Parent carer advisor, Elaine, has worked in the sector for more than 22 years and is a sponsor. She applies to the Urgent Assistance Fund on behalf of families in desperate need. Elaine talks about what families are facing.
“I’ve been a parent carer for over two decades and I am seeing a massive difference in the number of families that need financial help.
“Many of the families I work with are in employment, but because of the rising gas and electricity prices, they are struggling. Some can’t afford the mortgage payments with costs doubling, some families are having to sell their homes because they can’t afford to live in their areas anymore.
“I’ve never had families who work and own their home come to me asking for help, but we are being inundated with referrals and we are not the only ones. Requests to food banks have increased by 250% this year and they can’t keep up with the demand.
“Everyone’s situation is unique. For example, I work with one family where two of the children have autism. The mum is working but has issues with childcare because the children can be very challenging, so this all costs money and means they don’t have a lot left. When the mum does get funding, she’ll keep that for the specialist foods that the children need. And she will eat from the food bank herself. “There is a lot of worry about what is to come and how things can change very quickly. If a bill comes in unexpectedly, they’re scared they’ll be cut off.
“Even when it comes to financial support, emergency grants can take up to two and three weeks, and by that time it can be too late.”
Aberlour’s Urgent Assistance Fund has been providing immediate financial relief for families with children (21 and under) suffering extreme hardship. Cash grants are provided to purchase basic essentials including food, heating, bedding and clothing for children.
“I’ve no idea what we’d do without the Urgent Assistance Fund (UAF), there is nothing I can think of which meets the criteria and support for families in that immediate situation. Families in these emergency situations don’t have three weeks or three months to wait, especially when I am applying for basic items like food and money to pay for heating their homes.
“When they do get the money through, the relief is immense. They can breathe. It’s like I’ve lifted a massive weight off their shoulders. “