Blog
The Continued Crisis
16th December 2021
The past 20 months have been extremely difficult. Seemingly overnight, anxiety, isolation and uncertainty became a huge part of our lives (not to mention the handwashing).
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the UK, TLG was incredibly concerned about the impact of restrictions on children’s emotional wellbeing and education, as well as family finances.
We knew, from our frontline experience, there would be children and families going into lockdown not knowing what their income would look like over the upcoming months or if they’d be able to afford basic necessities. Even as restrictions lifted in July, it was clear COVID-19 was continuing to have a devastating impact on millions of children.
As we enter winter, for many, even among the anxiety of the new variant, it is a time of increasing joy. Yes, the dark nights and cold days arrive, but they are soon flooded out by the light of Christmas trees in windows, the sound of shoppers buying presents and the harmony of carols in church throughout advent.
However, many families across the UK are facing a Christmas full of anxiety after this prolonged period of financial insecurity. With the rising cost of living, this week’s increase in inflation, some of the recent changes to Universal Credit and the continued uncertainty around the new variant – this crisis is becoming more and more critical.
Millions of children are facing rising levels of food insecurity this winter as a result of these challenges, as well as experiencing an emotional wellbeing crisis, all while attempting to catch up on lost learning.
The extent of just how many families are feeling the squeeze is unprecedented. Citizens Advice last month warned that one in ten UK families – which is around 3 million people – will be unable to cover the costs of basic bills such as food and heating. One in five of all adults have cut back on essential costs, not buying enough food or turning off the heating despite the cold.
That is why TLG will always do all that we can to step in and help families across the UK, providing practical support as well as emotional support through all our programmes, including TLG Box of Hope.
TLG Box of Hope was initially set up as an emergency response right at the beginning of the pandemic, but as the continued need was clear, churches continued to run the programme and support families in their local communities.
TLG Box of Hope parcels contain food supplies for the whole family, essential household items, activities and wellbeing resources, among other things. Before launching our Winter Box of Hope appeal, we had already partnered with 244 churches to deliver Box of Hope across the UK, delivering the equivalent of more than one million meals to children and families over the course of the pandemic.
But we urgently need to donations from generous people like you to enable TLG to reach over 10,000 children with practical wellbeing support during these challenging winter months, children who otherwise will remain hungry and without the support they need.
We need passionate and like-minded supporters to make this happen. Please consider what you can donate today and together we will provide for children and families in crisis this winter.
