Childline - Cost of Living Crisis

Published: 14/02/2023

Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living crisis is being felt across the country. And we know that children are feeling it too. It's estimated that one third of children in the UK live in poverty. Poverty puts enormous stress on families which can leave children at risk of harm. Calls to our Childline service have already shown that children and young people are well aware of the strain that the cost of living is having on their parents and carers.

That's why we're here to listen to their worries and provide crucial support. Meanwhile, our local services are working directly with families who are already feeling overwhelmed. But the demand for these services is growing, and we'll struggle to continue our work without the help of our supporters.

We know that times are tough for everybody right now. We mean it when we say that every donation means so much to us, and that every pound counts.

Please show your support today and purchase a Drive it Day or Ride it Day plate- because every one sold can make a big difference to a child or young persons life.

BBC’s Naga Munchetty visited NSPCC Childline's London base and interviewed staff and volunteers. Here are some of the comments from that visit...

Pauline has volunteered for Childline for 15 years. She and her colleagues have noticed a change in the type of calls they’ve been receiving recently. “Over the last few weeks we have been saying to each other there are a lot of children who are feeling hopeless.
“Life is very difficult for adults, and children are seeing that,” she says.

Barry is a supervisor at Childline, he says there’s a similar picture at all 12 of their UK bases. “We’re seeing contacts come through where young people are concerned about the cost of living crisis…it might be subtle, from people who are picking up vibes at home from mum and dad or whoever looks after them, showing that they are concerned about the future,” he says.

73% of the children who responded to a recent survey said they are worried about their family having less money for the things they may need in the next few months.
Ruth has worked as a volunteer at Childline for 30 years. She says “young people have had a triple whammy recently and there’s still a knock-on effect,” following the Covid pandemic. “When parents are busying with their own stresses, to have someone on the other end of the phone to really listen can be so powerful for a young person.
“Every week I feel a sense of pride as a Childline volunteer,” Ruth says.
 
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