Cost of living increases and the resulting financial insecurity continue to hit hard across Buckinghamshire and now, more than ever, people are finding themselves struggling to make ends meet.
Donations to The Crisis Appeal are urgently needed to meet the increasing demand for one-off financial support during these desperate times. The appeal, which is managed by Heart of Bucks, will support those in real need, giving hope to local people. From food and household essentials, moving costs for someone fleeing domestic abuse, to help with energy costs.
Poverty rates are continuing to rise and local people are having to choose between paying rent and bills or buying food. Homes using a typical amount of gas and electricity are now paying an extra £700 per year on average and the predicted October price cap increase means household bills could rise by an additional £800 per year to £2,800 (BBC/OFgem).
Zoe* recently received crisis support after she was made homeless due to escaping physical and financial domestic abuse. She had no money to buy food or support herself or her daughter and spent time in a refuge before being permanently housed. Zoe received a grant from Heart of Bucks which was used towards food and toiletries – things which many of us take for granted.
To ensure that the funding reaches those who need it most, all requests for financial support must come via a Community Advocate; these are local support providers who are already actively engaging with the individual or family in need. This also ensures that other avenues, such as public services, have been explored first.
Henry Allmand, CEO at Heart of Bucks, said:
“The launch of this crisis appeal comes at a time when increasing costs are affecting us all. However, even a small amount of money donated can help to change someone’s life. Through our partnership with Community Advocates across Buckinghamshire, we help those who are genuinely in need of support. Please help us make a difference to local people and donate today.”
If you are able to help, please donate online. If you are a taxpayer, you can also gift aid your donation and instantly increase the value by 25%. You can also donate by sending a cheque made payable to ‘Heart of Bucks’ to: Heart of Bucks Crisis Appeal, New Road, Weston Turville, Bucks, HP22 5QT.
Find out more about why we urgently need donations here: The Crisis Appeal for Buckinghamshire – Giving hope to local people – YouTube
*Name changed
