A Newton Aycliffe charity says local people are coming in every day and asking for winter coats as the cost of living crisis bites deeper.
Lifeline Community Action, which runs a community hub from St Clare’s Church, provides emergency aid and services for families and individuals facing hardship.
Manager Corrinn Chambers says demand is increasing as people struggle to pay their bills, and the project needs more volunteers to be able to cope.
Corrinn said: “One lady that came in told us they were looking for extra jumpers to layer up in the house and they’re essentially living in just one room so they don’t need to heat the whole home. I hate the thought that someone is doing that. We want to be there if someone is really struggling and staying at home cold; we can take a bit of the burden off so people can afford to pay their essential bills.”
The charity recently received a Poverty Hurts grant of £2,000 from County Durham Community Foundation, to spend on items that will help people stay warm.
Corrinn explained: “This money will be used to buy high-tog duvets, throws, blankets, and hat and glove sets, as well as dressing gowns and slippers, to help people keep warm this winter.”
The grant money was raised through the Poverty Hurts Appeal, which has been gathering increasing support from businesses like Arqiva, The Banks Group, Big Little Toys, Mortons Law, MGL Group and Durham Group Estates, to name a few.
The Appeal launches officially on November 4th, with an event at Durham Town Hall highlighting the work of charity leaders like Corrinn who are making a difference.
Corrinn and her small staff team of three are looking to stretch the grant as far as it will go by sourcing the least expensive items they can find, so more people can be helped over the colder months.
She said: “So far the cheapest high-tog duvets we’ve found are around £13 or £14, and for hygiene reasons, we buy these rather than accepting non-monetary donations, although we’re more than happy to accept donated coats, hats and gloves, and we always offer a winter coat scheme, but donations have gone down this year as more people are needing to keep these items due to the increases in gas and electric.”
Regular volunteers, who will be supported by the charity to develop and gain experience and qualifications to enhance their CV, are needed to help Lifeline Community Action take delivery of and sort stock ready for making up into care packages for the community.
Your donations are essential in helping Poverty Hurts to support organisations like Lifeline Community Action. Support the fund at cdcf.enthuse.com/cf/poverty-matters.
To enquire about volunteering with Lifeline Community Action, please visit https://lifelinecommunityaction.co.uk
Photo: Corrinn Chambers and LCA volunteers provide emergency aid and services for families and individuals facing hardship.