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Gloucestershire charities concerned food donations will dip in 2024

BBC Ava and Chantal looking at some of the stock at the Salvation ArmyBBC
The Salvation Army in Coleford offers basic essentials to those most in need

Charities collecting food for those most in need are worried donations will drop in the new year.

The Salvation Army in Gloucestershire saw a spike in donations of food and presents in December.

But despite rising demand, it is concerned donations will decrease once the festive season ends.

Major Viv Prescott, from the Salvation Army in the Forest of Dean, said: "It's not just those people that you expect to be struggling."

The Coleford charity was used by about 100 families every day, seeking access to basic essentials.

Chantal, a mother living in Coleford, uses the Salvation Army to feed her family.

Ava (left) has long dark hair and glasses. She is smiling. Next to her on the right is her mother, Chantal. She is also smiling.
Chantal (right) with her daughter, Ava (left) at the Salvation Army

Although she receives benefits, she said they do not stretch enough at this time of year and she is "a bit fearful" about her finances in the new year.

She said: "I'm really, really grateful for everything the Salvation Army is doing for people.

"It's lovely, for my mental health as well. It's a nice place to come to, it's a nice atmosphere and if it wasn't for these people nobody would be able to do anything or afford anything."

Other charities in the Forest of Dean have seen a rise in people offering their time and volunteering to help others.

Deb Cook. She is smiling and looking directly at the camera.
Deb Cook said there has been an increase in people seeking help and support in the Forest of Dean

Deb Cook, the volunteering manager at Forest Voluntary Action Forum, said people in the area are "incredibly generous."

"Over the last few years, we've seen this increasing need from people for help in all sorts of ways.

"The cost-of-living is really impacting people and their lives and their ability to be able to provide for their families.

"It's really wonderful to see how much enthusiasm there is from people in the community to help others.

"Volunteering really helps the person doing it as well as the wider community.

"People get that sense of being connected to their community, satisfaction that they're helping others, helping their own mental health and wellbeing, even learning new skills.

"There are so many different roles around and we just always encourage people to get involved if they can, all year round," she added.

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