Sussex Crisis Fund relaunched by Sussex Community Foundation

Sussex Community Foundation is relaunching the Sussex Crisis Fund and hopes that people will once again come forward with donations to support those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Kevin Richmond, CEO at Sussex Community Foundation, said: “This third lockdown is now beginning to ease and we are all delighted to see some light at the end of the tunnel.

“However, for many people, the fallout from this pandemic is hitting harder than ever and there is much more work for our amazing local charities to do to support those people.”

Local advice agencies are describing a new cohort of people through their doors - those whose are ‘new to poverty’.

They have used up their savings and credit limits have been reached.

Many are reaching a tipping point with their finances and are forced to seek help, having never needed to before, with some using food banks for the first time.

Many have seen job losses and reduced opportunities, especially young people and older workers.

Many people have experienced mental health challenges, and women’s refuges are in high demand – with situations of domestic abuse exacerbated by three lockdowns.

Mr Richmond said: “Sussex charities continue to face immense pressure in 2021, with some even facing closure.

“The vital services they deliver to local people are being stretched almost to breaking point, which is why we are re-launching the Sussex Crisis Fund – with what we are calling the Support and Recovery phase and, once again, we are asking for your help.”

“We want to thank everyone who so generously donated last year- please do consider giving again, to make sure that our vital charities can continue to help those who need it most.”

To donate, visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund