Chesham foodbank worries people may feel 'uncomfortable' asking for help

With the colder months ahead, Chiltern Foodbank worries more people will struggle to make ends meet.

This can be caused by a range of factor, such as the sudden need to replace a failed appliance, which can quickly put people out of pocket.

Diane Rutter, coordinator at Chiltern Foodbank, said: "As soon as something goes wrong, there's suddenly an increased burden on the household budget that people can't manage."

Mr Rutter described a pattern caused by the cost of living whereby increased prices vary a person's ability to pay for their expenses month on month.

She said: "The cost of food has been rising disproportionately compared to other cost of living increases."

"If people are on a fixed income, they're constantly having to find more than the month before."

"...it's just like asking for any other kind of help"

Although there may not be a recurrent need for help and struggles may only be short term, Ms Rutter wants people in Buckinghamshire to know they can turn to them for help.

The difficulty described by Ms Rutter is the sudden need, which might not be met if the person has never had to rely on external help.

She said: "There tends to be an uncomfortable feeling of asking for help, but it's just like asking for any other kind of help."

Chiltern Foodbank in Chesham wants people to know they can turn to them for help in the short or long term to ease financial pressures.

If you find yourself in need, you can call citizens advice on 01494785660, who will put you through to a local foodbank.