The founder of a local support group reports an increase in working individuals and volunteers facing “desperate times” amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Leanne McDonald, from Wolverhampton, established Simple Acts of Kindness during the pandemic to assist those in challenging financial situations.
The group aids up to six or seven families weekly across Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and the Black Country, providing donated household items, including furniture and clothing, and directing them to other essential services.
Ms. McDonald noted a rise in employed individuals, including full-time workers, seeking assistance.
Among those seeking help are teachers and nursing staff, many of whom are inquiring about accessing food banks.
“They’re highly skilled, but unfortunately, wages are insufficient… I was surprised that many are struggling to feed their families,” she stated.
“I believe we are currently facing quite desperate times.”
Ms. McDonald, who manages the charity alongside her full-time role at a training academy, expressed frustration that teaching staff cannot afford basic necessities like food and household goods.
“It’s disheartening because we rely on these individuals to educate our children and provide care and support to families,” she added.
The rising cost of living has also affected the support group itself, with volunteer numbers declining from approximately 10 to three, according to Ms. McDonald.
She attributed this decline partly to volunteers taking on additional paid work to address their own financial struggles.
Simple Acts of Kindness currently lacks a dedicated facility and operates primarily from Ms. McDonald’s family home, with a rented storage space for donated items.
Despite increased demand and a decrease in volunteers, Ms. McDonald affirmed her commitment to continue providing support, emphasizing its ongoing necessity.
“I’ve had to strike a balance – my family is very understanding,” she said.
“My children live in a home where people are constantly dropping off or collecting items.”
To raise funds and cover the group’s expenses, Simple Acts of Kindness has organized a fundraising event at the Golden Bar and Grill in Wolverhampton on August 30.
Ms. McDonald’s remarks follow warnings from Citizens Advice that individuals with the lowest incomes are “running out of options” in the face of escalating bills.
A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research in March revealed that households in the lowest 10% for income spend approximately 41% of their earnings, after housing costs, on water, energy, broadband, and car insurance.
This contrasts with 11% for middle-income earners and 5% for those in the top 10% of earners.
Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, stated: “For those on the lowest incomes, these unavoidable costs are already depleting their finances, pushing their budgets beyond their limits.”
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