Charities like Reach Learning Disability and Newark Women's Aid struggle with soaring energy bills

Charities already struggling with the impact of covid are now facing having to pay thousands more in energy bills.

They say tough decisions will have to be made as the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite, affected the cost of food, clothing and energy bills.

With the rising prices, charities that mostly survive on donations could see their incomes and services impacted.

Reach Learning Disability, which has five centres, including in Newark and Southwell, says its energy bills could rise from £14,000 in 2021 to £30,000 by 2023.

And Newark Women's Aid, which helps victims of domestic violence, says its fuel bill has already risen by £12,000 this year.

“Rising fuel costs could also mean we have to make hard choices about how we use our Reach van," said Catherine Shatwell, of Reach Learning Disability, which supports adults with learning disabilities.

"Charity staff are working hard to reduce outgoings and manage costs without reducing the quality of service.”

Centre managers are also reporting that people using their services are becoming more anxious about rising costs and how it will affect their lives and services.

The charity is appealing for donations so that it can continue to support the health and needs of their clients.

Newark Women’s Aid said the number of referrals to its refuge remains high, but the service was taking a hit from the cost of living increases.

Nottinghamshire County Council is increasing the amount of funding it gives to the charity to help it, but Marlene Ferris, who manages the charity, said: “While the 3% uplift is very much appreciated, in reality, it will just about cover the increased cost of employers National Insurance.

“Our fuel costs alone have increased by £12,000 this year, and that is before the next increase in October.

“During the lockdowns, we saw a huge increase in the number of calls for advice, support and refuge accommodation.

“The number of refuge referrals remains high and we don’t see that changing, as the current financial pressures, with the increased costs of food, fuel, clothing transport, etc, puts added pressure on already struggling relationships.”

She added the service was grateful and very lucky to have great support from the community with food, clothing and toiletries for the refuge.

She added: “It is essential that specialist services already providing safe supported accommodation for survivors of domestic violence continue to receive funding, to enable them to continue providing these life-saving services.”

Newark Emmaus Trust, which supports homeless and vulnerable young people, says services offered, such as life skills, parenting group and activities, education, health guidance and trips out, all need to be paid for from their budget.

Chief executive Nikki Burley said: “This cost of living crisis will undoubtedly affect the trust over the coming months as we see our costs rising for gas and electricity and also fuel costs for our mini bus.

“We will continue to do all we can to encourage donations from the public and apply for funding in the hope that we can continue to provide our services.”