New figures have shown emotional well-being is regarded as the single most important factor in positive child development in the UK.

A report has also revealed British children are bottom of the European Union's well-being table.

Moira Luccock, deputy director of children's services at the National Children's Home (NCH) for West Yorkshire, said: "A child who is emotionally healthy and works and plays well with others will better be able to withstand the rigours of life.

"Many families need assistance with this. There is a direct correlation between families living in poverty and lack of emotional well-being in children. There are many things which need to be done in this area to help children grow up to feel part of every day life.

"The Government has put a lot of money into child development but we do feel the issue has not been highlighted enough."

The NCH is one of the UK's leading children's charities and support some of the country's most vulnerable and excluded children.

Alex Sykes, 26, of Odsal, was placed into care when he was ten days old. He received help from the NCH as he grew up and then went on to volunteer with the organisation.

He said: "What I have been told is that my mum was suffering with schizophrenia. I have two older sisters, who I didn't meet until I was much older.

"It was decided she couldn't care for them and then when I arrived it became a matter of child protection. I was put into care and then into a family placement until I was about nine.

"I had been brought up English but my mum's family are Pakistani and wanted me brought up in their tradition. Then the family couldn't deal with me and I spent the next four years in a children's home.

"When I went to university I had moved about 15 times in all. I used to say it was social mobility, but I lost my childhood friends every time I moved. I now have a small group of friends and we all stay in touch.

"I feel I lost out in terms of childhood friends, and not knowing my sisters, but now I have settled down with someone and we are about to have a child.

"I got involved with NCH when I was about 15. It helped me a lot. It's hard to go to school when you are the only child in care, you're seen as a charity case, but you're not - it creates abnormality.

"A lot of the depression I suffered as a child was due to this and being moved around."

Alex gained two HNDs and has worked extensively in the charity sector as a lobbyist in London.