Merseyside charity doubles support as cost of living bites

The charity is having to double its services to match rising demand

A charity that supports struggling families on Merseyside has said it is having to double its services as the cost of living continues to rise.

Many have described Community by Nature, based in Bootle, as a "lifeline."

It provides food as well as experiences such as pantomimes trips and visits to safari parks for children.

The charity says it has seen more people at crisis point over the last 12 months than ever in its 30 years.

CEO Kate Jameson said food and fuel poverty levels in the area are the worst she has ever seen.

"We have seen food poverty to a scale that we've never seen before, particularly over the last 12 months," she said.

Charity boss Kate Jameson said more people are in crisis than ever before

She continued: "We have seen fuel poverty as well, people not being able to afford heating for their houses.

"Our own bills such as fuel and insurance have increased a lot and it does seem to be harder to get funding but as long as we're needed we'll keep going and working for the local community.

"I've been involved here since 1999, over 20 years and 100% it's the worst I've ever seen."

Andy McCarthy said a pay rise last year has eased things for his family a little over the last 12 months but the centre is still vital.

"The centre is a lifeline," he said.

"There's a lot of things people can't afford and they'll step in give them food and life experiences like days out to the rock climbing."

Andy McCarthy has been helped by the charity

He added: "A family in financial need wouldn't have the money to do it and Community by Nature enable families to have these experiences.

"The pay rise has helped but things are still tight, we have to budget really hard and still no holidays. We've got a lot of gratitude."

Katy Kays said the cost of food and electricity are still her biggest expense and the charity has helped her provide for her children, especially at Christmas.

"Price wise, living wise the cost of living is still so high, it's still such a struggle," Ms Kays said.

"I would not have been able to take all of my boys to a pantomime, I would not have been able to take the on the activities Community by Nature have put in place.

"And I wouldn't have an adult support network if it weren't for the staff here. I have six boys and two of them have sensory issues. Thanks to this place and the activities they put on we get respite as parents and the kids still had fun things to do over the Christmas holidays.

"My hope for this year is that anyone struggling reaches out and gets the help they need from groups like this- just like they've helped me."

Katy Kays said the cost of food and electricity are still her biggest expense

Ms Jameson said the situation has "brought out the best in people".

"I don't want to paint that as just a bleak picture," she said.

"What's refreshing and lovely to see is the kindness of the community supporting each other.

"Even though it's hard times and really sad to see the situation we're living in, it's brought out the best in people."