Summer 'really tough for parents on low income'

Many parents told Action for Children they believed they would not be able to afford activities for children

School summer holidays are "really tough" for parents on low incomes in the South West, a senior member of a children's charity says.

Alice Woudhuysen, head of campaigns at Action For Children, said the cost of living crisis was a big problem that had been affecting families from all backgrounds.

According to research carried out by the charity, just over half of UK parents were worried that they could not afford a short break or activities for their children this summer.

Ms Woudhuysen said: "Obviously those on low incomes find it even tougher. They have both the emotional strain of the summer holidays and not being able to provide diversions for their children but also the financial strain."

House of Marbles lets visitors watch craftspeople working with glass

The charity had 2,000 UK parents surveyed and found that 51% were concerned they would not be able to afford a holiday this summer.

As well as this, 52% said they believed they would not even be able to have a short break or be able to afford activities for their children.

Ms Woudhuysen added: "Over the summer, they don’t benefit from free school meals because schools are closed, and often the price of holiday activities rises over the summer.

"Basically, parents have more mouths to feed and they are juggling work with child care, and it's really tough."

Alice Woudhuysen said summer could be "a big problem" for families "from all backgrounds"

There are places for families in the South West that are free to get in to.

During the first day of the holidays, Nat O'Millervan and her daughter visited the House of Marbles in Newton Abbot.

It makes and sells games and toys, but also offers free activities and the chance to watch craftspeople working with glass.

She said: "People are always friendly here.

"What's beautiful about it is that the people here always want the best - it's really important to have these places and spaces you can go to be together."

Ben Winnard said the Donkey Sanctuary worked to ensure there were no barriers to people coming to visit

The Donkey Sanctuary in east Devon also has children’s play facilities.

Sanctuary head of commercial activities Ben Winnard said: "We are an educational site... it’s important that we remain free to avoid putting up a barrier to people coming to visit."

For families that can reach them, the South West also has wide open spaces such as Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, as well as some of the country’s best beaches.