For immediate release:

PLEA TO HELP THOSE IN NEED OVER CHRISTMAS PERIOD

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has encouraged members of the public to help those in need locally this Christmas – after it was revealed that over 230,000 Scots children are living in poverty.

Charities and trusts across the UK have warned that they are preparing for the worst this Christmas, as the hardship caused by the five-week wait for Universal Credit payments comes into effect and those suffering under the new welfare system struggle to cope with Christmas costs.

This year has seen foodbank use rise to its highest-ever recorded level – with figures showing a 35% increase in South Lanarkshire foodbank use since 2017.

In the local authority area, the number of three-day emergency food supplied rose from 4489 last year, to 6039 this year.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“It’s important, as we enjoy Christmas, to remember those in need. Many of the issues people face year-round, such as homelessness or food poverty, can be worse over winter as temperatures drop and families face pressure to meet added costs over Christmas.

“The rollout of Universal Credit, which has been devastating for families across Rutherglen and Cambuslang, has left many people worried about how they will cover the cost of Christmas.

“Even a small donation can make a big difference to someone over Christmas.

“I’d encourage anyone who can afford it to make a donation to the Rutherglen and Cambuslang foodbank– you never know how much it could mean to someone who is struggling to make ends meet.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Between 1st April 2018 and 30th September 2018, 658,048 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by foodbanks in The Trussell Trust network. During this period, 87,981 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people in Scotland.

The cited figures are for the period of 1st April 2017 – 30th September 2017 & 1st April 2018 – 30th September 2018.

Date published: 20th December 2018