Children are feeling suicidal because of the cost-of-living crisis, the report finds

Child poverty charity The Childhood Trust revealed today how children are being affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis – having thoughts of self-harm and suicidal thoughts due to money worries

Children are suicidal because of the cost of living crisis, a report found.

Britain is facing a “humanitarian crisis on our doorstep” with children self-harming and unable to sleep due to money worries.

The charity Childhood Trust today published a 33-page report on the impact of the crisis on disadvantaged youth.

They warn that millions of children are at a breaking point.

A little girl said she watches TV to forget her hunger. Laura, seven, from London, said: “I ask my mum if we have anything to eat and she tells me if there is enough money.

“If not, I just go into the closets and see if there’s anything there. If there is a snack, I eat it and try to go to bed. She might have more money tomorrow.”

Another girl said: “My mother tried to pay for the electricity and we really didn’t have enough. I was really sad. It was very cold and I was very scared because the heating wasn’t working.”

The study involved 1,468 parents, half of whom said their children were stressed and a fifth said they smile less now.

Almost one in 10 children has started self-injury and 8% show suicidal tendencies. The Childhood Trust wants to raise £3.5million to help those in need.

Chief Executive Laurence Guinness said: “It’s only thanks to donors and thousands of charities supporting children that we don’t have a humanitarian crisis on our own doorstep.”

Donate at: championsforchildren.childhoodtrust.org.uk/kt5

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