Poverty, mental health issues and the social development of children were found to be the three main concerns for parents of young families, according to a new report by @HomeStartUK published this week as we celebrate Volunteers’ Week. The #HomeIsWhereWeStartFrom report surveyed over 1200 families supported by Home-Starts around the UK and found
- Twice as many low-income families (under £16,000 p.a.) are not optimistic about life after lockdown compared with those earning more (over £30,000 p.a.)
- 57% parents are concerned about their own wellbeing or mental health in the year ahead
- 65 % of parents are particularly worried about their children’s social development
In light of these revelations Home-Start UK, the UK’s leading charity supporting parents of young children is calling for systemic investment to redress the disparity, with a focus on building on the strength and resilience of communities navigating unprecedented challenges. They are calling for society to:
- Build Back Better – by redesigning the family support system to put families and children at the heart as we respond to the trauma of the pandemic and the shadow it has cast on child development
- Build Back Fairer – by addressing the structural inequalities that result in poorer outcomes for ethnic minority groups, younger parents, lone parents and those on low-incomes
- Build Back Kinder – by nurturing healthy relationships, ensuring safe home environments, and fostering kind, compassionate communities.
Read more: www.home-start.org.uk/inequalities-exposed