Will you support people in crisis this winter?
This winter many are facing devastating choices: heating or food, rent or bills.
But Citizens Advice can help. Your gift today can bring hope to someone in their darkest moments and help them find a brighter future.
Martin's story
“After Mum died, I didn’t know if the council would make me leave our house. I was cut off with the gas. I had hardly any electric. I had to burn the family furniture in the coal fire.”
When Martin’s* parents became unwell, he gave up work to care for them. After they passed away, the effects of grief and mental and physical health issues meant he couldn’t return to work. Struggling with debt, taking out crisis loans, and relying on neighbours for hot food, Martin reached breaking point.
When his gas was cut off, he burned the family furniture to stay warm. Facing eviction and fearing homelessness, he felt utterly alone.
Then a friend suggested he contact Citizens Advice. With support from Citizens Advice and others, Martin moved into sheltered accommodation and started to feel more hopeful for the future.
“What I went through took a toll mentally and physically on me, and I still have some problems with my health. But I’m just thankful that I’m safe, warm and I’ve got some food in my belly.”
Holding on to hope this winter
This winter, many won’t be thinking about presents or festive meals. They’ll be wondering if the lights will stay on, if the heating will last the night and how to make their children a meal from what’s left in the cupboards. Rising costs don’t just squeeze budgets: they shatter security.
Citizens Advice is a charity and our services are being stretched to the limit. We are the hand people reach for when everything feels too much.
Your donation today is more than generosity - it’s hope made real.
It can mean one more call answered, one more family guided through crisis, one more person reminded they’re not facing this alone. Because the right advice, at the right time, can reignite belief in a future that’s not so dark.
£10 could provide urgent telephone support for a family in crisis
£20 could help ensure families facing eviction get the urgent help they need
£50 could provide support for struggling families, so they don’t have to go to bed hungry
Together, we can help hope survive the winter.
Your kind gift will go wherever it’s needed most.
*We've changed identifying details to protect the privacy of our client