Dear Readers,

This year, the coronavirus has overwhelmed us all. But we had no idea that it has put people in the UK on the brink of starvation. This report from the BBC shocked us.

It is harrowing viewing, especially to see the clergymen who have kept their flock from death’s door break down into tears.

We have spent the last year worrying about the future of print. But, in the land of our birth, there have been families unable to survive.

Broadly speaking, the pandemic has broken what was left of the welfare state. Hard-working men and women struggle by on zero-hour contracts, and under a punitive benefits system. Loan sharks and landlords push low-income families onto the breadline. Things as simple as gas and electricity have become luxuries. As ever, children and the elderly are often the worst hit.

The weekend before Christmas, our editor visited Burnley and spoke to Fr Alex Frost. He needs our help.

Money raised for Christmas is all well and good, but the cold and bitter months of January, February and March lie ahead. Food programmes are already stretched and risk hitting breaking point. The economic effect of the pandemic will continue to bite our very poorest communities.

This is why we are launching our appeal for the Church of St Matthews, Burnley. We are hoping to raise an initial £5,000 to provide long-lasting essentials (from porridge oats to toothbrushes) for the next three months.

Fr Frost is especially concerned about the mental health of a number of individuals within his parish. They have untreated illnesses – ranging from depression to schizophrenia – which the pandemic has exacerbated.

The welfare state does not have the provisions to help at this stage, so the church has stepped in.

That is why he has asked our readers if they can help. So the second £6,000 will provide professional mental health support to those desperately in need. Please do give what you can.

Yours,

TF