With the cost of living still soaring and temperatures continuing to drop affecting the most vulnerable, Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University is set to help tackle the issue affecting young families across Hull by providing them with warm essentials to help them through the winter.
The latest stats gathered from Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University show that 40% of children in Hull are growing up in poverty, before the pandemic, that level was sitting at around 33%.
A total of 283 packs have been created with the support greatly received from Hull Trains and Northern Gas Networks, enough to provide each school in the city with four packs each to go to the families and children most in need.
The warm packs contain a range of items to help children in these vulnerable families keep warm including winter coats and electric blankets.
Natasha Banke, CEO of Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, said: “We’re in the midst of another cold snap so I think these packs will be very greatly received. Schools have been reaching out and asking us for support for children during this difficult winter. We decided to provide energy-efficient electric blankets and warm winter coats as this would help ease some of the pressure these families are feeling.
“With the cost of living, families are struggling to make ends meet, and many of the families we support don’t receive any extra help. Many of us take heating our homes and owning a warm coat for granted, but the packs will make a world of difference for families that don’t have access to these items.”
Deborah Birch, Head of HR for Hull Trains, added: “It’s a really challenging time for many households and it’s reassuring to know these packs will help make a real difference for these young families and give them some support when they most need it. We’re delighted to support this scheme and the families in the region.”
Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University are continuing to provide support in separate schemes for disadvantaged children across the region, read more about the work they do here: www.hullchildrensuniversity.com.