Nearly seven in ten people in the North West are worried about being able to afford Christmas dinner this year amid the cost of living crisis, according to a survey by The Salvation Army.
The survey of more than 2000 UK adults carried out by Savanta Comre on behalf of The Salvation Army also found that out of those living in the North West,16% expect to use items from a food bank for their festive meal and 42% would likely skip meals over Christmas if they were landed with an unexpected major expense such as a broken boiler or essential car repair.
12% cannot afford to give their children a Christmas present this year and 21% expect to spend time over Christmas in a building that is free to visit so they can keep warm.
Major David Taylor, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in the North West said: “Christmas should be the season of joy, not sorrow. If people can’t even afford one of the most important meals of the year, it’s a red flag that they are falling into poverty.
“Salvation Army officers across the North West report an unprecedented level of need since the cost of living crisis hit, and our food banks have been stretched to the limit. Our officers and volunteers will continue to work on the frontline to help the most vulnerable not only survive the next few months but also have a happy and peaceful Christmas.”
Pam Hetherington, 51, from Penrith lives with her 13-year-old daughter and works part-time as a school meal supervisor. Pam has needed to use her local Salvation Army food bank in the past. She said: “It’s really tough, life at the minute, and I work! Universal Credit tops up my wage and it still doesn’t go far enough, in general let alone with the added expense over Christmas.
“My car recently failed its MOT so that’s an unexpected bill that has come in and so I have no choice but to make cuts elsewhere. I need a car for work and for my daughter so choosing not to pay that bill is not an option. I live day by day and I’ll tackle issues as I get to them; my daughter will never go hungry but I am prepared to eat a big breakfast so I won’t need lunch if that’s what needs to happen, and I could very well be needing to use a food bank for Christmas Day the way things are going.”
Major David Taylor added: “Some of our churches are opening their doors on Christmas Day. The support offered depends on the needs of the local community but can include emergency food parcels or lunch and companionship for vulnerable people. Many of our buildings will also provide a warm space for people who can’t afford to heat their homes and shelter for rough sleepers so they are not forced to spend a cold Christmas on the streets. And, through our Present Appeal we will distribute gifts to children whose families are struggling financially. This Christmas is set to be one of our busiest ever.”
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal please visithttps://www.salvationarmy.org.
