On The Breadline: Faith leaders unite to add their voices to Standard’s appeal

They said it was a lifeline for those struggling with the “profound challenges” of the cost-of-living crisis.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, called on people to dig deep to support our On the Breadline Christmas appeal which is helping those in deprivation and distress this winter.

Our appeal, with sister title the Independent in partnership with Comic Relief and The Childhood Trust, has raised more than £3 million, with the money to be given out in grants to organisations helping people struggling with the cost of living.

Cardinal Nichols said: “I commend the Evening Standard for its important campaign on the cost of living crisis, precisely the kind of support that the newspaper can deliver for everyone across London.

“A significant number of people are struggling, but we must never forget the most vulnerable among us who are suffering.”

The Chief Rabbi told of “the profound challenges of this cost-of-living crisis” and added: “It is tempting to look to Government and big business alone for support — as indeed we should.

“But we are also blessed to live in a society that can generate a great deal of altruism in families, friends, communities, congregations and charitable initiatives.

“It is from these that each one of us should feel empowered to do our bit, to support the most vulnerable in our society, to help them withstand the bitter winds of deprivation and distress this winter. I would urge those who are able, to dig deep in support of the Standard’s campaign.”

Pledging his support, the Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, who is the Church of England bishop responsible for welfare issues in the House of Lords, said: “It is important that we all pull together and do what we can to help the most vulnerable in our communities.”

He said that churches are also providing a lifeline through foodbanks and other community services, adding: “It is heartbreaking to hear stories of people who a year ago were donating to foodbanks and who are now having to use them.

“Many of our churches are among the more than 3,700 public spaces opening up this winter as a warm space for people as energy prices soar.”

Rajnish Kashyap, director of the Hindu Council UK, said his organisation also backed the appeal, adding: “With food prices and energy bills rising at the highest rate in over 40 years, people are having to make cutbacks.

“For those in poverty, there is no leeway. TheHindu Council UK appreciates the hard work and generosity of the Evening Standard.”

The Muslim Council of Britain said: “We are grateful initiatives such as On the Breadline exist and we stand ready to support their essential work. We also remain committed to working towards a society in which such extraordinary levels of hardship cease to exist.”