Get your families together and support the British Heart Foundation

A new survey by the BHF has revealed the stresses of modern day living are putting a considerable strain on family life. Over one in 10 (14 per cent) from the East Midlands said the last time they spent quality time with their family was over a year ago, or not at all.

Over a third of parents (32 per cent) in the East Midlands said they leave the house at least once a week without seeing their children. More than a third (34 per cent) of the region’s parents also said they’re so busy that in an average day they often don’t spend any time whatsoever with their children, and many (18 per cent) had missed an important occasion because of it.

Over a quarter of parents (26 per cent) from the East Midlands worry that their children spend far less time with their family than they did when they were young. While it might be work getting in the way for busy parents in the East Midlands, a fifth (20 per cent) worried that social media is distracting their children away from quality family time when they are home. Over one in 10 (14 per cent) said it’s because everyone’s busy schedules just didn’t match up.

Over two fifths (43 per cent) of those polled from the East Midlands said they feel guilty that they don’t spend enough time with their loved ones. The BHF is encouraging families to get together on Friday, June 9, for the charity’s annual wear red day.

By donning your favourite red garments and organising a red fundraising event, you can help support life saving research in the fight against heart disease. Sign up at WearitBeatit.org.uk

Donna Spriggs-Elliott, Head of Community Fundraising at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It’s clear that our busy modern day lifestyles, and the stresses of the daily grind, are keeping us from spending time with our families.