FAIR Frome, which runs the foodbank and other projects in the town, are asking people who can afford it, to consider donating their fuel grants to Fair Frome, to assist with the unprecedented demand for their services.
The charity has seen referrals continuing to rise dramatically as the cost-of-living crisis impacts on local people.
Chair of trustees, Bob Ashford said, “We have seen a significant rise in referrals for our services since the end of the Universal Credit uplift. This has now become a deluge as the huge rises in fuel bills and inflation impact upon people in the town. With inflation already around 13% and predictions that it could hit 18% by January, taking over two-thirds of people into fuel poverty, the outlook is absolutely desperate for many people. We are doing what we can through our foodbank, furniture bank, assistance scheme and Food at Five, and we understand that our help is not the solution to the crisis, but we do want to do as much as we can to help our local community.”
Lenka Grimes Fair Frome coordinator said, “Food donations are considerably down as people just can’t afford to give as they are struggling themselves and we are having to buy food in. We have also seen a big rise in requests for school uniform and other essential items, which people just can’t afford anymore.
“The government has announced help through grants to help with fuel rises and we are asking, if people can afford to, consider making a donation to us so that we can carry on our work. Local people and groups have been incredibly supportive; just last week we received a cheque from Frome Inner Wheel Club, but we do need more. If anyone can help, would they please visit https://localgiving.com/charity/fairfrome or call us on 01373 488578. ”
For more information contact Bob Ashford, chair of trustees on 07919 566599.
