“Poverty feels like you’re on the outside looking in – you cannot afford to take part.”

People in poverty describe financial insecurity as “a spider’s web, almost impossible to get out of”. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, many families face even stronger hardships than in past years. The current price spikes are ensnaring people even more, as one grandmother explains:

“Last winter, people in our community were already choosing between heating and eating. There’s a fuel crisis, a food price crisis, an inflation crisis. How many crises can you have? People can’t even afford the bus fare to get to the foodbank. These are scary times.”

ATD Fourth World works to end chronic poverty in the UK through an approach that defends human dignity. Through our “Getting Away From It” project, ATD Fourth World has long offered families and single adults who live constantly on the edge some time away from the day-to-day pressures of living in poverty, as well as an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and form new friendships.

‘Your mind is free of problems’

We organise well-being workshops, outings and small-scale residential breaks for children, young people, and families. In link with other aspects of our “Together in Dignity” programme, these opportunities enable families to feel part of a wider community. They provide a foundation for the longer-term relationships families need in order to tackle more challenging issues. As one mother told us:

‘Poverty is a disease. Before joining ATD, I was in a very dark place. The lockdowns have been tough on my family because of my daughter’s special needs, and this new environment is very strange to us. But now that we are connected to ATD, things have fallen into place. We have more interactions with others.

‘The support is amazing. People are so caring and considerate. Frimhurst is like a paradise. Your mind is free of problems and worries and you forget everything else.’

Please consider donating to support the well-being of families and adults in poverty

As costs spiral in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent economic squeeze, please consider regular giving by standing order to bolster our action. Here are a few ways your gift makes an impact:

Here are a few ways your gift makes an impact:

• £7 covers one person’s travel costs for an outing to a park or cultural institution.

• £30 covers the cost of two hours for one of our core team to organise games for children. As an act of solidarity, this team of highly skilled and qualified professionals all agree to work for only the London living wage of £11.95 an hour, £15 with overhead costs.

• £160 purchases groceries for home-cooked meals during a well-being break.

• £320 supports the technical and staffing costs to prepare every aspect of an outing or residential activity, including many home visits.

• As we all keep going, £500 helps keep our lights on and our staff and houses cared for.

Any amount, great or small, will make a difference to the life of a family. Your generosity is appreciated and will reinforce the resilience and courage of families in poverty in these tough times. To make a one-time donation or set up a monthly standing order, please click here.

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