THE Salisbury Journal has teamed up with Wiltshire Community Foundation for its Put In A Pound appeal to help charities and voluntary groups cope with the fallout from the cost of living crisis.

We are asking readers to donate £1 to help the voluntary sector tackle the unprecedented demand from families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

The foundation will be able to increase any donation by 50 per cent through match funding – up to the value of £25,000 – meaning each £1 donated becomes £1.50.

Money raised by the appeal will go into the foundation’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund, which was set up last year.

It has already distributed almost £23,000 to groups and charities providing food, mental health support, money advice, help with fuel bills or just offering somewhere warm for them to go.

Salisbury Journal:

St Michael’s Community Hall in Bemerton Heath runs a range of services to help people on low incomes who are feeling the pressure of rising bills, including a busy community fridge and larder, a low cost community café and a weekly lunch club for older people.

“They are essential because they mean people will eat rather than go to bed or go to school or work hungry,” said Rev Kevin Martin.

“The fact that we have the café selling food and drink that is incredibly cheap is a brilliant thing. People will get something from the community fridge or larder but they will then buy a coffee at the cafe because they are able to afford it.

“It’s about ensuring people have dignity, they can take the food they need but then they can have a coffee like anyone else. They don’t have to say they are here because they are cold at home or they have no food in the cupboard.”

The hall is also a base for Salisbury Foodbank from 3.30pm to 6pm every Tuesday and Thursday. “We are their busiest centre because it’s the only one people can come to on their way home from work,” said Rev Martin. “We are seeing single people and couples who are working full-time but still are struggling to make ends meet.”

The community foundation’s joint chief executive Fiona Oliver said: “We are very thankful to the Journal for running this appeal. The money raised will help grass roots charities and groups like St Michael’s continue their vital support for their communities despite rising costs and the severe pressure they are under.”

Salisbury Journal:

How to donate. 

There are several ways you can donate.

By credit or debit card by calling 01380 715453 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

By post, with cheques made payable to Wiltshire Community Foundation, to Sandcliff House, 21 Northgate Street, Devizes, SN10 1JT

Online at bit.ly/putinapound or by scanning the QR code above.