MK Community Foundation launch Friends initiative to combat Cost-of-Living crisis

Milton Keynes Community Foundation are calling for individuals to help them continue their life-changing work, ensuring vulnerable local people are supported through the cost-of-living crisis.

As the crisis in MK deepens, many charities are facing an uphill challenge in meeting the ever-growing needs of the local community.

Against the backdrop of a 5% surge in energy bills and rising living costs, many organisations are struggling to provide their essential support to an increased number of struggling families and individuals.

In November last year, Milton Keynes Community Foundation launched a cost-of-living fundraising appeal, highlighting that over 7000 families in MK wouldn’t be turning on their heating during the winter.

The appeal encourages those in the community who feel like they can, to show their support to enable continual funding for groups supporting local people through the crisis.

This comes as new polling by YouGov on 2016 adults in Great Britain showed that 3 in 10 (30%) say their household has found it difficult to afford to pay their energy bills in the past three months.

Sam Snelus, Philanthropy Manager said:

“It’s clear that the cost-of-living crisis is increasing existing pressures on the sector and creating new hurdles for charities working tirelessly to provide their vital services”

MK Community Foundation spoke with charities across Milton Keynes.

“There’s been a sharper increase than in past years.” said Mel.

Mel is Project Manager at Baby Basics MK, a charity providing support and essential items to local families facing hardship. The organisation works by re-using second hand and new items to create gift packages that give families everything they need to start life with a new-born baby or support families with children from 0-6 years.

“We’ve seen a huge difference in our clientele […]” “So many more two parent working families are now needing to use our services.”

Ian Anderson, Centre Manager at MK Money Lifeline said:, “Our clients are feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis. Many are struggling to afford basic necessities, including heating and food. The recent energy price increase has only added to their financial strain.”

In response to the pressing need for support, MK Community Foundation is proud to announce its re-launch of its Friends initiative. Which invites individuals in the community to become Friends of the Foundation by making a regular donation.

By joining, friends can play a key role in strengthen efforts to support local charities and address the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable individuals and families across Milton Keynes.

The challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis require a coordinated effort from the entire community. By coming together to support local charities, we can work towards a fairer and resilient community for all residents of Milton Keynes.

You can support the Foundation’s mission and become a Friend today, or simply find out more, by visiting Become a Friend | Milton Keynes Community Foundation (mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk).

1 – https://www.nea.org.uk/fuel-poverty-map/

2 – https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/NEA_EnergyCosts_240126_W.pdf