CHARITIES and community groups across Hampshire are struggling to meet the demand for their services due to the cost-of-living crisis.

 An unprecedented demand is emerging for financial and mental health support from families, many of whom are working hard but are finding themselves unable to cope.

A meeting hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), an independent charitable foundation, has shone a spotlight on the impact that rising living costs are having.

Rebecca Kennelly, chair of trustees at HIWCF, was joined by Samantha Mabbott, chief executive of Citizens Advice, Hart District; Rev Tracey Ansell who runs Northend Pantry in Portsmouth; and Rachel Thompson, general manager of Pan Together, a community hub on the Isle of Wight.

All three speakers described an escalating crisis among groups of people they haven’t traditionally supported such as families with working parents and homeowners. Families and individuals are most commonly seeking support with rent and mortgage payments, energy, bills and food.

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According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the cost of everyday consumables has risen by 16.5 per cent, with more than half of adults buying less food at the end of 2022. Meanwhile, in the last year, energy prices for the average household have risen 20 per cent with food prices at a 45-year high.

Reflecting on the HIWCF roundtable discussion, Ms Kennelly said it had highlighted new groups of people struggling with poverty across the county - those that were just about managing before are now finding themselves in crisis, and suggested now is the time for more local philanthropists and businesses with corporate social responsibility goals to help meet this demand.

Jacqui Scott, HIWCF chief executive, said: “The cost-of-living crisis affects all of us across society as the prices of everyday essentials, fuel and energy are rising. We understand that many people across Hampshire and the Island are finding it hard to make ends meet so we are keen to work across the region to see what support we can provide as a Community Foundation and give voice to those who are struggling.”

To find out more about HIWCF, visit hiwcf.org.uk.