Wallich winter campaign launched to ease cost of living crisis

This year’s charity winter fundraising campaign focuses on the rise in the cost of living

The cost of living crisis comes with an increased risk of homelessness and higher demand for emergency support.

Households across the UK are already feeling the harrowing effects of the crisis, with many low-income households being forced to go without essentials.

This means that the nature of support people need from us is changing.

What is The Wallich doing about the cost of living crisis?

The Wallich supports more than 7,000 people in Wales each year to limit the trauma of homelessness, prevent people at risk of losing their homes, getting into debt or facing personal crisis.

We know that it is a struggle to set up a new home and sustain a tenancy, that’s why we provide emergency support for individuals and families when they need it most.

We still support people sleeping rough but we are seeing more people needing help with housing, health and wellbeing issues in their home.

The Wallich has set up a Cost of Living Taskforce to work on ways to alleviate the predicted financial pressures of 2022 and 2023.

The Taskforce is working on ways to reduce hardship and protect people over the winter, as well as making sure our staff don’t face similar risks themselves.

You can help people experiencing homelessness this winter

Join us this winter to support individuals and families across Wales, helping with bills, food, essential household items, housing, wellbeing and more.

There are many ways you can help someone experiencing or at risk of homelessness this winter.

Whether you buy a raffle ticket or pledge a donation, every contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference.

Regular donation

A regular gift could help someone move into their new home or provide access to counselling through our innovative Reflections Network.

• £3 a month could pay for emergency items to keep warm
• £10 a month could help clear an energy bill debt

One-off donations

A one-off donation could help someone get the essential items they need, when they need them.

• £5 could buy a toiletry kit
• £20 could buy a basic food shop
• £50 could pay for two counselling sessions

However, if you are fortunate enough to be in a position to give more, we would be hugely grateful if you could give back and do some social good.

Larger gifts

Whether it’s as an individual, an office or community group, here are some fundraising targets for you to aim for:

• £120 could pay for a basic food shop for six people
• £650 could help someone pay 6 weeks’ rent

We know that many are feeling the squeeze this year, we’re asking people to just give what they can this year to help those who are struggling.

Other ways to make a difference

If you’re unable to give financially, we understand, there are ways you can help without donating anything.

Make your Christmas shopping go further

We understand that treating your loved ones is a priority this winter.

Whether you’re shopping at your favourite high street store, or an independent retailer, shopping through Give as You Live is an easy way to raise money for a charity of your choice – at no cost to you.

Is Amazon your go to? Shop through Amazon Smile.

Same products, same prices, same service but it’s a way to get something good back from Amazon.

It is a simple and automatic way to support The Wallich every time you shop, at no cost to the shopper.

Learn about homelessness

Homelessness can be a complex and controversial topic.

Educating yourself and your peers about the causes and long-lasting effects is a fantastic step in the right direction to help reduce the stigma of homelessness.

Make sure you’re following The Wallich on social media to stay up to date with latest news, policies and campaigns, case studies and more.

Instagram: @homelessinwales | Facebook: The Wallich

Twitter: @thewallich | LinkedIn: The Wallich

Use StreetLink

If you are concerned about someone who is sleeping rough, StreetLink is a simple and effective way to take positive action.

This service offers members of the public a way of doing something to help tackle homelessness.

It’s the first step to ensuring that people on the streets can be connected to the support and services available to them.

Together, we can ensure that people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can access services 365 day and nights a year – including Christmas day – to support those who need it most.