More than 900 children in the North West will wake up homeless on Christmas day this year, a charity has warned.
Following a recent survey Shelter found that living conditions were preventing some children attending school and harming the physical and mental health of children.
The charity also revealed the number of families with children housed in bed and breakfasts as an emergency measure is at a ten year high and they are now appealing to the public for help.
Campbell Robb, from Shelter, said: “In the 21st century it cannot be right that homeless children are experiencing severe emotional distress, facing three hour round trips to school and having to eat their dinner on the floor.
“No child should have to go through the trauma of losing their home, so it’s heart-breaking to think that 900 in the North West will wake up homeless this Christmas.
“We urgently need more support from the public to help us make sure no-one has to fight homelessness on their own this Christmas.”
Recent figures show that 2,130 families live in England live in cramped and unsuitable conditions and Shelter found this has caused children to suffer from depression, panic attacks and wetting the bed.
80% of families contacted in Shelter’s survey said that their living conditions had a detrimental effect on their children’s physical health.
While 60% said that their children found it harder to make or keep friends and 10% of families were not even able to get their children to school.
When they became homeless in the aftermath of her marriage breaking down, Felicia and her two children had to live in a bed and breakfast for two months.
“My children had already been through hell before we got to the bed and breakfast, but once we moved in their mental health declined with every passing day,” said the mother of two.
“My son became depressed for the first time in his life and my daughter even started self-harming. As a mother it was heart-breaking to see.
“I felt so helpless because living in the bed and breakfast but it was our only option. If I hadn’t found Shelter I don’t know what we would have done”
Shelter have been able to help Felicia and her children move to a more stable home, however there are many more families who still need their help.
Nationally figures show that the number of homeless families living in bed and breakfast accommodation in England has almost doubled in just three years.
Campbell Robb added: “It only takes one thing to push a family into a downward spiral which can end in homelessness.
“We’re bracing ourselves for an increase in demand from families who desperately need our help to keep a roof over their heads.
“Our advisers will be working tirelessly to support people who find themselves homeless this Christmas but it’s getting harder and harder for us to be there for every family that needs us.”
The charity is calling on the public to help make sure it can be there for Britain’s homeless children this Christmas by donating to its urgent appeal.
To support Shelter’s emergency Christmas appeal please visit shelter.org.uk or text SHELTER to 70060 to donate £3
Image by Ken_MG_4883, with thanks.
