holiday Activity Fund across North and West London this summer. These young people will not only experience a variety of fun summer activities, but they will also receive a visit from the charity’s furry mascot, John the Lyon who loves to put smiles on children’s faces.

The Charity’s mission is to support the life chances of children and young people through providing as many opportunities as possible and the school holidays are no exception. To find out more about John Lyon’s Charity and its funding opportunities, please visit: www.jlc.london.

1,103 respondents who have school-aged children in the United Kingdom from 12.05.23 – 15.05.23. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

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