A national report published recently has shared powerful, honest words from children about what it feels like to grow up without enough money.
Children talk about living in cold homes, worrying about food, feeling embarrassed about their clothes, and carrying adult worries far too young.
The report highlights that millions of children across England are living in low income households, with many relying on food banks or free school meals, or struggling to keep their homes warm.
Children shared experiences of -
- Going without heating so food would last
- Living in overcrowded or poor quality housing
- Missing out on clubs, hobbies and trips
- Feeling different or embarrassed compared to their peers
These are not distant experiences. These are children sitting in Hull classrooms, playing in Hull parks and growing up in our neighbourhoods.
The report shines a light on children’s lived experiences in 2025 and helps us better understand the everyday challenges some children face. Many professionals working in schools, nurseries, youth services and community settings will recognise these realities.
It is important to say that poverty alone is not a reason a child comes into foster care. However, many of the children cared for by Hull Fostering will have experienced hardship at some point in their lives. This may include missing meals, living in cold or unsuitable housing, or not having the basics many of us take for granted, such as a safe home free from mould, a bed big enough to stretch out in, or reliable lighting to do homework.
For children who cannot remain at home, foster care can offer stability at a time when life has felt uncertain. A foster home cannot fix poverty on its own, but it can provide something incredibly important, safety, warmth, routine and the reassurance that someone is on their side.
Foster carers often tell us they are surprised by how much children notice and how little they say. This report is a reminder of why listening, really listening, matters.
Hull needs more foster carers. People who can offer patience, consistency and care, not perfection.
If this article has made you pause or reflect on the children in our city, we would love to talk. An initial conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Please email us at fostering@hullcc.gov.uk.