January marked a tough start to the year, but there is lots to be positive about

We saw in national headlines, there have been increases in calls to National Debtline by an astonishing 57% in the first two weeks of January, compared to the same period last year.

 At REACH we saw increases in levels of people receiving food parcels; in December 2024 we saw a 35% rise, and January 2025 33% rise on the previous years. In addition, we saw just over a 30% increase in new debt cases.

Valerie is in her 80s, and popped into The Link when we were there on the off chance that we could help her. In her case she was concerned about a utility bill, but by dropping in for advice, we were able to do a full check to ensure she was getting what she was entitled to, and even call the utility company on her behalf.

As she left she asked if she could leave some feedback: “Can I just say how valuable REACH is to me as an older person. I don’t know what I would have done without your service here in Haverhill. You’re all brilliant, amazing, and I can’t thank you enough.”

While these figures remain stubbornly high, it is important to recognise these figures reflect people we have helped or are currently supporting, so people are importantly coming forward and allow us to support and work alongside them to lift them out of financial hardship and crisis.

Introducing our new Welcome Spaces

At the start of this month we have refreshed our food collection and drop-in’s and launched our brand new Welcome Spaces!

So what is a Welcome Space?

Our Welcome Spaces are open between 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday and each afternoon. We will be at a different venue across the town and hosting our Welcome Space, which is open to everyone. Whether someone would like to pop in and speak to our advice team, pick up emergency food or simply pop by for a cuppa and a chat – we want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable asking for help.

Working hard to get pounds back into our clients’ pockets

Last year we saw the launch of our Income Maximisation team, who do fantastic work getting pounds back into our clients pockets. They can support in a variety of ways whether it be support clients apply for benefits they are entitled to or helping them apply for social tariffs to reduce the cost of their household bills.

Between October 2024 and January 2025, the team of 3, have managed to get just shy of £570,000 back into the pockets of people in and around Haverhill.

Advocating for change

While we continue to support the community here in Haverhill, we are advocating to tackle some of the root causes of why people may need support from REACH.

Locally we work alongside the Haverhill Mental Health Action Group, we are moving closer to achieving one of the main priorities of a Wellbeing Hub.

We continue to work alongside Suffolk County Council to support their count-wide Tackling Poverty Action Plan. While nationally, we engage with Trussell and Joseph Rowntree Foundations ‘Guarantee Our Essentials’ Campaign.

 

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REACH says “YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE”

REACH gets out & about to help struggling pensioners obtain what they are due and deserve.

With temperatures taking a nose dive as the new year opened up and forecasts threatening more of the same, Haverhill based, REACH Community Projects is witnessing perhaps the worst increase in cases of hardship for a long time.

While winter chills deliver financial upset to many households every year, this year the burden has been made extra heavy because of the absence, for many, of the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) which has been a reliable lifeline for pensioners trying to make ends meet.

The cliff-edge cut off – between those on Pension Credits and those Not – has presented challenges to a great number of elderly who are borderline and who, perhaps, don’t realise it or find difficulty with the processes of government.

REACH’s CEO, Henry Wilson, commenting on the gravity of the situation, said “While it’s been several months since this change was announced, we are finding that many people are simply not used to having to apply for benefits. It may be unfamiliarity with the system, lack of digital communication ability, ill health or just frailty that has prevented those in most need from attaining what is rightfully theirs “.

But, REACH has been out and about in force helping many pensioner couples and individuals through what it takes to move back from the cliff-edge. A case in point which illustrates the predicament well is told by Helen, one of REACH’s Community Outreach Advisors.

“I met with a couple, Irene and George, just before Christmas” Helen said “They are in their late 70s, and just about getting by, physically and financially. They suffer from the usual pains and difficulties getting around that can come with later years, unable to work (and why should they, at their age?), while also finding that their pension and savings are barely covering their essentials. Concerned about the loss of their Winter Fuel Payment, they were told by friends and family that they should apply for Pension Credit, but didn’t know how, and rightly turned to REACH.

“I chatted with them and checked their finances, only to discover that they fell short of being eligible for Pension Credit by just 75p. However, from speaking with them at length, I knew they would be eligible for other benefits instead, and promptly helped them to apply for Attendance Allowance, a council tax reduction, and a water rate reduction.

“These were all approved, and this has secured almost £500 a month for Irene and George – almost double the value of Pension Credit! For the older couple it is truly life-changing on a day-to-day basis. Irene pointed out that not only can they have the heating on without dreading the bill, but now, when they go shopping,

they can just put the items in their basket without discussing each one and worrying whether they have enough pennies.”

