More people than ever are likely to depend on help from a charity

The charitable owner of Benefact Group has announced a £500,000 funding package to support charities working to keep people safe and warm this winter.

The Benefact Trust has released £275,000 with immediate effect to address the urgent needs of individuals, families and children affected by the cost of living crisis. A further £225,000 will be released later this winter.

In the UK, more than 14 million people already live below the poverty line and rising costs are making their situations worse.

New research from Benefact Group – formerly Ecclesiastical Insurance - Movement for Good Awards has revealed that over a third (38%) of people are more likely to depend on help from a charity than ever before – emphasising the scale of the challenge.

By awarding £275,000 to charity partners who are working directly with people struggling with the cost of living crisis, the trust is helping them to support even more people in need.

The board of trustees has already allocated funding to the following charity partners:

• The Trussell Trust has received a grant of £100,000 to provide emergency food parcels to thousands of people across the UK, as well as providing wider support through initiatives such as the Helpline.
• Depaul UK and Depaul Ireland has been given £150,000 to provide vital support to keep young people secure, safe, and warm this winter – paying for heating, clothing and food as well as offering coaching and support services.
• Warm Welcome Campaign has received a £25,000 kickstarter grant to fund its campaign to provide a warm space for people in need this winter.

Mark Hews, group chief executive at Benefact Group, said: “The cost of living crisis is affecting people from all walks of life, putting additional strain on charities who have already seen demands increase while funding has dropped. As a business committed to the greater good of society I’m delighted our charitable owner Benefact Trust is able to support these charities doing outstanding work in helping those most in need.

“This donation is only possible thanks to the support of all of our customers, partners and supporters across our family of businesses. On behalf of those beneficiaries, who are so much in need, thank you for your support.”