91% of charitable organisations report people struggling with basic essentials this winter, claims charity In Kind Direct, which was founded by King Charles and supports over 500,000 people each week.
As the UK braces for another challenging winter, research from charity In Kind Direct reveals that an overwhelming 91% of charitable organisations in their network report that people they support will struggle to afford basic essentials this winter, with 87% specifically highlighting that people will struggle to afford energy costs to stay warm.
Charity In Kind Direct has launched their “Warmth the Winter” campaign as charitable organisations face unprecedented demand for support, urgently appealing for donations of items such as warm clothing, blankets, hats and gloves to support the many people who will be struggling over the winter months. In Kind Direct believes that everyone should feel Warmth this Winter, whether it’s through the clothes they wear, the warm feeling of being cared for, or through the wonderful feeling of gifting. This urgent appeal to retailers, manufacturers and brands alike, comes after their network survey demonstrated that:
- 86% said that the need for their services has increased in the in recent months
- Nearly 60% said they will use products accessed from In Kind Direct to support people through winter months, up by nearly 10% since their previous survey
- 53% cited rising operational costs, including the price of energy as we head into winter, as their biggest challenge
- 63% specifically need winter essentials like scarves, hats, and gloves
- 74% said parents and carers they support will struggle to afford gifts for their children during winter
The Winter Fuel payment changes have added to the increased demand and the Education and Skills Development Group (ESDEG), one of the charitable organisations in In Kind Direct’s network, has highlighted that people are worried about “being able to afford to heat their homes, especially as energy prices keep rising.” They also stressed how the situation for many people is even more concerning with implications for both their physical and mental health as “they can’t afford to cut back on heating, and the uncertainty around these changes is causing a lot of anxiety.”
Marc Greene, acting CEO at In Kind Direct comments:
“With winter fast approaching, we hear more and more stories of people struggling to cope as bills soar and budgets are strained – forcing them to choose between essentials.
Our ‘Warmth this Winter’ campaign focuses on supporting organisations across the UK with products to ensure everyone has access to the essentials they need during these colder months. This is why we are calling for donations of warm clothing, blankets, hats, and gloves to support people who will be struggling this winter”
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen into 2024, charitable organisations are reporting unprecedented demand for their services. With record numbers seeking support and operational costs soaring, many organisations are struggling to meet the growing need.
In Kind Direct need your support now, more than ever. They are asking for help ensuring that no one faces the harsh winter alone, and your support can help bring warmth and comfort to people who need it most.
One of the charitable organisations in In Kind Direct’s network, Mindstars CIC, said:
“We’ve seen a concerning rise in the amount of people struggling to make ends meet. Winter has intensified the financial hardship of many who come to us for support, with people being left in the cold due to being unable to afford to heat their homes.”
Are you a retailer, manufacturer or brand and have warm clothing, blankets, hats and gloves available to donate? We are also appealing for gifts and toys as many families will simply have to go without this year.
Please contact: donations@inkinddirect.org today
If you are a charitable organisation such as a community group, foodbank, warm space or school needing products, you can register for free via: https://go.inkinddirect.org/registerwarmth24