Do you have space for one more on your Christmas list like Jamie?
Jamie* lives with his Mum and three younger sisters in a small flat. When a social worker came to check his home, they discovered that the kitchen cupboards were empty, and that their flat was freezing cold.
“My mum said that money is so tight that we must often choose between buying food or turning on the heating. I don’t think Santa will bring anything for me and my family this year.”
Since his mum became poorly, Jamie has had the responsibility of caring for his family and keeping the house running. Every day he wakes his sisters up, makes them breakfast, gets them dressed, and takes them all to school. After school, he has to do the jobs around the house. He’s only eleven.
Jamie has taken on a lot of adult responsibility when he should be enjoying his childhood, having fun with friends, and dreaming big adventures for his life.
“Instead of writing my Christmas list and decorating a tree, I’ll be worrying about my mum this year. My Christmas wish is that she will be better soon. This year, Christmas day will be like every other day.”
*names and details have been changed to protect identities.
