There are currently 3.8 million children living in poverty in the UK . That’s almost a third of all children.  Poverty is the single greatest threat to the well-being of children and families. Growing up in poverty can affect every area of a child’s development – social, educational and personal.

Around a third of Barnardo’s work focuses on the alleviation of children and families in poverty.  We provide advice on budgeting for young parents, access to training and employment, and help young families living in poverty with some basic essentials like a winter coat for the winter.

You can help children in poverty with a Barnardo’s Real Gift like a Winter Coat. It will not only make a wonderful Christmas gift for friends and family, but it could also bring warmth and comfort to children who would usually be forced to go without one.

Children like Jelani, who finds it hard to ask his mum for basic essentials because of their financial situation:

‘We’re always asking for too much… she’s asking for loans and debts…she’s putting her own life at risk.  Sometimes I need something…but I see what she’s going through and I keep quiet’

A winter coat may seem like a very basic essential, but to children like Jelani, it’ll be a wonderful Christmas gift, the money raised when you buy a Winter Coat could go towards helping reduce the impact of poverty on children in the UK.