Young Central families are feeling the pinch as the lack of childcare facilities hit home, leaving some calling on the services they never thought they would need.

One of those families, who wished to remain anonymous, talked to The Central App about the challenges they have faced and the sacrifices they have been forced to make.

With one child now at school and another finally in childcare for just two days a week, the couple have made the heartbreaking decision to sell their home and leave the district so both of them can work, and start saving again.

The mother said aspects that had added to their challenges were the fact they didn’t have family nearby and were finding Alexandra too expensive to live on one income.

They have made the tough decision to move back to the North Island where a support network of close friends await them. 

“As soon as our house sells, we’ll be up there.”

She said various financial challenges had a “huge” knock on effect, including their latest rates rise, which is now up to about $1000.

The couple had dipped into their savings more than they had realised, which had a devastating impact.

Due to their hardship the couple has had to call on a local foodbank in recent times, a service she was incredibly grateful for, despite not wanting to use it.

Without the service life could have been a lot different for the young family.

“We are just ticking along again now,” she said.

The couple has also had the support of Central Otago Reap’s Strengthening Families, which is part of a nationally funded programme through Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children.

The programme offers support to families who require assistance from more than one agency or community service.

She said the support her family had received had been amazing, but hoped that a move north would mean they could re-establish themselves with two incomes and easier childcare access.

Last month Barnardos Early Learning put a call out to the wider community in the hope of expanding its in-home childcare provider service throughout the district.

The not-for-profit organisation is recruiting new home-based educators in Roxburgh, Clyde and Alexandra, as well as in Wānaka, Hāwea and Queenstown.

Barnardos Early Learning service delivery manager Rebecca Chatwin was hopeful there could eventually be someone in each of those towns.

Visit the Barndardos Early Learning website to find out more or phone 0800 227 627.

Read more: In-home educators needed across Central