Stephen has joined experts and frontline practitioners from the charity, Action for Children, to launch a report revealing how many families have found themselves struggling virtually overnight during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Action for Children’s latest research uncovers how the pandemic has worsened household finances for many families. Through their Coronavirus Emergency Fund, the charity has supported over 10,000 children and young people living in more than 4,800 families around the UK during the outbreak, spending over £500,000 on essentials such as food, domestic bills and educational resources.
Over a third of households seeking support from the charity’s Emergency Fund have experienced financial pressures as a result of the increased costs associated with having had the whole family at home full-time, while two-fifths had to ask for help to afford food.
Stephen heard from key workers on the frontline about their experiences of helping children, young people and families throughout the pandemic, and pledged to support Action for Children’s efforts to ensure low-income families with children are protected from the financial impacts of coronavirus.
Speaking afterwards, Stephen said: “The impact that the coronavirus outbreak has had on low-income families with children is a huge concern, and one that will be amplified by winter and the prospect of a second wave.
“I am grateful for the support offered by charities like Action for Children, helping many families with the basics throughout the crisis and preventing children from being scarred by the pandemic.
“But it is clear that we need to do more to improve the financial assistance available to families facing difficulties, both now and in the longer-term, and I support action to make sure that help is available where it is needed.”