Half of Welsh parents cannot afford to take their children away on holiday this year, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by the Salvation Army.
Just over half (51%) of Welsh parents of children aged 16 or under are worried about being able to afford the basics, such as the costs of meals, clothing and keeping their children occupied in the holiday weeks.
Major Derek Jones, Salvation Army Divisional Commander for South and Mid Wales, said: “This survey illustrates the difficulties facing so many parents. We are seeing that increased costs such as providing extra food for children, as well as keeping them entertained and buying new school uniforms, just adds pressure financially.”
In South and Mid Wales, The Salvation Army runs an annual week-long adventure camp attended by children referred through social service departments and other agencies. For many youngsters it is the only holiday they will get this year.
Major Jones added: “Our summer camps are designed to support families and be safe environments where children can develop their confidence and independence. In today’s society face-to-face interaction is in decline but our camps get young people to interact as a community.”
Korin Jones, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Children’s Officer, said: “The kids come from challenging home backgrounds and the ethos of our adventure camp is ‘to allow children to be children’. As the week goes on we see them begin to relax, free of the cares and responsibilities they face at home.”