Charities providing essential crisis support have seen demand rise sharply. Across the UK, service use has increased by 40–200% depending on the sector, driven by spiralling living costs, debt, and housing insecurity. At the same time, organisations are contending with surging operational costs—energy bills up by 80%, staffing costs rising 12%, and general inflation between 15–20%. Meanwhile, individual donations have fallen by 15% and corporate giving by 8%, exacerbating financial pressure.
Food Poverty
Food aid remains under intense strain. Although funding for food poverty initiatives has increased by 240% as grant makers prioritise crisis relief, demand continues to significantly outpace resources. Emergency support—such as grants to help clear gas and electricity debts of up to £1,700—highlights the scale of household hardship driving people to food banks across the country.
Homelessness/Housing need
Homelessness charities are equally overwhelmed. Crisis UK reports that low‑income renters still face an average £372 gap between housing benefit and the cheapest local rents, driving more people toward homelessness. With rising energy costs, record private rents and limited social housing, frontline homelessness organisations are seeing increased demand with fewer resources to meet it.
Mental Health, Baby Banks, Fuel Poverty & Digital Exclusion
Mental health charities report demand increases aligned with economic stress, with funders increasing crisis‑related mental health support by 75%. Baby Banks face similar pressures as families struggle with soaring costs of essentials like formula and nappies. Fuel poverty charities are inundated as households fall behind on energy bills, despite emergency grants and targeted support. Digital Exclusion—a barrier to employment, welfare access, and education—remains acute, with 2026 government guidance stressing accessible services that support both digitally included and excluded people.
Looking Ahead
While new crisis funds, collaborations, and rapid‑response grants offer some relief, sector resilience remains fragile. Analysts warn that recovery is uncertain and dependent on broader economic stabilisation and sustained investment.
In 2026, charities combating food poverty, homelessness, mental health crises, family hardship, fuel insecurity, and digital exclusion remain lifelines for millions—but they cannot continue without long‑term, reliable funding.
Through charitable trusts where Ludlow is the sole trustee, the following grants have been awarded to make a small contribution to this ongoing crisis.
Food poverty/insecurity
- Trussell Trust – ‘We’re an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. We work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing food and practical support to people left without enough money to live on.’ – £100,800
- Alexandra Rose – ‘We’re on a mission to give people access to their choice of fresh fruit & veg, in the heart of their community. At Alexandra Rose, we are proud to deliver a mix of practical, place-based projects and national advocacy to shape a fairer future, where everyone can afford and enjoy fresh fruit & veg with dignity.’ – £20,600
- Magic Breakfast – ‘We work to ensure that no child or young person in the UK starts the day too hungry to learn.’ – £100,000
Fuel Poverty/Insecurity
- Fuel Bank Foundation – ‘Prepaying for energy but not having the money to do so means living without heat and light. We provide people with the financial support and practical advice that they need to get back on their feet.’ – £50,600
- Oblong LTD – ‘We provide a PAYF café, complex needs advice service, free food, fuel voucher clinic, and offer important personal development opportunities to approximately 40 residents per week, through volunteering.’ – £10,200
Homelessness/Housing Need
- Depaul UK – ‘We support young people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. If someone is in immediate crisis or getting back on their feet, our tailored and holistic services are designed to meet their needs at every stage.’ – £40,000
- Glassdoor Homeless Charity – ‘Our vision is a future where no one experiences homelessness in London. We offer advice, shelter and support with our community partners, helping people build a route out of homelessness.’ – £32,000
- Venture Studio from Crisis – ‘Our mission is to end homelessness by harnessing the power of entrepreneurship.’ – £104,700
Family Support
- Baby Bank Network – ‘Pre-loved baby essentials for families experiencing poverty or crisis.’ – £17,542
- Little Village – ‘Little Village makes a big difference to families with babies and young children living in poverty across London. Via our network of baby banks we pass on great quality items from one family to another.’ – £52,000
- Baby Necessities Southampton – ‘Our vision is simple: to ensure every baby has the essentials they need while reducing waste and protecting the environment.’ – £10,000
Mental Health Support
- Samaritans – ‘Samaritans provides a safe place for people to talk, round the clock, every single day of the year.’ – £64,200
Monday 18th May 2026