What summer poverty looks like for Benji's family

For many children, summer is a time for holidays and fun days out.

But for families like Benji’s, the summer holidays can bring weeks of financial worry.

His parents, Tom and Kerry’s life changed when Kerry had to undergo emergency surgery while giving birth to Benji.

As a result, she developed chronic pain and could no longer walk properly.

With Kerry and their three children needing support, Tom quit his job to become a full-time carer.

Losing Tom's income meant the family had to move into social housing and give up their car because they could no longer afford the repayments.

The financial pressure forces Tom and Kerry to make difficult decisions on how they spend their money during the summer.

While Benji’s friends go on holiday or enjoy days out, he and his siblings have to regularly miss out.

Even a short break away from home is out of reach.

“We keep looking to see if we can manage a couple of days away, but it’s just impossible”, says Kerry.

The family focus on finding low-cost or free activities to keep the children entertained.

But even then, they still have to be strict.

To help keep their children entertained, the couple have introduced 'Yes Days'.

“We have to say 'no' so often to our kids, we have days where we say ‘yes’ to a surprise activity”, says Kerry.

The children each write down an activity or small treat, place them in envelopes and pick one at random for a surprise treat.

This summer, too many families face impossible choices between food, bills and activities.

But you could help change that.