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What Is the Cost of Living Crisis?

The Cost of Living Crisis (COLC) refers to the growing gap between essential living costs and people’s ability to meet them. It is a complex issue that affects not just individuals and families, but entire communities — especially those already struggling. While prices for food, energy, housing, and transportation continue to rise, wages and benefits often remain stagnant. This imbalance creates mounting pressure on households across the UK and beyond.

The COLC is not just about economics — it’s about well-being, dignity, and survival. It impacts mental health, family stability, social mobility, and access to education, food, and healthcare. It’s about choosing between heating and eating. It’s about deciding whether to pay rent or buy school supplies. For many, it’s about making impossible choices every single day.

This crisis has been driven by several factors:

  • Rising energy prices due to global market volatility
  • Inflation affecting everyday goods
  • Stagnant wages and insecure work
  • Cuts to social support systems
  • Housing shortages and unaffordable rent

While statistics can illustrate the severity of the problem, the human stories behind them are what matter most. The COLC is leaving families exhausted, isolated, and anxious about the future. Communities are stepping up — opening warm spaces, redistributing food, sharing skills, and supporting one another — but they need support to continue.

Just12Days believes that ordinary people, giving just a little time or energy, can make an extraordinary difference. Our projects help individuals find ways to contribute — whether that’s supporting food banks, offering budgeting workshops, repairing items for reuse, or simply lending a listening ear in a warm, welcoming space.

By empowering people to take part in practical, local solutions, we build community resilience and reduce the burden on overstretched services. Everyone has something to offer — and through Just12Days, everyone has a way to take part.

Our approach includes:

  • Time-Based Volunteering: Flexible project options for those with limited time
  • Collaboration: Connecting individuals, projects, and local businesses
  • Practical Help: Supporting initiatives that meet basic needs and ease pressure
  • Funding Guidance: Helping eligible projects access financial support
  • Dignity First: Promoting solutions that respect and uplift those in crisis


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