{"id":46805,"date":"2020-12-15T16:17:11","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T16:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=46805"},"modified":"2020-12-15T16:17:13","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T16:17:13","slug":"are-you-struggling-this-christmas-these-groups-have-you-covered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2020\/12\/15\/are-you-struggling-this-christmas-these-groups-have-you-covered\/","title":{"rendered":"Are you struggling this Christmas? These groups have you covered"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As unemployment in Wales rises, here are the groups providing free food to those in need this Christmas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

ORGANISATIONS across Cardiff are offering free food for those in need over the coming weeks, as many people are set to face a very difficult Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figures published today by the Office for National Statistics show that Wales has experienced the sharpest increase in unemployment in the UK over the past three months, with 22,000 people losing their jobs between August and October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to the hardship faced by Cardiff residents during the pandemic, food distribution networks were set up by local community groups, businesses and charities throughout the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most will continue to offer these services over the festive period, with some even working through Christmas Day – though many are urgently seeking donations and volunteers during what is set to be a period of high demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A recent analysis by the Legatum Institute reported that 690,000 people in the UK have been pushed below the poverty line during the pandemic – 120,000 of whom are children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The total number of UK residents living in poverty is now more than 15 million. This is just under a quarter of the general population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or someone you know could do with a helping hand this Christmas, here are some of the options available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Not Bombs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trinity St, CF10 1BH<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Every Friday from 12.30pm Food Not Bombs serves free hot vegan and vegetarian food to any who want it. They are located on Trinity St, near the entrance to Cardiff Central Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group will be serving as usual this Friday 18th<\/sup> December, and will confirm via their Facebook page<\/a> over the coming week whether the service will go ahead on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are in need of kitchen and serving volunteers. If you\u2019d like to get involved, you can get in touch through Facebook<\/a> or via email: foodnotbombscardiff@riseup.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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