REACH knows that many people assume they aren’t eligible for financial support, but REACH aims to ensure no one is left too frightened to warm their home or do their weekly shop.

In addition to getting out there and helping in a practical way, REACH is campaigning for a more sympathetic and gentler approach from government. Saffron Carter is REACH’s Engagement and Advocacy Lead and said “We'd like to see the government re-evaluate the eligibility requirements on more of a sliding scale so that everyone can afford the essentials, and for them (HMG) to be more proactive in advertising the vast range of support available.“

So, the strong message from REACH to struggling pensioners at this most difficult time of the year is :-

Get in touch with REACH without delay. You may not know it but YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE for all sorts of help.

 

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Leaflet aimed at showcasing support for pensioners this winter has been launched

The Just about Managing this winter leaflet produced by REACH Community Projects partnership with The Link and Citizens Advice West Suffolk has this week been launched. The leaflet, funded by Town, District and County Councillor Joe Mason, is aimed at pensioners who may be experiencing financial hardship and provides key information about what support is available locally.

There has been some concern about how the changes to the distribution of The Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) will affect people in our community, with many pensioners who were already Just About Managing struggling even more.

The leaflet lists what REACH can assist with, including completing benefit applications (like Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Pension Credit and Blue Badge), Reductions, Social tariffs, emergency food and debt and budgeting advice. It also lists local warm spaces and community support available such as The Link.

Saffron Carter, Engagement and Advocacy Lead at REACH said that “winter can be the most difficult time of year for many, especially with the changes to WFP, although some will be eligible for pension credits, the low threshold for eligibility will mean that pensioners who need support may not qualify. It is vital we ensure everyone is aware of what excellent support is available in Haverhill. We have produced a leaflet to make certain this information is as accessible as possible and have asked all town councillors support us with distributing them across the town and within their wards.”

Councillor Joe Mason said "The cost-of-living crisis is still with us, and as utility bills and grocery costs continue to rise, many people are being forced to make difficult choices. Unfortunately, some who are eligible for benefits remain unaware of them or feel deterred by the application process. This includes pensioners who may qualify for Pension Credit, other benefits, or social tariffs but are not yet accessing them.

In Haverhill, we are fortunate to have wonderful organisations like REACH and Citizens Advice, which provide vital support and guidance. We’re also lucky to have The Link on the High Street, where people can drop in for a friendly chat and practical advice.

I’m proud to support this initiative to raise awareness, and to highlight the outstanding support in the community these organisations consistently give.

Getting the message out about what support is available can be a challenge, but I encourage everyone in the community to share information in these leaflets and posters with family, friends, and neighbours. By doing so, we can ensure that more people connect with REACH, Citizens Advice, or The Link to find out if they’re eligible for support that could make a real difference in their lives."

Helen Cullup, Manager of The Link said “The Link is open most week days to offer a safe warm space for the community, with volunteers available to work alongside customers supporting them by offering a listening ear, completing simple forms and signposting or introducing to relevant organisation, and of course with tea and coffee readily available.”

 

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New statistics highlight why we need your help ending hunger in Haverhill this winter 

Shocking new statistics reveal that REACH's Haverhill Foodbank provided 1039 emergency food parcels to people facing hardship between April and September 2024. 384 of these parcels went to children.

Together with food banks in the Trussell community, we have provided more than 1.4 million emergency food parcels across the UK during this time.

Whilst the need for food banks remains extremely high, your support continues to be hugely valuable and vital so that we can be there for people struggling to afford the essentials.

Winter is our busiest time of the year and we can’t let this go on. Will you play your part in ending hunger in and around Haverhill?

Your generous support makes an incredible difference. As we strive to meet the need for our Food, Debt, and Prevention services this winter, we would be incredibly grateful if you could:

Support with food donations:
Donate food/toiletries via our collection points.
Follow our facebook page or check our website to see what items are needed most right now.
Download the BanktheFood app and keep up to date with what we need most as you do your weekly shop.
If you’re hosting any collections or events with local supermarkets, you may also like to share further information here.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters to keep updated on our needs and current work.

