A plea has been issued for donations to support Richmond's foodbank and help the homeless.

Rising bills are putting enormous pressure on the Vineyard Community and Richmond Foodbank as it offers support to people this Christmas.

Demands are rising on the organisations, which have helped over 400 local people experiencing homelessness, over 600 local refugees, and over 6,000 local people experiencing food poverty.

The charity said: "Vulnerable families in our borough are facing their toughest winter ever.

"Imagine having cut back on every cost possible and still being unable to afford basic food, heating, or a safe place to live. The cost-of-living crisis is now an emergency for so many local families and individuals."

It said a donation of £25 is enough to provide a breakfast for 50 people, while £55 provides support for someone to stay in their home.

The charity said a donation of £175 feeds a local family impacted by the cost of living crisis, while £718 is enough to provide someone with hot meals for a month.

It offered evidence from one mother, it identified as Sarah, whose place of work closed early in 2022 leaving her without a job.

Since then, her benefits have covered less and less of the costs for her and her five children as all of her bills, food costs, and rent have increased over the year, leaving her in desperate need this Christmas time as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Sarah said: "Last year I donated to foodbank. This year me and my kids need foodbank.

"Not being able to do Santa this year hurts but having food to put on the table makes me so happy!'

* Donations - https://www.justgiving.com/page/vineyardcommunity?fbclid=IwAR2Z4DwovmuA4T9onZii_8VWnx3_h02dNuaVy8bzE7wUNB_plGY16HEFWYQ