Young Scots fear cost of living crisis will make Christmas an anxious time for families

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A majority of young Scots are worried the cost of living will make this Christmas a more anxious time for their families, a survey has found.More than 400 youngsters aged 11-21 were asked by the Action for Children charity for their views on spending over the festive season.The poll revealed that 78 per cent of respondents felt financial pressures would make Christmas an anxious time, including one in 20 kids who said December would be an "extremely anxious time".A third of the youngsters surveyed also said they were concerned that a friend or classmate they knew would not be able to afford presents.Three-quarters said Christmas should be less about spending and more about helping others, while the same proportion is willing to sacrifice a present to another child they know without one.The survey was published as Action for Children launches its annual Secret Santa campaign, which aims to help some of the most vulnerable children across the country.The charity has helped people such as Hugh, a father of two young daughters under 10 years old, who lives in the north of Scotland.Following a family crisis he suddenly became a single parent and full-time carer for both children with little support network around him.When a welfare officer at their school spotted him having a tough time taking on the responsibility, he was referred to an Action for Children support service.The support targeted at families with children aged 0 to 12 offers practical and emotional support, alongside activities like clubs and groups for parents and children.Hugh said: "To tell you the truth I was just struggling along – the welfare woman in the school put the support worker in touch with me.