REACH Community Projects in Haverhill, Suffolk, has reported a difficult start to 2026 as it is seeing a sharp spike in demand for emergency food parcels and debt and benefits advice. The charity says the typical post-Christmas rise in need has combined with high winter fuel bills to put extra pressure on local families.
While the number of people needing help remains high, the team at REACH Community Projects says there is reason to be hopeful. A successful 2025 Christmas appeal and a strengthened operational team have helped the group handle the record number of requests for help at their Resource Centre in Haverhill.
The charity is now focusing on providing long-term debt and benefit advice alongside emergency food parcels to help residents find a more permanent way out of financial crisis. Local reporting and REACH’s own figures show a major increase in the number of children seeking support in recent years, and other local reports indicate rising need among older people.
West Suffolk Council continues to work with the charity as part of a wider plan to tackle the cost of living in the region. Residents who want to help can donate money or specific items such as tea bags and tinned goods to help restock the foodbank shelves after the busy winter months.
Full details on the support available for residents can be found through the Suffolk InfoLink service or by contacting the REACH Resource Centre directly; readers should check REACH’s official website or the InfoLink page for the latest opening times and address.
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