One in six people may use a food bank this Christmas and Face Christmas Debt

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A recent survey of 2,000 people carried out for charity, The Big Give, has revealed that 16% of people in the UK, almost 1 in 6, say they are considering using a food bank this Christmas. This number rises to 37% in London. Food is however only one way people get into debt at Christmas.

37% are worried they will incur debt over Christmas (56% in London) and the one in ten worrying about housing insecurity, rises to one in five in London. MoneyMagpie can lead help you find where to access debt help here.

More than 20% are worried about their mental health and almost half (44%) are expecting to find this Christmas harder to cope with than usual. (We have a guide on how to stop debt overwhelming you here.)

With the festive period being a crunch time for many, 26% feel they may need to rely on charities for essentials or support this Christmas.

In a time when the work of charities is more important than ever, thankfully, almost 47% of Brits are planning to donate the same amount to charity as usual over Christmas. However, 26% are planning to donate less, and around half of these people say it’s because their income has decreased.

A campaign organised by the Big Give and backed by celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, Russell Brand, and others aims to help. The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest Christmas coordinated fundraising appeal, is supporting over 900 charities to raise funds with the unique offer of matching any donations made during the week of 30th November – 7th December. 

Lindsay Boswell, CEO of FareShare, a charity supported by Marcus Rashford which redistributes surplus food said: ‘Many voluntary sector organisations are warning there will be an increase in need for their services over what is likely to be a difficult winter for many families.

Vulnerable communities will be hardest hit by cost of living increases and rising energy prices. We are hugely grateful for the support of the Big Give at this time when millions of families will be turning to charities and community groups for help getting food on the table.’

‘Some will rely on charities which will be further and further stretched as demand grows.’

‘That is why, for those who can, supporting charities is more important than ever. Through The Christmas Challenge campaign, they are offering to match any donation made to hundreds of amazing charities through  theBigGive.org.uk. That means whatever you can give will go twice as far.’

To find your nearest foodbank click here.

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