Citizens Advice

On the frontline of the cost-of-living crisis

For millions of people, the cost-of-living crisis is putting them through a nightmare they never thought they’d experience. Across our network of charities, we’re seeing record numbers of people needing crisis support - people who are relying on food banks, people who are struggling to pay their bills and people who risk losing their homes. 

• Last year, we helped over 200,000 people with crisis support - that's food bank referrals and emergency charitable support
• During December we were helping more than 3 people every minute access crisis support
• During 2022, we saw more people unable to afford to top up their prepayment energy meter - therefore can't do the basics like turning on their fridge or heating their hob - than for the whole of the previous 10 years combined.

As food and energy costs continue to rise at an alarming rate, families are struggling to make ends meet. It’s stressful, isolating and frightening. 

Annie’s story

Annie* works part-time and has 3 dependent children: “After I pay all my bills I am left with nothing. It's been so bad I've had to go to the foodbank for food parcels. It really upsets me that I am working and yet I still struggle to buy food, clothe my kids and pay my bills. I know that gas and electricity are going to go up again and so is food. And it might get to the point where I'll have to go without one of those to be able to afford the other, as there is just nothing I can cut back on.”

Richard’s story

Richard* is 52, medically retired and lives with a serious health condition: "I can't afford to buy food to feed myself more than once a day. I'm cutting back on both heating and eating as I just can't afford to buy food and heat my home. My fridge is bare, there's nothing inside, just half a pint of milk and some bread in the freezer. This is not a life at all, I'm just struggling and barely existing.” 

Unfortunately, we’re seeing thousands of people in situations like Annie and Richard every single day. The cost-of-living crisis is devastating lives and we need to be there to help people find a way through the challenges ahead. 

We can help people through this crisis

At Citizens Advice we can help people find a way through this crisis. Our trained advisers give vital advice and practical support that empowers people to find a way forward and make ends meet. Our staff and volunteers are working flat out to help people, but there are still many who find it difficult to get through to us. And we need to make sure they have somewhere to turn.

But we’re a charity. And we can only do this with support.

Your support will make a life-changing difference

By donating to Citizens Advice today you could provide a lifeline for someone like Annie or Richard and make sure an adviser can give them the support they need to find a way forward. 

Will you show someone in crisis they’re not alone?

*We have changed the names of our clients to protect their privacy