It’s easy to overlook the impact in the UK as many of us simply reach to turn up our own thermostats at home. For the families we support at HHUGS however, the hardship felt throughout the year becomesbcrippling during the harsh Winter months. When the breadwinner is imprisoned, as the initial trauma reverberates through the household, the slow crushing reality of extreme financial hardship and social isolation sets in. This year will be particularly testing as HHUGS has limited funds remaining, restricting our capacity to reach those most in need.

Struggling parents cannot provide children with appropriate clothing and footwear
Too many face the difficult choice between heating and eating.
The drop in temperature exacerbates ongoing medical conditions
Short days and long nights compound isolation and mental strain

The stress of Winter adds to what UNICEF now calls “multi-dimensional poverty” for struggling UK families. Nearly half a million people will be forced into poverty due to the benefit freeze, despite the fact more than 50% are in work. 2.3 million households cannot afford to keep their homes warm and 2.2 million children live in fuel poverty, making them twice at risk of physical health problems and four times more likely to develop mental health issues.

But it needn’t be this way…