…our referrals to the Islington Foodbank rose by 46% compared to last year and the number of inquiries we received for fuel and lighting support has nearly doubled” Ken Kanu, Help on your Doorstep.
The cost of living crisis is hitting people in Islington hard.
Spiralling costs are pushing more and more people and families in our local community into devastating poverty – unable to afford heating, rent and even food. Struggling to survive. As winter approaches, things are set to get worse.
This will be devastating for tens of thousands of people already on the brink. Islington was already one of the most unequal places to live in the UK before this crisis, with 43% of children living in poverty. In Islington there are more than 11,500 families living in fuel poverty now, and 27,400 people in households receiving housing benefit or council tax support (source: Islington Council).
Islington Giving was set up to tackle that inequality. We create opportunities for local people and businesses who have resources to donate to local projects.
Through the Islington Crisis Appeal, we are raising funds to provide emergency food vouchers and fuel payments through our network of local partners for those who need it most.
How you can help
You can help by donating to the Islington Crisis Appeal.
Support your community
100% of your donation will go to local residents who need your support.
Questions and answers about the appeal
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I am struggling financially due to rising costs and / or debt, where can I get help?
If you’re worried about money, support is available in Islington. Everyone is different and there are many people affected by rising costs of food, energy and other bills. Please contact the following local support agencies to find out what support is best for your personal situation:
For free and confidential advice and support on all financial concerns including job loss, debt, financial decisions, unaffordable bills, benefit, and more, the following agencies can help:
Citizens Advice Islington | 0808 278 7836 (FREE Advice Line) | debt@islingtoncab.org (Debt Advice) | www.islingtoncab.org
Islington Law Centre | 020 7288 7630 | info@islingtonlaw.org.uk | www.islingtonlaw.org.uk
Help on Your Doorstep | 020 3931 6080 | connect@helponyourdoorstep.com | www.helponyourdoorstep.com
Age UK Islington | 020 7281 6018 | gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk | www.ageuk.org.uk/islington
Islington People’s Rights | Free welfare benefits and debt advice | 020 7561 3685 | info@ipradvice.org.uk | www.ipradvice.org.uk
Shine London for energy advice | 0300 555 0195 | shine@islington.gov.uk | www.shine-london.org.uk
Islington Council | 020 7527 4990 | claimit@islington.gov.uk
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What is Islington Giving doing with the funds donated to the Islington Crisis Appeal?
Islington Giving is working with trusted local partners who have experience of reaching out to and providing support for Islington’s most vulnerable residents. The funding from this appeal will be used by our partners to provide financial help, alongside support and advice to ensure residents in financial distress can get the right help for the issues they are facing. Everyone is different and experiencing different challenges at different times, so our partners provide the most appropriate support for local people to prevent future crises.
Please see above for some of the key sources of support provided across Islington.
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Can I apply to Islington Giving for financial help?
No. Islington Giving will not be distributing any money directly to individuals. As described above, we work by funding charities in the borough who have a strong relationship with the residents they support and a much better knowledge of how best to support people. 100% of the funds raised will be distributed to local people by these voluntary groups.
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I want to support local people / donate to your appeal – how do I do this?
- You can donate online using a debit card or paypal here https://islingtongiving.org.uk/lp/islington-crisis-appeal/
- You can set up a monthly direct debit online here https://islingtongiving.org.uk/lp/islington-crisis-appeal/
- You can donate by cheque made out to Islington Giving and send it to Islington Crisis Appeal, c/o Islington Giving, 13 Elliotts Place, London N1 8HX
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I want to donate my energy rebate – how do I do this?
Your energy rebate of £400 will be discounted from your energy bill in 6 installments of £66 from October. If you feel you do not need this rebate, you can donate the equivalent of part or all of that amount in the following ways:
- You can donate online using a debit card or paypal here – insert landing page url https://islingtongiving.org.uk/lp/islington-crisis-appeal/
- You can either set up a monthly direct debit of £66 online here – https://islingtongiving.org.uk/lp/islington-crisis-appeal/
- You can donate by cheque made out to Islington Giving and send it to Islington Crisis Appeal, c/o Islington Giving, 13 Elliotts Place, London N1 8HX
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How much of my donation will reach local people?
Islington Giving’s overheads and staff costs are all covered by our parent charity, Cripplegate Foundation, so 100% of your donation to this appeal will directly support local people with financial support.
