Why We’re Supporting Trussell And Crisis This Winter

While for some the festive season is a time to reconnect with family, exchange gifts, eat good food and be merry, there will be many that don’t share such a positive experience, this winter when the demand for vital services provided by foodbanks and homelessness charities peaks.

Last winter, 600,000 food parcels were distributed to people facing hunger and poverty, while the recent sharp rise in rough sleeping is nearing record levels. These alarming statistics are why the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF) is continuing its long-standing annual tradition of supporting good causes which address these issues, at winter.  

This year, the IMCF is donating £150,000 between two charities selected by the Trustees and Irwin Mitchell colleagues. These are Trussell and Crisis, who are doing amazing work to support people facing hunger and hardship and keep people in stable accommodation and employment. 

This year’s donations will be directed towards specific projects that align with Irwin Mitchell’s increasing focus on reducing inequalities in its communities through education, employability and access to justice.

Trussell is an anti-poverty charity and community of 1,400 food bank locations. They work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing emergency food and practical support for people left without enough money to live on.

The £75,000 donation will support Trussell’s Money Matters programme, which aims to connect people on the lowest incomes with financial advice and support. The donation will enable Trussell food banks to deliver money advice tailored to their communities.

Zoe Pate, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Trussell: “We are really grateful to the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation for supporting our Money Matters Project. Your support allows us to be there for people in their hardest moments, ensuring they get the best advice and support.

“Food banks are a vital lifeline to people left without enough to live on, but they’re not the solution. We need to make sure people have enough money. By providing people on the lowest incomes with advice today and ensuring they can access the right support in the future, we make it a lot less likely someone will need a food bank again.”

Crisis, who offer a range of services tailored to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, from housing support, employment services, health and wellbeing programmes, to education and training initiatives, will receive the second £75,000 donation.

This will provide three months of funding for two of Crisis’ key areas: funding specialist Homelessness and Housing specialist advisors in England and the charity’s Strength and Asset coaches in Scotland and Wales.  

The Homelessness and Housing Advisors assist with addressing rent increases, evictions, and legal defences, which are especially crucial during winter. They also train lead workers on legislative changes, including the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, preparing 600 Crisis employees to provide top-quality support.

The Strength and Asset coaches work with Crisis members developing skills and personalised plans for tenancy management, building community links, and by providing access to education, training and employment.

Rob Halkyard, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Crisis, said: “We are incredibly grateful that the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation will be supporting Crisis this winter”.

“Every year, we work with thousands of people as they begin to rebuild their lives away from homelessness. But we’re only able to do this because of the incredible support from organisations like the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, with their support we will help more people to end their homelessness.”

The IMCF is an independent charity that has now donated almost £4 million to good causes in the UK and abroad. These annual winter donations, which have increased by £12,500 this year, are made possible thanks to Irwin Mitchell and its employees.

Kate Rawlings is a Trustee of the IMCF.

Expert Opinion

“Supporting charities addressing poverty and homelessness each winter is a tradition we’re proud to uphold.

“We’ve chosen to support Trussell and Crisis with specific projects, recognising that some core initiatives that will make a lasting positive impact on people’s lives, need a bigger investment.

“These are well respected organisations, with a strong track record and we’re looking forward to working with them to understand the impact these donations generate.”  Kate Rawlings