As we emerge from the pandemic, and with an explosion in the Cost of Living- especially for those on the lowest incomes – Crosslight Advice has seen a significant increase in client numbers. This number will keep growing as clients struggle to afford rent, food and rising utilities bills. 

 

Today marks the beginning of Debt Awareness Week 2023 and a poignant time to announce our partnership with Crosslight Advice. Our funding is enabling Crosslight to implement a much-needed IT infrastructure project to help the charity to cope with increased demand for debt support. This project is building organisational resilience and growing capacity to help more people in need.

 

Since the pandemic began, the number of clients Crosslight has supported has increased by 63% and continues to rise. The IT infrastructure support from the Trust is essential in helping the charity meet that demand, enabling them to offer additional appointment slots, online appointments, and serve more clients. This will all be achieved by investing in and growing technical and physical capacity, while also focusing on outreach in the communities Crosslight serves. Clients are at the heart of the charity and shape the support Crosslight provides.

 

A Crosslight client said: “There are so many aspects of my life that Crosslight helped with. When I think back to how I was before, constantly stressing about money every day, waking up in the middle of the night worrying. I compare this to how I am now, and it is chalk and cheese. Every single month I am getting stronger and stronger. Debt was an anchor that held me down under the water, I was drowning. It’s all very physical. When you clear that anchor, you can swim to the surface and breathe again. This means that other things can happen, life can happen. Crosslight were literally lifesavers. Their care, advice, and patience literally saved my life.”

 

Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants for Benefact Trust, said: “This project is vital and timely considering the rising Cost of Living and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Many people, lots of whom haven’t struggled before, are now facing mounting debt and desperately need Crosslight’s advice and support. We’re proud to support their incredible work.”

 

There are many ways to support Crosslight and help those in need. If you are interested in joining Crosslight’s mission as a volunteer, supporter, or funder visit: https://www.crosslightadvice.org/