Cost-of-living crisis a “humanitarian emergency”

The Norfolk Community Advice Network (NCAN) Steering group have released a statement declaring the cost-of-living crisis a humanitarian emergency. The statement outlines the state of the hardship that they are seeing every day, and what they think could be done to improve the situation. NCAN are holding a follow-up a Strategic Partnership meeting about the cost-of-living crisis and what practical help is available on Wednesday 9th November at 10.30am on Teams.

On 13th October 2022, the Steering Group of NCAN have sent a letter to commissioners declaring the cost-of-living crisis a humanitarian emergency and asking for immediate action to ensure the unprecedented demand for advice and support services can be addressed.

What’s been happening on the ground?

As of early October, NCAN advice agencies have witnessed:

  • A 68% increase in direct referrals compared to this time last year.
  • Three times as many young people presenting as homeless compared to last year
  • a 405% increase in the average value of secured loans debt. (Personal debt on average is £5821, compared with £1151 last year).
  • A staggering 1,300% increase in those requesting help with debt assessments. Agencies have seen a similar increase in demand for charitable support and foodbank parcels.

These numbers speak of unbearable stories of human suffering involving food and fuel poverty, debt, domestic abuse, mental health crisis and more.

How you can help those affected by the cost-of-living crisis?

This is why NCAN would like to invite you to the next Strategic Partnership meeting. They are holding it on Wednesday 9th November to follow up and discuss further collective action. It is also an opportunity to hear from Norfolk Community Foundation on the challenges and possible solutions around food provision in Norfolk. The meeting will be held on Teams from 10 to 11.30 am and can be accessed via this link. We hope to see you there so we can do more together.

Please share this invite with colleagues and networks. For a calendar invite please email info@ncan.co.uk

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