Northwich community thanked for support during energy crisis

Northwich charity continues to support community through cost-of-living crisis thanks to local generosity

Northwich Salvation Army has thanked the local community for its continued support as it remains to see increases in people needing help.

As the cost-of-living crisis sees more people pushed into poverty, The Salvation Army, located on Tabley Street, is continuing to see generous donations from the local community to support its work.

One area of work which has seen an increase over recent months is support to those struggling with the rise in the cost of energy, with the church and charity providing emergency top-up funds.

Using financial donations to the corps’ (church’s) local Community Fund, the emergency energy provision operates on a referral basis once all means of local support have been exhausted, seeing extra support given to households across Northwich that are struggling to find the funds to top up their pre-payment meters.

Territorial Envoy Claire Marriott-Lodge, church leader of The Salvation Army in Northwich said: “We have seen an increase in the need for our support within the community and we are here to see people through a time of crisis. Our Christian faith teaches us to serve others, serving without discrimination, giving faith, hope and love to others.

“We want to make a difference and we’re big believers in transforming lives, walking with and alongside people through difficult times. The generosity from our local community allows us to do that, for us to be there, on the front line, when people need us the most and we are so grateful.”

The Salvation Army works with a range of partner organisations and third-party referrals in its energy top up scheme including Citizens Advice, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, GPs, health visitors and local schools. Many of these organisations also refer families to The Salvation Army at Christmas, ensuring children get gifts through its Christmas Present Appeal which has been running for more than ten years.

Claire continued: “The local community and businesses working together alongside many partner organisations is a display of warmth and compassion which works so well with our ethos to Love God, Love Others. The sense of community here is really strong and that is evident to see.

“The kind-hearted and generous donations that we receive enable us to provide essential services to those struggling amongst us, our communities, our neighbours, but funds are down on previous years as demand is higher, which is indicative of the times we are all living in. Everyone is struggling and disposable income is becoming a thing of the past. Sadly, some are struggling more than others.”

For anyone wishing to support The Salvation Army in Northwich’s Community Fund, donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/tsa-community-support-000073 or in person at the church on Tabley Street and whilst all donations are welcome, people are encouraged to donate only what they can afford.