Social workers are using food banks says charity

Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 13 September, 2022

The Social Workers Benevolent Trust says it is bracing itself for a surge in calls for help over the winter, with applications already 65 per cent higher than last year.

The charity has had 288 applications this year compared to 174 the same time in 2021.

Some social workers applying to the fund describe having to use food banks to make ends meet, said the charity.

SWBT is appealing for donations to ensure it can support as many social workers as possible amid predictions of a cost of living “catastrophe” in the months ahead as energy bills soar.

“The cost of living is scaring people,” said co-chair Su Roxburgh. ”Some people don’t think they will be able to cope.

“Already they are feeling the impact of rising prices. We hear from social workers using food banks – they tell us that on the application form.

“The following year we expect to see applications increase. We are already getting more applications but not the donations.

“People are feeling the pinch and are not donating. It is a double whammy for us.”

SWBT has had to reduce the amount of funds it awards from £500 to £450 due to the volume of demand.

Figures from the charity show help with household costs including bills and replacing appliances is the most common reason people apply to the fund, accounting for 47 per cent of awards. This is followed by debts such as credit card debts – 27 per cent of awards.

Roxburgh added: “People think social workers should be able to cope. They are people who sort out other people’s problems.

“But they have the same problems as everyone else. We have a rise in people getting mentally unwell or suffering stress and anxiety and people having to work part time because they have children or parents to support or illness and they can’t manage.”

For more information or to donate to the trust see here