Mum-of-seven says she had to tell her kids she can't afford to get them all presents this Christmas

A mum-of seven has said she can't afford to buy all her children Christmas presents this year, due to the cost of living crisis.

Jackie Hands, 62, from Greater Manchester, says she won't be buying her older children gifts this year, and has been forced to tell them that they won't be finding any gifts under the tree on the big day.

MBI/Alamy Stock Photo

“It’s hard, but you just have to manage so you find a way. There’s always a way,” she told the Manchester Evening News.

“It’s hard to heat and eat but you have to do both no matter what the prices. I’ve used £10 worth of gas in two days. I’ve only had it on for a couple of hours in the morning and the evening.

“We’re not doing adult presents this year, just the kids. My older kids understand, they know they won’t be getting anything. Normally I buy presents for everyone.

“I just take it a day at a time. The way things are at the moment, you just have to.”

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Jackie lives in Blackley and Broughton, which is one of the worst areas affected by the cost of living crisis.

It comes after new research by consumer group Which? identified the areas across the UK where people are most likely to struggle this winter.

Childminder Kelly Broderick, who hails from the area as Jackie, has recently had to take on a second job just to make ends meet.

“It’s hard because I’m a childminder,” the 45-year-old explained. “I haven’t put my prices up because the parents can’t afford it, so it’s coming out of my wages.

“My shopping has gone up, my shop used to be £140. Now it’s £190. I don’t go out as much and I’ve had to take on another job at Sainsbury’s.

“You just have to get on with it. Without my second job, I wouldn’t have any savings. I’m just working to live. I used to have money in the bank before all this started."

Alex Hinds/Alamy Stock Photo

Meanwhile, dad-of-one Damian, who was left disabled after suffering a stroke, says he has to choose between eating and heating his home.

“I’ve not been able to eat all day. It’s either food or putting money on my gas and electric," he said.

“It costs £10 a day to have the heating on. I don’t even have it on for that long. It runs out too quickly. I have anxiety – am I going to get enough money to get by?”

Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, said: “We know that millions of people are skipping meals through the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades but our new research tells us where around the UK support is most urgently needed.

“The supermarkets have the ability to take action and make a real difference to communities all around the UK.

“That’s why we’re calling on them to ensure everyone has easy access to budget food ranges that enable healthy choices, can easily compare the price of products to get the best value and that promotions are targeted at supporting people most in need.”

Topics: Parenting, Christmas

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine