Mother worries about keeping children warm

Our annual winter appeal helped Hertfordshire residents like Michelle of Borehamwood.
Michelle (34) is a mother of four young children. Her youngest is just a few weeks old. She had to give up her job as the weekly cost of child care exceeded her wages. When the housing benefit cap came in effect, Michelle faced a shortfall.

“I had to find £70 extra per week to pay towards my rent, I had to use money I would normally spend on food. This was so stressful for me! I shopped around for the cheapest products but still couldn't make ends meet. I had no choice but to use the foodbank to help feed my children. My greatest fear is losing my home and ending up on the streets with my kids. I have really been struggling this year.

“Now my main concern is having enough money for gas and electricity this winter. I hear it's going to be really cold and I don’t think I will have the extra money needed to heat the house. The children are my main priority.”

A gift of £10 or more could help someone like Michelle to keep her children warm and safe this winter. It could feed a local child, provide a warm meal to a resident experiencing homelessness, help an elderly neighbour stay warm or help to buy a family in crisis an essential appliance such as a washing machine or child’s bed. If you receive the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment and you don’t need it to pay your own fuel bills, please consider donating it to our winter appeal.