Crosslight’s Spring 2023 Newsletter
With a very special holiday around the corner, we would, first and foremost, like to wish you all a very Happy Easter.
Easter is a colourful and enjoyable time for many, filled with good food, family and laughter. However, many of our clients will not be able to take part in those celebrations, being forced to focus instead on heating their homes and feeding their families .
At least 50% of our clients have had to cut down or go without food DUE TO THEIR SITUATION.
We find it scandalous that this is happening in 2023 and we are working hard to better the lives of our clients.
Below you will read what we’re doing to help in the current cost-of-living and energy crises and what you could do to support our clients.
Did you know?
Since 2020, the number of clients we have supported has increased by nearly 200%
Over 80% of our clients report that their situation has improved after receiving support from Crosslight
each year, we achieve over £3m of income gains or debt write-offs for our clients to help them build a better future
96% of Money Course clients feel better equipped to handle their finances after attending our workshops
Responding to the cost-of-living crisis with practical tools
Crosslight’s Financial Capability team have been busy with a range of activities focused on equipping people with the practical money skills they need to navigate everyday life.
Set against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, which saw energy prices rise by 54% last April, and pushed many of those who were ‘just about managing’ into financial hardship, our money education work is more important than ever. It provides people with the tools to understand and manage their money, giving them control over their finances and helping them to take action where necessary.
Over the last year, over 400 people have taken part in Crosslight’s Money Course, either by attending face-to-face sessions at one of our branches, participating in a live online course via Zoom, or undertaking the self-led version of the course at their own pace. In addition, almost 40 clients have benefited from our Budget Coaching programme, which provides one-to-one support for people to put into practice the tools they learn about on the Money Course, or get specific help with aspects of managing their finances that they’d like to focus on.
Externally, we also offer tools for organisations to equip others with essential money skills. This includes our popular ‘Financial First Aid’ workshops, aimed at anyone who talks to people about money; our Bespoke Money Courses for private groups of employees, volunteers or service users; and our Cost of Living Toolkit which focuses on topical issues as well as the support available to those struggling.
In addition, our Leaders’ Hub provides comprehensive resources to enable others to run the Money Course themselves - we currently have almost 150 people using this online tool.
The proceeds from these external courses and workshops enable us to provide free support at the point of use to those in need, so we are always grateful to receive bookings for our paid-for services. You can find more details of our offer at www.themoneycourse.org/equip.
We cannot do this alone
We are incredibly grateful to all of those who choose to support Crosslight Advice and the work that we do. We are currently experiencing the highest number of debt advice enquiries that we’ve ever had, and the cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on not only our clients but the charity itself. This is why we have worked hard over the last few months to offer our supporters more opportunities to fundraise for us. If you are able to, please consider in getting involved with any of the fundraising opportunities we’ve listed below.
In the last few months, we have partnered with the amazing Run for Charity to offer our supporters places in some amazing challenge events, not only in this country, but across the world. These events are great for first-timers, avid sportspeople and adrenaline junkies. Take a look at the events on offer via the button below.
Getting out for a run or taking a bungee jump not really your style? That won’t be a problem! There are a huge number of things you could do to raise vital funds for Crosslight Advice. If you have a fundraising idea that you need help with, or would like to talk through your options, get in touch!
To help you with your fundraising journey, we have recently launched our brand new Fundraising Guide. Filled to the brim with helpful information and tips, it’s a must-have part of your fundraising plans, so make sure to check it out!
Jamshid’s story
Jamshid came to Crosslight after suffering with his mental health and finances following a court issue. Here, he explains why he needed our help and what his journey with us looked like, touching on the special bond he created with the Church his branch was based in.
I was advised to talk to Crosslight by Mind. My debt adviser looked after me a lot. I was in a really bad situation, and I couldn’t cope with everything. There were so many problems, I had financial issues as well as mental heath issues. Crosslight helped me so much.
When I visited my branch and saw my debt adviser, who had such light in his face and was such a pure person, I felt comfortable and safe there. He was acting like my own son with me. Making me comfortable is how he helped me think about everything and work through it all. I am a Muslim, and when I first came to Crosslight, I was against religion because I had bad experiences in my past. But I was also able to see that religion was doing something good by the work that Crosslight was doing.
I needed assistance with a court issue, which I couldn’t afford, and Crosslight helped with this. Crosslight fought for me and slowly, but surely, when I put my faith in them, things got better, and better, and better.
Where I was in my life then, I couldn’t concentrate or focus on anything. I was really struggling. I couldn’t even really leave my home. Crosslight helped me find my confidence, helped me get into university and I am now applying for my Masters degree and have plans to do a PhD. All these good things happened because of Crosslight. Crosslight has not only helped me, but also my wife and family.
I could talk about Crosslight for hours and hours, they are so amazing. Crosslight became my home, and always will be. I will never forget what Crosslight did for me. They gave me my life back.
Spreading the Easter Joy
Did you know that at Crosslight Advice we have a Client Support Fund which provides small grants to our clients in most need? Unfortunately, the fund is running very low, due to the level of demand we’ve been experiencing. Ebony, who manages the fund for our clients, shared:
“Crosslight’s Client Support Fund has helped many over the years. This has included, but is not limited to, buying fridges, cookers and washing machines, paying debt relief orders fees and for doctors letters, and providing funds for baby essentials. The money directly supports the individual, and their family, so they don’t have to dip into their own pockets. Unfortunately due to benefit cuts, the impact of the pandemic and the increase in energy bills, our clients are heavily reliant on the fund and this in turn means that the pot is almost empty. With your kindness and generosity we hope to raise funds to replenish the fund. Please donate to help us transform lives and get our clients back on their feet. Thank you.”
If you can, we would be incredibly grateful for any support you can give this Easter towards our Client Support Fund.
Save the Date!
This September, Crosslight Advice will be hosting a number of events at some of our branches. We would love to see as many of our supporters as possible to get involved, so take down the dates below for the branch you live closest to!
Hammersmith branch is hosting all of our London branches at the annual Move4Change event on Saturday 16th September.
Our branches in West Kent are joining forces to host their own fundraising event, also on Saturday 16th September.
Our Swindon branch is spoiling their local supporters with events on both Thursday 28th and Saturday 30th September.
Our next Newsletter will hold more detailed information on the above events, but make sure to keep an eye on our social media channels to keep up to date with news as soon as it is released.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
Thank you
We simply could not provide our holistic service and financial education without our committed supporters and volunteers.