This is my second blog as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services. My first blog published earlier this month received some positive feedback with its theme of education in Knowsley. Thank you to everyone who made comments and I was pleased it resonated so positively.
My thoughts in this blog centre on those children and families who may struggle this Christmas. As a parent of two young children, I can relate to the excitement that the build up to the ‘Big Day’ brings. The demands on Santa, however, to bring the latest gifts is a real challenge. Therein lies the issue, of course, for those families who may be dealing with money worries and there is so much pressure on people to ensure they have the latest gadgets or toys. It’s easy to simply tell parents to resist, and many do, but for many it is very hard to resist the peer pressure of society. Help and support is available – find out more on the council’s website – www.knowsley.gov.uk (and search for financial advice) or call the council’s dedicated Financial Advice line on 0151 443 3300.
Social media is generally a good tool – most of the time. But I have become aware of a less acceptable aspect of social media when it comes to the receipt of gifts on Christmas Day. Many young people will use Instagram or Twitter to upload images of the gifts they receive on the day itself. For many other young people, however, this has become a continuation of the pressures of a material society. Not uploading an image or uploading the image of a ‘cheap’ gift can lead to ridicule. Some of our fine staff in the Family First Service reported that last year parents actually purchased some items in the full knowledge they would be returned in the New Year or need to be taken to a second-hand shop (the situation with some of the expensive electrical items). How sad. We have heard this week again about the pressures on household budgets and how Universal Credit will impact on the finances of hard working families. That nice Mr.Osborne may have relented on Tax Credits thanks to the bravery of Labour Peers in the Lords, but the sting in the tail will be Universal Credit. Families are under increasing financial pressure and Christmas can add to this stress.
My Christmas wish and message to families is therefore to try and resist the pressures of society. Be thankful for gifts given and received however simple. Use Instagram to upload pictures of happy family occasions, not the ‘gifts’ from a materialistic society.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog once again. I wish Knowsley residents and any readers of this blog a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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