Local families are going hungry and are struggling to afford the basic essentials we all need: You can help to ensure that local people in need are warm, safe and fed during these very tough times.

Charity Link has been helping people in financial hardship in Leicester since 1876. We now help thousands of vulnerable people each year in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire.

We work to ensure that everyone is warm, safe and fed and that they have the basics in life that we all deserve. We make a difference by providing essential items which improve quality of life. These items, although not very glamorous, really do change lives.

We have experienced a huge increase in need since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact remains, particularly for those who have lost jobs or livelihoods. And now, on top of this, more and more families are struggling to make ends meet due to the rocketing prices of basic essentials, such as utilities and food:

Parents are going without food so their children can eat.

Children are sleeping on the floor or sharing with siblings as the family cannot afford to buy this essential item when children grow or items break.

Local people are having to make choices between buying food and paying for utilities.

There is a huge need right now and we expect this need to continue to increase in the months and year ahead....

Its a tough environment for all as charitable trusts, businesses and individuals, who we rely on for support, may also need to tighten their belts. But we know that you and all our supporters are passionate about making a difference.

Any kind gift will help those most in need in our local community right now; every pound raised through this campaign will help to provide essential items, including food, clothing, beds, cookers and fridges.

And, due to our unique way of working (for every £10 donated we can untap £50 from charitable trusts for people in need, all of which goes directly to buy essential items), your support will make a massive difference.

Your £10 = £50, helping to providing a family with food for a week

Your £25 = £125, to buy a child a bed

Your £40 = £200, to buy a cooker for a family

Your £100 = £500, to buy a cooker, fridge and pots and pans for a family

Huge thanks for your support during these very difficult times.