Actor's appeal as charity fights poverty

A charity helping people in financial crisis has set up a campaign called Together Against Poverty.

The Heart of Bucks Community Foundation aims to raise funds to help those experiencing poverty, including food, shelter, fuel and digital poverty.

Since 2015, Heart of Bucks has provided funding to individuals and families facing financial difficulties.

Demand for help with bills, food, clothing and other basic essentials has increased substantially and in the past four years the total distributed annually has risen from £40,000 to more than £800,000.

These grants will provide quick access to valuable financial support and help individuals and families out of difficult situations. Heart of Bucks’ unique system of referrals from front-line experts helps them reach those most in need and ensures all funding is making a real difference.

Heart of Bucks supporter Sir David Jason said: ‘Every pound donated to this campaign will help someone who doesn’t have a pound to spare.

‘For a few of years, I have put my name and donated money towards the Heart of Bucks campaigns to support people who need help paying their fuel bills during the winter months.

‘Heart of Bucks provides an essential lifeline for those struggling, but it also allows those who are fortunate enough not to rely on their winter fuel allowance, to gift it to this community fund.’

Research conducted by Heart of Bucks into the Cost-of-Living crisis found:
* A total lof 11 per cent of children in Bucks are living in absolute low-income families.
* A 163 per cent increase in food parcel distribution between 2019 and 2021.
* An eight per cent increase in Housing Association rent arrears and fuel debts between 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Heart of Bucks CEO Henry Allmand said: ‘We’ve seen first-hand the need for emergency funding to help with basic living costs.

‘Our work as a community foundation is to understand the need with our county and respond accordingly.’

Heart of Bucks has awarded a total of £1.7m in crisis grants since 2020. In 2022/23 alone just over £800,000 was awarded.

How to help:
Donate to Together Against Poverty online at totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/together-against-poverty or by contacting giving@heartofbucks.org to arrange an offline donation.