10 December 2023 , 10:18
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TV judge Robert Rinder is backing a charity’s call to help hard-up parents as more than ever will rely on handouts to buy their children toys this Christmas.
Demand for grants to cover the cost of games and books has nearly quadrupled in the past four years according to Buttle, which supports families on the breadline. It warns kids’ early learning development is being damaged because they have fewer toys and books.
Rinder, 45, a Buttle ambassador, said: “Millions of young people don’t have the safety net of a family or community who can fill the gap when things get tough or provide the basics needed for the best start in life. These young people are the future, which is why the grants Buttle provides are so important and why we’re urging people to play their part.”
Mum of four Aminat is among those needing extra help.
She said: “My children need the grants as we just migrated to the UK and I can’t work to provide. The grant made a lot of difference. My children could explore with the gadgets and school activities. It also made me feel like a good parent that I could provide despite the trauma migration and my health challenges have put us through.”
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Buttle’s Jospeh Howes urged PM Rishi Sunak to act, saying: “A child poverty strategy is needed in the longer term and we urge the Government to introduce an Essentials Guarantee, ensuring benefits cover the basic essentials.”