Help us with fundraising
Make a donation at our Tesco Food Collection at Tesco Haverhill on 28th-30th November – card and cash payment methods will be available.
Get in touch by email or on our usual number if you would like to support by fundraising for us – whether that be through a challenge, event or partnership, or to explore further opportunities.
Make a single donation on our website, or give us some stability by giving a small regular donation

Volunteering
Volunteer with us to help across our office, collection points, warehouse, and with campaigning for change.

Campaigning and advocating for change
As part of the Guarantee our Essentials campaign, read and share ‘The Hardship Times’ – a newspaper made up of stories of hope and hardship collected from hundreds of communities across the UK.
Continue having conversations with your friends, family and neighbours about the impossible decisions that people visiting the food bank are facing, the solutions and ways we can end hunger, and how they can play their part in helping us to do this.
Email Rachel Reeves MP about the high cost that comes with the National Insurance changes to charities like REACH.
Hold REACH in your thoughts and join us in praying together for a more just future where no one needs emergency aid to get by and we see a flourishing, thriving and resilient people in our communities.

Thank you for standing together with us.

Your support means that we can make a transformational difference to people facing hardship today, and pave the way for a more hopeful future where everyone can afford the essentials we all need to live.

When everyone plays their part and takes positive action, together we can turn the tide on hunger in and around Haverhill.
 

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How will the new Budget affect people facing hardship? 

Like many charities working in the sector for supporting those in financial hardship in our society, we have anxiously awaited the Budget, as we have done with previous administrations, because inevitably within the detail are measures, making up the overall government strategy, which critically affect those experiencing hardship in their lives.
 
With a new administration, its often difficult to know what to expect and what election manifesto statements will mean in the nitty gritty of everyday life. We were, therefore, was very pleased to hear from the Chancellor phrases such as Pounds in Pockets, Wealth Opportunities and Improving Living Standards, all of which REACH has been promoting for a long time!
 
So, what will that mean for local people in need?

The Good
There are a number of measures which we welcome, and are essential for people struggling in the community:
 
National Living Wage is to rise to £12.21 per hour for over 21s - this will set much improved levels of pay for those currently struggling with the cost of living, who are in the lowest paid jobs.

Fair Repayment Rate - for people on Universal Credit - this reduces the level of debt repayments (including, advanced hardship loans or benefit overpayments) people pay on from their standard allowance from 25% to 15%, which will, overall, help 1.2 million households in the UK including a great many within REACH’s local area. These repayments occur when someone is overpaid benefits and have to pay it back, or if they request advanced hardship loans in an emergency situation.

A further One Billion Pound investment into the Household Support Fund - which we know for certain has had positive impact locally and is a real lifeline for many Haverhill families. 

The increase in the unpaid Carer’s Allowance from £151 to £196 per week - will not only facilitate increased family income but also provide better care and support for those who need it. 

The Starting Points
However, we are disappointment that the Budget did not go further in addressing the needs of those for whom daily life has become a growing struggle over recent years, added to by the pandemic, global turmoil and the cost of living crisis which is still with us;

Although the Fair Repayment Rate is a good start towards the affordability of essentials for those on Universal Credits, the measure falls short of what many prominent charities, including REACH, have argued for and that is an essentials guarantee of at least £120 per week. This is something REACH have been campaigning for in partnership with Trussell and The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

With the absence of the Winter Fuel Payment this year - there were no specific announcements for pensioners who may be 'just about managing’. The eligibility criteria for pension credits is so low there are many who will, for sure, be above the threshold and who will miss out and struggle this winter. 
 

REACH’s Engagement & Advocacy Lead, Saffron Carter, said “Of course there is much in the Budget which is positive, and this we expected and applaud, but I have real concerns, knowing the level of hardship within the community, that it does not go far enough to address major causes of this and that some aspects of the Budget may actually have a negative impact”.

The Concerns
In addition to the disappointments, we do have real concerns about the possible negative impact of some other Budget measures :-
 
The increase in Employers’ National Insurance may mean business, reducing total work hours or contributing to pensions rather than wages, all of which would reduce Pounds in Pockets, especially in some major employment sectors in Haverhill. REACH is also worried about the increase in its own payroll costs - money which would be better spent on those it is trying to help. 

The increase in Stamp Duty to 5% for second - rental - properties may deter landlords from buying to rent, thereby reducing an already inadequate rental housing stock for those on low incomes. 
 

Saffron went on to say “Regardless of our satisfaction or otherwise with various aspects of this Budget, it is the task of REACH to keep pressing government for even better measures down the line to bring about a sea-change in our society and deliver the hope which is currently absent in so many lives”.

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