From higher energy bills to food costs - winter is a particularly challenging time for many of those we help at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire.

Our charity now helps more 7,000 people per year - with more people coming to us for help with cost-of-living-related problems than ever before.

We're helping roughly ten times as many people with food bank support each month as we were prior to the pandemic - while 2024 looks set to be the busiest year on record for energy-related problems amongst the people we help.

To ensure we can continue providing our vital support to the community in South Gloucestershire, we're calling on you to help us raise vital funds this winter by taking part in our 12 Dips of Christmas Challenge!

Could you take on 12 cold water 'dips' to help us continue supporting those who need us?

The dips can be cold water swims, ice buckets or cold showers - whatever you feel most comfortable with - between 1st December and 5th January.

Our brave Development Manager Rebecca Brown has already signed up to the challenge and says:

We'd love it if you wanted to join her in braving the cold weather this winter . Message us at fundraising@southgloscab.org.uk to secure your place and JustGiving page as part of our campaign.

Raise more than £50 for us and you'll get a free bobble hat to keep your warm following your challenges!

We'd like to draw your attention to these guidelines on cold water swimming from NOWCA, the UK's largest network of safe open water swimming venues.

Thank you for your time and good luck!