Helping those in need is a sign of a strong community

It’s incredibly sad to read about the rising demand for our food banks, with so many families now reaching the point of desperation.

Two years of the pandemic followed by the soaring cost of living has just been too much for many households.

And while it is affecting us all, the consequences can be dire for those who were already doing all they could to scrape by, and now find that their books just don’t balance.

Admitting you need the help of a community group or charity is no easy thing for most people - it can be a hugely humiliating and upsetting realisation that you just can’t get through the next few days without assistance.

But we are so very lucky that the help does exist, and noone should be looked down on or judged for getting into a difficult situation.

Finding kindness and understanding along with vitally needed supplies is the breath of fresh air that can help relieve some of that awful pressure.

Looking after the vulnerable people around us is a hugely important measure of the strength of a community.

And in our district we show that strength time and again by reaching out to offer money or practical assistance when it’s needed.

We’ve seen all the time and effort being put in locally to help the Ukrainian relief efforts, and to welcome in refugees.

And we’ve seen it in the support given to Horsham Matters’ food bank, which is now reaching out and asking more people to give it a hand.

We encourage all our readers to get involved, and help if you can - and applaud and thank all those who already have.