Ofgem’s latest announcement that they will be raising the energy price cap from the current £1,971 to £3,549 on 1 October is devastating for many households. As we contend with the aftermath of the pandemic, we enter yet another crisis – one that again hits the most vulnerable the hardest.
Increased energy costs cause higher levels of debt, food poverty, child poverty, fuel poverty and poor health and mental wellbeing – not to mention the many other social issues that become more prominent in areas with high poverty levels.
This is why as the church, it is important that we do not bury our head in the sand. Many people in our congregations are likely to be greatly impacted by the rise in energy costs, as will many households in our local communities.
When it comes to responding to poverty and helping the disadvantaged amongst us, the Bible has a lot to say. It can be easy to think crises like these are too big and beyond our control for us to be able to make a difference, but we are instructed to play our part in caring for those in need and to look to God for the rest.
Isaiah 58 talks about sharing food with the hungry, providing the wanderer with shelter and clothing the naked. If we do these things, we know that “the glory of the Lord will be [our] rear guard” (Isaiah 58:8).
"What is it that you and/or your church is doing to help people struggling in your local community?"
In the midst of what is a really bleak time in our country, there is hope. We are encouraged to know that many churches and projects across the UK are already responding practically to the cost of living crisis in their local area.
We know the stories that we have heard so far only scratch the surface of what the church is doing. Which is why we would like you to share your stories of hope with us. What is it that you and/or your church is doing to help people struggling in your local community?
At the bottom of this page, there is a response form where you can share with us what you are doing and the impact it is having.
As we share some of these stories over the coming months, it is our hope that you are inspired to take action in your local community or to partner with those already doing so. It is also our hope that you will join with us in calling on the policymakers to create better support for those struggling.
