We need your urgent help!

The energy price cap rising by 54% announced by Ofgem is creating unimaginable worry into already struggling households across Leicestershire. Whilst the Chancellor of the Exchequers announcement is welcomed, we are hearing from people locally that the package of support for those most affected by these rises does not go far enough.

Here at The Bridge (East Midlands) we have already seen a huge increase in demand for our services, with clients telling us they are in crisis. At The Bridge (East Midlands), we saw the pandemic push more people into crisis than ever before, but with this increase in the energy costs more households are closer to crisis point, so they need you to help them now.

The Bridge (East Midlands) is a vital response to these crisis financial situations, supporting individuals and families through housing support, assistance, and advice services; to prevent or relieve homelessness. This support is a lifeline for many. There were over 6,000 referrals to The Bridge (East Midlands) during 2021. This number is expected to dramatically increase as we hit the wave of the post-pandemic effects, now combined with this cost-of-living emergency.

However, charities are also faced with financial pressures, which means we cannot help all the people that will need it. This is why we are asking you to support local people across our communities. Donations received are crucial and every penny we raise is spent on delivering local support for to the communities of Leicestershire.

Chief Executive Officer, Sue Langley, comments: The Bridge (East Midlands) provides fuel vouchers to those who are struggling with their gas and electric bills; however, we only have funding for people living in the Borough of Charnwood. As people outside of the Borough are reaching out to us, we need your donations to help with the shortfall.

We will use all money donated to administer fuel vouchers or to top up peoples gas and electricity meters, of those who need help the most. We will help those who have exhausted all other options and have no where to turn. But we need your help.

Do you believe, like us that nobody should go without a hot meal, not be able to heat their home or be unable to wash just because they are financially vulnerable. If so, The Bridge (East Midlands) would like you to join us in our local response to this energy crisis.