News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

parents-main_article_image.jpg
UK News

Christian charity reveals top parental worries

by Tola Mbakwe

The charity's chief executive, Ross Hendry, told Premier one of the key findings of the report is parents don't think there's enough support out there for them.

Out of the 1,842 parents in Great Britain surveyed, 42 per cent think there is little to no support available from statutory, community or voluntary services to help with family challenges like divorce and conflict. The number increases to 56 per cent amongst parents who are separated or divorced.

Hendry said: "What's important is that families get the support they need when they need it. The good news is that there is support out there, through a range of different organisations and services.

"But it is clear that we must all - government, charities, schools and GPs included - do more to let people know where they can turn, and for what support, so every child can look to the future with a sense of hope."

The report also found that one in five young parents worry about the prospect of their child self-harming or feeling suicidal and only 10 per cent of parents would turn to a children's charity or a church for support.

Hendry said Spurgeons will do more to increase awareness about the value of support services and churches in dealing with challenges in families.

Su Machin has fibromyalgia and her eleven year old son, Archie, helps take care of her. She told Premier parents should not be too proud to ask for help.

She said: "From the age of seven, he's been classified as a young carer, and that was through Spurgeons recognising all that was happening. They give him extra support. They're always there at the end of the phone.

"We've got a good support network around us including Arche's school and my church. But I would feel very isolated without Spurgeons. My support worker is my lifeline and is always there when things get too much.

"It can be difficult to accept help, but you've to learn not to be too proud.

"Unless you take the chance and accept help when it's offered you won't know how kind people can be."

Listen to Premier's Maria 

 
Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

Connect

Donate

Donate