How to help those making 'heat or eat' choices this winter

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

We're very lucky that our increased winter bills will make a dent in our savings rather than our having to go without anything.

I am trying to work out what we can do to help people who will be really struggling.

We add a few food bank items to our weekly shop anyway, but I will definitely increase that.

I've also found a local charity that will take clothes in good condition to pass on to those who need them for free.

What else could we do?

I've been buying cat/dog food for food banks

Acts 435 is a good charity. You give money to specific people who need it. It's all done anonymously. It will be things like 'S needs £100 to buy furniture as she has escaped an abusive relationship', X needs £90 to pay insolvency fee' 'G needs £150 towards a cooker'

Thanks @gospelsinger, that's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for.

My family run a business and are responsible for a large number of employees. They will be providing food items free of charge for staff to take as and when they need them.

Rory Stewart says giving people cash money is generally the best way to help.

That's a lovely thing to do

Yes, and will investigate the org mentioned upthread. You do need a trustworthy 'middle man' to ensure the money is being used as intended

The better thing to do is pay them sufficiently so they aren't desperate for money and food....

Give to small charities run by volunteers. One example is the Armed Forces Bikers - no paid members at all, most expenses for the charity are paid out of pocket by members so minimal overhead. Grants are paid to military veterans for things like rental deposits and rent, bills, furnishings, modifications for mobility, cookers or householders goods, training to get into employment etc. Brilliant small organisation who ensure the money goes where it's needed by not paying for any staff.

www.armedforcesbikers.co.uk/

Don't vote Tory.
Food banks and homelessness charities are all crying out for donations. Smaller regular donations are better than big one offs if you give money. If you have staff or are a manager do all you can to increase their pay, and not through lots of overtime unless that's generally welcomed.

Don't vote Tory

Never have and unlikely I ever will. Almost put that in the OP but didn't want to turn this into a political debate.

Re paying employees more: a family run business will be facing increased costs themselves. As long as they are paying a fair wage, they can't be expected to increase wages for a large number of employees as that is a regular payment they may not be able to afford over time. But providing some things to help is a kind gesture I think.