Citizens Advice launch Christmas appeal after busiest month on record

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire said it recently had its busiest month for cost-of-living-related issues and high energy bills

A charity has issued a Christmas appeal after facing its busiest month on record, with people struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is asking for a £20 donation to help them support local people in need.

The charity said October was the busiest month on record, with ten times more food bank referrals compared to three years ago.

They expect the demand to continue increasing due to rising energy costs.

Rebecca Brown, development manager at South Gloucestershire Citizens Advice in Yate, said they were seeing a "huge demand" in people coming to the for help and they were struggling with resources.

"Back in 2019, [we had around] eight clients a month that we saw who needed emergency food support. This year, we had 84 in October.

"The numbers are increasing every month." she added.

The charity is asking for donations to fund its phone line, face-to-face advice and volunteer training

October was the busiest month on record at the charity for cost-of-living issues, including access to charitable support and food banks and help with Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

The same month saw the number of clients overall rise by almost 50% compared with October 2022.

Ms Brown said they had taken on more staff to deal with increased demand, and were currently training five new volunteers.

"We sometimes have queues out the door and clients sitting on the floor waiting," she added.

She said their charity forecasts show the trend could continue, as energy costs are set to be more expensive this year than last due to the loss of the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme discount.

The charity is asking for a regular donation, or a one-off £20 donation to help answer telephone calls, give face-to-face appointments and advice and fund volunteer training.

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