Press Release: Summer Holidays are a struggle, not a break, for Children in Poverty
While many families are getting ready for a fun-filled summer, at Buttle UK, we see weeks of stress, isolation, and a stark reminder of what these families are missing.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summer Holidays are a struggle, not a break, for Children in Poverty
July 3rd 2025 –While many families are getting ready for a fun-filled summer, at Buttle UK, we see weeks of stress, isolation, and a stark reminder of what these families are missing.
- 4.5 million children living in poverty in the UK
- This long break from school can be the hardest time of the year for children in poverty
- Away from school, thousands of children face weeks of isolation, hunger, and shame, and the added anxiety of returning to school in September without the essentials they need.
At Buttle UK, we hear from families everyday who are filled with stress, anxiety and shame leading up to the summer holidays which are riddled with hidden costs. For many of them, summer means long days in temporary accommodation with no toys, no outings, and no social interaction. The emotional impact is huge. Children tell us they feel embarrassed and excluded, feelings that can damage confidence and mental wellbeing.
As the new school year approaches, this shame often deepens. Without the right school uniform, basic supplies, or a decent night’s sleep, these children are at a disadvantage from day one.
The children can’t do the activities that give them joy. It’s hard to have friends over as I can’t afford food for them
I can’t afford to take my children to places to see their friends and can’t afford extra food to be able to invite their friends over…because the kids don’t see or do anything outside of school, they get frustrated at me at home
For the families we support, summer is not a holiday. It’s a stretch of time filled with stress, when children are painfully aware of what they don’t have. Unable to invite friends over, no toys or books to enjoy. No trips. No uniforms for September. Just weeks of being left out
Take Sarah and her three young children, who recently fled domestic abuse and have been relocated multiple times. The children have struggled with school attendance, friendships, and emotional wellbeing. Thanks to donations to Buttle UK, they were provided with new uniforms, learning support, and access to summer activities that gave them a sense of normality, and the confidence to start again.
Buttle UK are launching a summer appeal to give children a real break this summer and alleviate some of the stresses and challenges they face.
Donations will go to providing children with the school uniforms and supplies they need to start the school year with confidence, tutoring to children who need extra support to catch up on missed lessons, and extracurricular activities that allow children to make new friends and feel part of their school community once again.
To donate, visit: https://shop.buttleuk.org/
For media enquiries, contact:
Taryn Robinson,Marketing Manager
07922426277
Recent statistics highlight the scale of the issue:
- Over 4.5 million children are living in poverty in the UK. – https://shorturl.at/9lvJP
- More than 80,000 are in extreme poverty, with families struggling to provide even basic essentials. – https://buttleuk.org/news/news-list/state-of-child-poverty-2024/
- 1 in 10 parents in poverty say their child has been bullied for being poor. – https://nation.cymru/news/one-in-10-parents-in-poverty-say-their-child-has-been-bullied-for-being-poor/
