As we move into the winter, the cost-of-living crisis and the increases to energy bills will take their toll.
At Pure Innovations, we understand that the Great British public are going to endure a harsh few months, and that no one is exempt from that. However, there are some in our community who are at an increased level of risk, and we’re urging for increased support throughout these coming crises for those with disabilities.
Many of the people who we support at Pure Innovations are on low incomes, unable to take part in full-time employment, or excluded from the workforce altogether. For disabled people who already have to navigate a myriad of challenges in their personal lives, a cost-of-living crisis where wages and benefits alike can’t keep up with inflation could be devastating.
We support 500 clients throughout Greater Manchester, with around 300 of these based in the Stockport area.
Nationally, about half of all people living in poverty are either disabled or living with a disabled person, and for many of our clients, the current crises could have a lasting impact.
At Pure, we’re offering a range of support to all of our clients, including financial advice, peer-support groups, wellbeing drop-ins, men’s groups, and supporting access to foodbanks, but to continue having the impact that we’re having in the current climate means that we need ongoing support – both financial and physical. The third sector has a crucial part to play in supporting communities through this difficult period, but as with any crisis, it is often ignored.
With people throughout the country having to make the awful decision between heating and eating this winter, at Pure Innovations, we’re looking to bolster support for our clients and try to ensure that we’re offering the most comprehensive support possible, financially, physically, and mentally.
Our cafés have volunteered to be part of the Warm Spaces scheme in Stockport, meaning that anyone can come to keep warm and feel welcome throughout the winter, and we’re doing our best to ensure that our staff and everyone who needs it has the full range of support necessary over the coming months.
We will also be collecting food items and Christmas donations for people throughout Stockport, with an appeal for businesses throughout the region to donate to a cause.
We know that as an employer of over 250 people, we have a responsibility to support our employees, but as the crisis deepens, we’re asking ourselves if there is anything more we can do. If you’d like to support Pure Innovations and the people that power Stockport through their commitment to overcoming challenges, be sure to get in touch with us. We recognise that this winter will be exceptionally challenging for everyone in the country, but we ask for special consideration for those at greatest risk this Christmas.
