Our chosen causes face great challenges

This winter, helping the vulnerable is perhaps more important than ever, says Fiona Gibson

It’s going to be a tough winter. We are cutting back and doing our utmost to ensure our loved ones are warm and cared for. But what about those facing unimaginable challenges in the dark days ahead? This is where The Daily Telegraph’s Christmas Charity Appeal comes in. For more than a hundred years our readers have shown just how much they care.

In response to last year’s appeal – as we emerged from the gruelling years of the pandemic – you donated an incredible £700,000 to our four deserving charities. You helped cancer charity Maggie’s to support even more people through their diagnosis, treatment and beyond. You enabled more deserving young people to achieve their potential through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. You helped Alzheimer’s Society’s invaluable work in supporting people living with dementia, and you enabled Dogs Trust to find even more homes for animals in their care.

As our post-covid world began to open up again, many of us sensed a glimmer of optimism on the horizon. But we did not anticipate the war in Ukraine, inflation soaring to levels not seen in 30 years and a cost of living crisis set to push 1.3 million people in the UK into absolute poverty next year, according to the Resolution Foundation think tank.

“We are facing a humanitarian crisis for older people,” says Paul Farmer, chief executive of Age UK, one of the four charities we are proud to support this year. “Well in excess of a million older people will face fuel poverty this winter. This will make this Christmas one of the toughest they have ever experienced.”

Age UK’S Advice Line is an invaluable source of support that is open 365 days a year. It provides free information and advice for older people and their families, friends and carers on everything affecting later life – including claiming benefits, finding social care, keeping well and coping with loss and loneliness. The charity anticipates that this service will face unprecedented demand this winter, and desperately needs donations in order to help every single person who calls.

Children, too, are especially vulnerable in times of hardship. That is why we are partnering with Action for Children this year – a charity that is witnessing at first hand how the cost of living crisis is affecting families. Nearly four million children in the UK live in poverty, while millions of parents struggle to access the earlyyears help they desperately need. Action for Children’s frontline staff report that this year families are facing unprecedented financial pressures because of rising prices

– for basics such as food, fuel and housing. Many of these families were already struggling and are now trying to cope in heartbreaking circumstances.

“The soaring cost of living will put already struggling families under even more pressure,” says Melanie Armstrong, the charity’s chief executive, “and it’s the most vulnerable children who are likely to be impacted most.

“The funds raised will enable us to continue providing critical support to help give children and young people safe and happy childhoods with the foundations they need to thrive.”

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing at any time but the current climate creates an extra layer of stresses and difficulties. “Things are incredibly tough for people with cancer right now,” says Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer

Support, which we are proud to support in this year’s appeal. “On top of the fear and upset a cancer diagnosis can bring, huge numbers of people are also deeply worried about ongoing disruption and delays to care, treatment and benefit payments, as well as the significant burden caused by the rising cost of living, with concerns that the worst is yet to come this winter.”

Recent research from Macmillan shows that an estimated two million people with cancer in the UK were already concerned about the cost of food over the coming months, even before the latest surges in inflation.

At a time when people with cancer are struggling financially, Macmillan needs every penny donated more than ever to offer its range of physical, financial and emotional support. Its ethos is that every person affected by cancer should have access to the highest quality treatment, care and support, tailored to meet their individual needs.

In these times of turmoil and insecurity our military veterans are also facing unprecedented challenges. That is why we are supporting the invaluable work of Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).

“For more than 100 years we have helped the most vulnerable veterans,” explains Lisa Farmer, the charity’s chief executive. “The pandemic deeply impacted military veterans right across the nation. We saw a 45 per cent increase in the demand for our services for homeless veterans over the past year. And we know the cost of living crisis will hit them even harder.”

Young, single male veterans, in particular, can struggle to access social housing and many find themselves turning to alcohol and living on the streets. As it is often impossible to secure employment without a fixed address, they then plunge into worsening financial troubles. RBLI believes that the next 50 years will be critical for those who have fought in recent conflicts.

Challenging times mean the work of organisations such as these is needed now more than ever. However, as disposable income plummets, charities are reporting a sharp fall in donations coming in. Between January and April this year, 4.9 million fewer people in the UK had made charitable donations compared with the same period in 2019, according to the Charities Aid Foundation.

The study also revealed that, as a direct result of the cost of living crisis, one in eight people is considering cutting back on giving to charity.

This is why the 2022 Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal is one of the most important we have ever launched. All four of our chosen charities are committed to changing lives for the better, in the toughest times many of us have ever known. For many people, they will literally be a lifeline this winter – and we know we can count on you to support their vital work.