One in ten Portsmouth households cannot afford Christmas presents for children

One in ten Portsmouth households cannot afford Christmas presents for their children this year, with the council and charities appealing for donations to ensure “every young person should have a present to open.”

Research by charity Family Action has highlighted the financial pressures facing families in Portsmouth and across the UK as Christmas approaches.

It found that 27 per cent of children in the UK, around four million, live in poverty, while one in five households are considering cancelling Christmas altogether.

Locally, one in six parents and carers in Portsmouth has considered cancelling Christmas celebrations, with one in ten households unable to afford presents this year.

Family Action said its annual Toy Appeal aims to ease pressures by helping families provide gifts.

David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, said: “Our research shows the painful reality facing many families this Christmas.

“Parents want so much to give their children joy, but many are being forced to make choices no family should have to make. A donated gift can mean far more than a toy – it can mean relief, dignity and a moment of Christmas magic.”

Donations can be made through a monthly or one-off payment on the Family Action website at www.family-action.org.uk.

Households can also find out what support the charity offers locally by visiting www.family-action.org.uk/find-a-local-service/.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Every young person should have a present to open, and we are again running our annual Portsmouth City Council Christmas appeal with suppliers and council staff, who are donating toys, books, vouchers and other gifts to support children, families, care experienced young people and vulnerable adults across Portsmouth.

“Last year many hundreds of gifts were collected and distributed by local charities and groups to those in most need in our city.

"There are a number of local appeals for residents who want and are able to support. These include Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, The Parenting Network Toy Appeal, Home-Start Portsmouth's Christmas Hamper Appeal, and Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal, who will brighten up Christmas for many local families this year.

“Anyone in Portsmouth in need of support can access our Cost of Living Hub, which brings together help with money, food, energy, bills, housing, health and wellbeing, crisis and resilience fund payments and dedicated support for families through our Family Hubs.”

The council’s Cost of Living Hub can be accessed at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/cost-of-living-hub or by calling 023 9284 1047 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, except Fridays when the line closes at 4.30pm.

Further information about Family Hubs is available at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/familyhubs or by emailing [email protected] or texting 07860 025516.

Additionally, the Salvation Army have their own present appeal, where you can donate unwrapped presents to your local centre: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal