It is hard to escape the current cost of living crisis that we are experiencing as a country. Many words have been written and spoken about the underlying causes of this. But whatever the reason(s), the impact is very clear as we buy our groceries or pay our bills week by week.
We are seeing that for our customers this is causing very real hardship. Our cafe takings are reduced and the demand for assistance with utility bills, free food or support to access furniture grants is very high. For people on benefits, on low incomes, or indeed average incomes - the increase in prices is a very real, daily issue at the present time.
We will, of course, do our very best to continue to support people - through the cafe and advice service, through our new services of clothing recycling and ready meals and both at the Mission and in the community through our Community and Health project.
However, the cost of living crisis affects the Mission as an organisation too. We are seeing the cost of running the Mission rise sharply as we currently prepare our budget for the year 2022-23.
So if you feel able, I would be very grateful if you could consider making a donation to the Mission, and if at all possible to do this by agreeing to a regular monthly donation which you can do securely via our website here. A regular donation, regardless of the amount, helps us to plan for the future.
As the Chief Executive of the Mission, I am privileged to hear often the thanks of people we have supported, or who have hired the Mission building. However, I know that any thanks is due to the partnership of our staff, our volunteers and you: our supporters. Prices are increasing, but I see every day that care and compassion can have a huge impact and so, if you can, please help us to put this into action.
Many thanks,
Paul Bridges (CEO, Huddersfield Mission)
PS: if you are a UK taxpayer, please click the gift aid box to maximise your gift at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you.