1 in 6 parents will struggle to afford warm coats or clothing for their children this winter

CHILDREN'S charity Barnardo's has found that around:- 1 in 6 parents surveyed in the North West (16%) say they will struggle to afford a coat or clothing that will keep their child warm this winter.

The charity also reveals that around:- 1 in 6 parents in the Region (17%) worry that their child's current coat or clothing may not keep them warm this winter; but it is all they can afford. And, shockingly, almost a third (31%) of parents in the North West say they worry that their children will be cold at home this winter because of the cost of energy bills.

Barnardo's believes there could be 300,000 children in the UK without a winter coat; and around 2.2 million parents struggling to afford a warm coat or clothing for their children.

The children's charity has calculated the figures based on its latest YouGov survey, which surveyed parents of children aged:- 18 and under and children aged:- 6 to 15 in the UK last month.

Barnardo's is calling on the public to help it support children in poverty by donating via:- Barnardos.Org.UK, or dropping off any unwanted, pre-loved children's winter coats to their local Barnardo's charity shop.

In a recent survey of Barnardo's frontline staff, 400 out of 870 workers (46%) who responded said they had witnessed children, families and parents going without essential clothing.

Every year Barnardo's supports thousands of children and families who are struggling through its child poverty fund. Between:- November 2024 and February 2025, 1⁄2 of the applications the charity received for support from the fund were for clothing.

Examples included:-

A mum and her 2 girls, aged:- 1 and three, who had to flee their home due to domestic abuse. They had to leave all their belongings behind, and the girls desperately needed warms coats and clothes. Barnardo's support provided new coats and warm pyjamas.
A worker became concerned over the welfare of 1 5 year old girl from a family struggling with a low income and mental health problems. The girl had no coat, warm clothing or School shoes and had to make her own way to School. Barnardo's support meant not only was she warm, but also safe, had more dignity and the chance to play with friends at lunchtime.

Nadine Good, Director for Barnardo's North Region said:- "It's simply not right that across this Region, too many children are facing a harsh winter without the basics they need to stay warm, healthy and hopeful. When families are living from hand to mouth, as so many families are, it just takes 1 thing to go wrong, and they can be in a crisis. Behind the sparkle of the festive season we know there will be children worrying about having enough to eat, making do with a coat that's too small and feeling left out of the celebrations. That's why this winter and all year round, Barnardo's supports children and their families to keep the power on and the fridge stocked, helping with the essentials to ease some of the worry. And we couldn't do this without the generous support from the public."

Dame Helen Mirren, Actress and Barnardo's Ambassador said:- "Parents always try to protect their children and keep them fed and warm. I grew up after the war and for us money was always very tight, but I was lucky because my father didn't get ill and didn't have to stop working. It's heartbreaking that so many children will be hungry and cold this winter, and too many families will be dreading the festive season. That's why Barnardo's is helping families keep the heating on and the fridge full."

To find out more about Barnardo's and how you could help give Christmas back to children living in poverty, visit:- Barnardos.Org.UK.

Birkenhead Nursery refurbishment given seal of approval from Council Leader

THE Leader of Wirral Council Councillor has officially reopened Partou Oxton Nursery and Pre-school in Birkenhead which has undergone a complete transformation with an investment of over �1 million.

After being welcomed by Partou Managing Director Samantha Rhodes, Councillor Paula Basnett had a guided tour and met children and team members, before cutting the ribbon to celebrate a bright new dawn for the Nursery.

Located in a converted villa in the heart of Oxton, the setting features large playrooms filled with exciting activities that inspire early years learning.

Following a full renovation, it now incorporates carefully designed spaces to inspire creativity, exploration and development for all age groups, together with a purpose-built sensory room to support inclusive learning and wellbeing

Outside, the beautifully landscaped play area offers an assortment of bespoke zones including:- soft play, mud kitchens, water play and climbing areas.

In addition to the physical changes, the investment has also provided brand new learning resources throughout the Nursery.

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:- "It was fantastic to welcome Councillor Basnett to Partou Oxton to see the results of the refurbishment and cut the ribbon. The investment has allowed us to reimagine every part of the Nursery, inside and out. Most importantly, it has enabled us to offer more childcare places to local families, helping to meet growing demand and support even more children in accessing high-quality early years education."

Councillor Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said:- "I'm absolutely delighted to see this fantastic transformation at Partou Oxton Nursery. The investment made here is a real commitment to giving our youngest children the very best start in life. What struck me most during my visit was the care, creativity and attention to detail that has gone into every part of the Nursery, from the beautifully designed playrooms to the inclusive sensory spaces and the inspiring outdoor areas. High-quality early years provision is vital for our families and our communities, and it's wonderful to see a setting like this expanding place, supporting local parents and creating an environment where children can thrive. My thanks to the whole team for their passion and dedication. This is a facility Wirral can be truly proud of."

Josie Camilleri, Partou Oxton Nursery Manager, said:- "It is incredibly exciting for the children, families and my team to experience the rebirth of our Nursery. We are grateful to Councillor Basnett for taking time out of her busy schedule to have a tour, spend time with the team and children, and hear about the huge difference the improvements will make to quality of childcare we provide. It is a day we will all fondly remember."

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1 in 6 parents will struggle to afford warm coats or clothing for their children this winter

Birkenhead Nursery refurbishment given seal of approval from Council Leader