Latest study reveals nearly four million faced destitution last year.

On the 24 October, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation released a report into the levels of destitution across the Uk. The report highlighted that approximately 3.8 million people experienced destitution last year, including one million children.

The study begins by stating: “There has been a shameful increase in the level of destitution in the Uk, with a growing number of people struggling to afford to meet their most basic physical needs to stay warm, dry, clean and fed.”

The cost of living crisis has taken a hold on many and that includes those struggling here in Havering. it is worth remembering that one million children here in the UK went without basic needs such as food or the ability to keep warm, as shocking as that maybe.

Havering has a wide demographic that stretches from more affluent areas of Upminster and Emerson Park, to what are always seen as the poor relations in Harold Hill and Rainham. They are often mentioned as the areas least supported by many.

The study also found how the profile of people experiencing destitution has changed. More families and more older people are now destitute.

We have seen reports of emergency service workers attending to an elderly person and discovery empty food shelves in their homes. Or elderly couples sitting with coats and hats in their houses, too afraid to put the heating on due to the energy price increases.

Families struggling to feed their children, mothers going without meals so that they can feed their children. This may seem like the Victorian era, but it is the reality of the cost of living crisis that is now impacting 3.8 million.

The increase in use of food banks throughout the country has increased. In London, figures by the Trussell Trust show that in the past year, the number of people in the capital using foodbanks has increased by 21%, compared to the 1% the year before.

In Havering, there are many food banks across Harold and Rainham. The Ship Cafe in Rainham opens its doors every Tuesday afternoon to those in need of a hot meal and a friendly chat. The cafe and its staff are truly incredible community champions here in the borough, who quietly go unnoticed, yet feed many each week.

The Baby Bank HQ support endless families with clothes and other essentials for children across Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Essex. The ladies do an amazing job providing such a vital service to so many families.

90% of food banks across the country have seen an increase, many of those using these services are those in work whose wage during this cost of living crisis, just does not stretch enough for food. Many having to choose heat or eat.

This study has confirmed what many already predicted-poverty has hit an all time new low for so many. Across Havering over the past year, we have seen an increase in rough sleepers. Hornchurch High Street is no stranger to cardboard boxes and blankets covering those sleeping rough.

As many predict a recession, how will those already struggling, now cope with further food price increases, fuel increases and ever growing energy price hikes?

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