Demand for foodbank is 'heartbreaking' - charity

A charity that supports families of children with special education needs and disabilities (Send), said a rise in demand for its services was "heartbreaking".

Little Miracles supported more than 5,000 people in April across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with counselling, therapy, activities and family support.

It also operated a food bank and said the demand had gone "crazy" and it was "struggling to cope" - Last week it "ran out of food".

Founder Michelle King said the increased need was especially prevalent among families with children who had complex needs, and as a small organisation, "it is scary to support so many people". She added it was "preparing for the demand to get worse".

Peterborough City Council previously said requests for assessments for Send children had risen by 20% between 2023-24.

Ms King said last year, the charity supported more than 50,000 people.

But it still had a "massive" waiting list and feared things could get "worse" with changes proposed to government-offered benefits.

Earlier this year, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced planned benefit cuts as part of her Spring Statement, which included changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit.

Reeves hoped the cuts would save £5bn by 2030 and get more people into work.

"Even currently, the threshold to qualify for social services is very high and charities are having to help those who don't make the cut", Ms King said.

"The new proposals are scaring people. They are feeling uncertain and anxious. It is a very tricky time."

Little Miracles said it faced challenging times and had appealed for donations to its foodbank, which served hundreds of families.

"We are so dependent on our fundraising, but there are less people who are in a position to give now," Ms King said.

"We are lucky to have partnerships that donate food, but we never have enough. Earlier this week, as well, we ran out of food."

She said everyday staples, including pasta, tinned items and food cupboard basics were desperately needed.

"This is not what we expected when we set up 15 years ago," she added.

"There shouldn't be so many families in a state of worry and in dire need really. It is a heartbreaking situation."

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