Helping Families Through the Harshest Winter Months

Winter is tough for so many families. Rising costs, debt piling up, and the constant worry of how to stretch what little you have to get through the week. It’s not just a question of heating or eating—it’s about juggling arrears, keeping the lights on, and finding a way to make each day liveable.

It wasn’t just about the things, it was the feeling that someone out there understood. Tom opened his gift and actually smiled. I can’t tell you the last time I saw that.

In December, we supported 4,185 people across the UK by working with 24 incredible charity partners. Among them was Community Game Changers, through whom we reached 60 families, providing essentials that offered much-needed relief during an especially difficult time. Behind every donation is a story, and these are just two of the many lives that have been touched.

Claire and Sarah’s Story: When the Choices Run Out

Claire and Sarah, sisters in their forties, have lived together for years. When Claire’s health took a turn, Sarah moved back into the family home to care for her. What started as a temporary arrangement became permanent when Sarah was made redundant, and Claire’s medical needs left her unable to work.

The pair live on Claire’s disability benefits, which barely cover rent and bills. Every month, they fall further behind, each final notice adding weight to an already unbearable situation. By December, they were heating just one room to save on energy, eating little more than toast and instant noodles.

"We keep each other going, but some days, it feels like we’re just surviving," Sarah shared. "We didn’t even think about Christmas, there was no way we could stretch things that far. We’d already cut back on everything else."

When they received blankets, toiletries and a few thoughtful gifts, Sarah described it as a moment of light. "The blankets made such a difference—they helped us stay warm on the coldest nights and eased the pressure of worrying about how much the heating would cost, and the toiletries — people don’t realise how hard it is when you can’t afford basics like shampoo. It made things feel a little more normal again."

James and Tom’s Story: A New Kind of Family

James became the legal guardian of his teenage nephew, Tom, three years ago. Tom had faced significant challenges, including the loss of both parents, leaving James to step into a role he had never expected. Balancing his job as a delivery driver with raising a teenager stretched him thin.

The winter months were particularly hard. James’s shifts often kept him out late, and Tom, now 15, struggled with the isolation of staying home in a poorly heated flat. By mid-December, the energy meter had run out twice and James was falling behind on rent.

"I’m doing my best, but there are days when it feels like I’m failing him," James admitted. "We don’t talk about Christmas much — it’s just another reminder of what we can’t afford."

The items we provided included thermal clothing, footwear and a small gift for Tom. "It wasn’t just about the things," James said. "It was the feeling that someone out there understood. Tom opened his gift and actually smiled. I can’t tell you the last time I saw that."

Why This Matters

These families aren’t alone in their struggles — the challenges are real and relentless. In December, we were able to support almost 5,000 people, providing essentials like blankets, toiletries clothing and footwear. These items didn’t just bring comfort; they allowed families to focus their limited finances on the things that mattered most, like keeping the lights on or putting food on the table.

There are so many ways you can help, whether it’s volunteering, fundraising, or making a donation. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference.

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 *In order to protect our recipients' identities, in some instances the names and photos used are not real.