How charities are responding to the cost-of-living crisis

Join our Conference: Overcoming the cost-of-living crisis

 

Soaring living costs are taking their toll on households across the UK. But they’re also impacting the very charities who are supporting people struggling to make ends meet.

 

Here are just some of the ways that charities are responding to the cost of living crisis – for themselves, their service users, and for society as a whole.

 

 

Speaking out to make change

 

For some people needing kidney dialysis at home, the rocketing fuel prices are having a devastating impact. As part of its Priced Out of Existence campaign, Kidney Care UK has made an impactful video which shares the often unseen challenges faced by people on dialysis.

 

As well as raising funds, the campaign asks supporters to call on policy makers, parliamentarians, and utility providers to support kidney patients.

 

Shortlisted for the Best Charity Film at the Third Sector Awards 2022, the film is a great example of the power of personal stories to bring light to otherwise invisible issues. 

 

 

 

Signposting and sharing advice

 

The number of people asking for help from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau has hit a record high. Projections show that by the end of 2022 it’s likely to have supported 57% more people than last year with access to crisis support. To support those in need, it has created a cost of living crisis hub on its website, as has UK poverty charity, Turn2Us.

 

The cost of living crisis is affecting people disproportionately. For example, Leonard Cheshire highlights how around 600,000 disabled people already have £10 or less per week to pay for food and essentials – and that’s set to get worse. The charity offers great signposting and advice, and is calling on the government to increase benefits in line with inflation.

 

 

Giving extra support to people already in need

 

People living with cancer can already face financial strain, and these pressures are only set to increase. Macmillan has dedicated an additional £3.5 million to help those who need extra support, with the money being available through its financial grants scheme.

 

It’s also put together a helpful web page about the cost of living crisis, with practical signposting, advice from Macmillan’s own Energy Advisors, and where to turn to for emotional support.      

 

Young Lives vs Cancer has also given additional help due to rising costs and this year it extended its Winter Emergency Grant scheme to the end of May. Hard-hitting social posts promoted the scheme, with direct quotes from people facing harsh financial choices.

 

 

New takes on traditional ways

 

According to The Food Foundation, in April 2022, 7.3 million adults and 2.6 million children experienced food insecurity.

 

Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton is helping to meet local needs by offering a new take on food banks – one which helps to preserve people’s dignity. Unlike typical food banks, which often box up tins and packets of food, people using the Vale Pantry can choose their own groceries, including fresh fruit and vegetables. Members pay £6 a month for up to £60 of shopping.

 

Sal’s Shoes is also finding new ways to make accepting help easier. Their shoe banks in Crewe, Salford and Hackney stock pre-loved children’s shoes and are arranged like shoe shops.

 

Children can have their feet measured, try shoes on and then choose what they want, rather than being given whatever fits. These shops are helping children in poverty retain their sense of dignity, and enjoy the experience of shopping.   

 

 

How charities can help themselves

 

The cost of living crisis is leading to more people relying on charity support to survive. But while demand is increasing, donations are likely to fall. A Charities Aid Foundation survey found that 14% of people plan to cut back on charity donations in the next six months. Luckily there’s advice out there.

 

Think tank and consultancy, New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), has put together suggestions for charities as they face the crisis. They highlight the benefits of reviewing expenditure, collaborating with others for service delivery and fundraising, and prioritising activities that have the biggest impact (importantly using data to support these decisions).

 

Charity Excellence Framework has 20 suggestions for ways to reduce expenses and operating costs. These tips include reviewing current outgoings, investing in people, collaborating with charities who have shared aims, and opting for pro bono or free resources. And we also have some suggestions on how charities can protect themselves from rising inflation.

 

Going forward, the public’s trust in charities is going to be crucial – a fact underlined recently by the Charity Commission’s Chair, Orlando Fraser QC. Being able to communicate how donations are being spent and the impact that has on service users will be more important than ever if charities are to weather the storm.