Action for Children Helps Struggling NI Dad Navigate Anxious Christmas Season
As the holiday season approaches, families in Northern Ireland are facing the harsh reality of the ongoing cost of living crisis, especially those already on the brink. In a bid to shed light on the financial pressures gripping families with children, Action for Children conducted surveys involving nearly 3,000 children and young people aged 11-21 across the UK, along with over 100 frontline staff members.
Mark*, a devoted father from Co Down who is the primary caregiver for his five-year-old son, stands as a poignant example of the challenges many families are grappling with. Mark’s journey with Action for Children began in October, and he has since found solace and support in the charity during some of his darkest days.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Mark candidly shared, “Bringing up a child is tough. I can’t thank Catriona at Action for Children enough for the help she’s given me – she has gone over and above. In the past, I would always have thought that being a male, you have to be ‘tough’ and just get on with things, but in the last few months, I’ve learned that a problem shared really is a problem halved.”
Financially strained, Mark had to reduce his work hours to care for his son, leading to financial strain and reliance on benefits. Despite his best efforts, he found himself in overdraft and had to take on a second job as a delivery driver to make ends meet. The once unthinkable act of visiting a food bank became a reality for Mark this year, highlighting the stark reality faced by many families.
Emotional Impact and Coping Mechanisms
Mark’s challenges extended beyond financial constraints, impacting his mental health and causing severe anxiety. Through Action for Children, he accessed vital support, including vouchers for groceries, assistance with electricity costs, and emotional guidance. Reflecting on the holidays, Mark shared, “There’s an extra pressure at this time of year when you see all the Christmassy things on TV and in the shops. And it’s the peer pressure at school too.”
Despite the hurdles, Mark remains resilient, embracing the support he has received to navigate the uncertainties ahead. His story mirrors the struggles faced by many families in Northern Ireland, where children are acutely aware of their parents’ financial worries, with the looming shadow of Christmas amplifying existing challenges.
Call to Action and Support
Lorna Ballard, Director at Action for Children in Northern Ireland, emphasized the urgent need to address the pervasive impact of the cost of living crisis on families. She noted, “It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere, but as our research shows, the cost of living crisis is still very real for many families and continues to impoverish children in every community.”
Amidst these trials, Action for Children’s Secret Santa campaign emerges as a beacon of hope, aiming to support the most vulnerable children not just during the festive season but every day. To stand in solidarity with families like Mark’s and make a difference, individuals are encouraged to become a Secret Santa and contribute to Action for Children’s vital work.
As the community rallies together to uplift those in need, Mark’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength that can emerge from moments of adversity. Through collective action and unwavering support, families facing financial hardships can find a glimmer of hope this holiday season.
