Charley K

"It is not so good for children, to have a sense of poverty."

Amelie

"It all affects them and impacts on absolutely every aspect of their lives - Their health, their mental health, relationships with family and their social lives. Inadequate provisions of food, heat and general wellbeing will leave an imprint throughout adulthood. It is the children who invariably suffer, they are disadvantaged, they will have fewer opportunities."

Bessie J

"My daughter who has autism, which I didn't know about at the time had a mental health breakdown. The waiting list grew longer for CAMHS. After a year, she was offered an online appointment. My daughter became distressed at the thought of speaking to a stranger online… The pressure is overwhelming for me to keep my daughter from spiraling into a depression when faced with pressure to conform to expectations of the DWP and council. I always have a fear of her having suicidal thoughts again. I understand the whole of the UK have been affected by cuts to services."

Lois U

"My child is autistic but awaiting an assessment. We can’t afford hot dinners at school because we are on a low income but we don’t qualify for free school meals. We rely on UC and a very low wage because my husband and I are both teaching assistants and the pay is awful."

Millie P

"The amount of benefits we receive as a family isn't enough to live comfortably. As a full time carer it's not as simple as returning to work. Anything I earn must be below a certain threshold, otherwise Carer's Allowance payments cease completely. I feel trapped and unable to gain the independence I so desperately need to live a happy and fulfilled life… So often in my life I have felt judged because I am on a low income - I don't want them to feel that same judgement. We live in a council property and they receive free school meals, therefore we are already judged by those around us."

Victoria S

"My children are old enough to understand how the benefit system works… they see how unfair it is, they see how it stresses me out and they see the limitations. They ask why we get paid so little if the benefit system is meant to prevent people from falling into proverty… my kids see how I, and others in their classrooms' parents, struggle and they talk about it, they share stories and experiences… they want to make change just as much as we do."

Precious D

"I was put much pressure about seeking work by DWP. I feel that the social security system or the agents of it are not flexible and understand your context: I did not choose to be a single parent and I did not choose to bring up my family on my own. My parents live abroad and so they cannot provide emotional and practical support at close proximity. Single parents carry a lot of invisible burdens. If we are not supported adequately, our mental health is going to be impacted"

Isabella-rose S

"My son never been to holidays. He ask me when his friends mention their plans in holidays. I said I can't afford. I want my son to thrive. I am working full time still nothing left to save or spend."

Gracie E

"I'd love to be able to take my kids swimming at the local pool or to the local farm but as prices increase its simply not an option."

Ana Q

"My children used to participate in our local areas for community activities such as art & crafts, after school club activities, role play, sports activities etc but now a day there were none left due to funding cut."

Montague A

"There used to be good public transport links but these have reduced drastically over time and often even when a bus is due, you don’t know if it will turn up."

Bessie J

"It's difficult to deny your child these experiences [clubs and trips] due to unaffordability as all other children within the club can go. It causes isolation and loss of self worth and confidence."

Chris

"There's no chance of any fun days out at weekends or during school holidays… my son hasn't had new clothes, trainers or the likes of a new coat in nearly a year because we just can't risk spending money on these items."

Sophia V

"I have an 8 year old and a 2 year old child. [The] Council have closed down the local sure start centre, which offered baby weighing, sensory room play groups and midwife appointments. They are currently in planning on closing local libraries around the city which offer homework clubs, computer access, holiday fun activities, toddler groups and so much more. My children's dentist has decided not to offer treatment on the NHS and instead go private. These are all affecting our children's mental, physical, social growth and development… I don't know how to put it into words about the worry and anxiety I have as a parent knowing young children are not getting the best start in life…"

Katie S

"I just want for my children to not have to stress about eating and keeping warm/clean. I just want their to be a fair system where people can access all the help they actually need."

Sadie Q

"The most important thing for the future of my children is financial stability and security."

Rudy G

"I am very concern about his future my son is only 7 years old but he is very concern about money, bills. I hope He can access a better opportunities."

Mollie U

"Hope they don't know what it means to struggle and to experience hunger/skipping meals. I want their future to be bright and filled with hope and joy..."

Lilly-may U

"Social security and policies should ensure children’s well-being and address their needs. Social policies could also contribute to children’s perceived well-being by giving them a voice in social policy making processes."

Dotty G

"when he was 6 he wanted to be a fireman, but then when he was 7, his career choice changed to a policeman and now that he is 8, he currently wants to be a Dr!"