Leanne McDonald started a group called Simple Acts of Kindness during the pandemic to help people struggling with money. Now, with the cost of living crisis, she’s seeing more people in jobs, even those working full-time, coming to her for help.
In the last few months, educators and healthcare workers, typically seen as secure in their roles, have approached her for assistance. They’re high-skilled, yet they can’t afford basic needs like food. Leanne finds it shocking. “They’re skilled workers, but the pay just isn’t enough,” she shared.
Simple Acts of Kindness helps six or seven families a week in Wolverhampton and nearby areas by giving away donated items like furniture and clothes. Leanne runs this charity alongside her full-time job at a training academy. With volunteer numbers decreasing—down from ten to just three—she feels the strain. Volunteers are often taking on extra work due to their own financial hardships.
The group’s lack of a base is another challenge. Leanne operates from her home and uses a rented storage space for donations. Even with these difficulties, she’s committed to continuing. “The need is still there,” she insists. She tries to balance her responsibilities and notes that her family supports her work, adapting to the constant flow of donations and pickups.
In today’s economy, reports show that low-income households are especially affected. Citizens Advice recently warned that those earning the least are running out of options, with unavoidable costs eating up their budgets. A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research revealed that the lowest-earning households spend about 41% of their income on essentials like energy and water, compared to only 5% for the highest earners.
Dame Clare Moriarty from Citizens Advice stated, “These costs leave their budgets stretched beyond breaking point.” It’s evident that the situation is serious, pushing even more people into the hands of support groups like Leanne’s.
By hosting events like a fun day at Golden Bar and Grill, Simple Acts of Kindness aims to raise funds to keep providing these vital services. The community’s response is crucial now more than ever, as people step up to support one another in tough times.
For more insights on financial challenges affecting those in need, check Citizens Advice for important reports and resources.
