Record numbers of families are being supported by a Suffolk charity as the cost-of-living crisis begins to bite.

In one case, a family has been left with £25-a-week for food after paying other bills, with parents sometimes going without meals so children can eat.

Tara Spence, chief executive of Home-Start in Suffolk, which supports families facing such challenges, said she had never known a worse time during her 15 years with the charity.

"Whilst many of us have recently turned down the thermostat, purchased a few cheaper cuts of meat, or berated our kids for leaving on the lights, the reality is that for some families in Suffolk there is no buffer.

"Turning down the heating isn’t going to help - for some, the heating hasn’t been on for months," she said.

Tara added: "With inflation at 7% but benefits only rising by 3%, the recent cost of living increases have hit those with the least the hardest."

How much worse is the situation getting and why?

Pre-pandemic, the charity would have 10-11 families referred for support each week. That's now risen by nearly 50% to 17-18.

The Waveney and West Suffolk areas are seeing the steepest increase, while Ipswich remains at a high level.

Historically, the most frequent referrals to Home-Start have related to isolation and emotional wellbeing, but now two-thirds relate to financial pressures. It supported over 600 more people in the past year than in previous years.

"Overall the referrals are more complex than in the past," said Tara.

Families are either referred to Home-Start by professionals or self-referred - and Tara said there should be no stigma about it, stressing: "People don't choose to place themselves in these positions.

"There is no shame in struggling, but don’t struggle alone, there are many organisations that want to support - whether that’s Home-Start in Suffolk providing emotional and practical support to your family, Citizens Advice Bureau helping with your finances, or Suffolk MIND if you are struggling with your mental health and the impact the recent financial pressures are having on you."

Growing demand for volunteers - can you help?

The increase in cases - and expectations of further rising demand - means the charity is desperate for more volunteers.

Last year, it recruited 74, but it now needs another 80. Training is provided, with both home-visiting and telephone roles needed.

Home-visiting volunteers support families in their own home, usually spending a couple of hours once a week with the parents and their children.

It can be challenging but rewarding, says Tara, with the chance to make a profound difference to how somebody is feeling - whether that is simply alleviating feelings of isolation, or providing practical help.

Tara said people should not volunteer "because you want to be thanked" - do it because of the difference you'll make.

She explained: "Some families are so grateful, but for others it is the most challenging time of their life. Some people find it difficult to comprehend that they are taking an offer of support."

The shortage of volunteers is being felt around Suffolk, and people can find more information about how to get involved at Home-Start in Suffolk's website.

Supported families 'so grateful' for help

Heidi, a mum supported by the Home-Start in Suffolk team for the past six months, said: “The support that I have had from my volunteer Michelle has been amazing. She is a breath of fresh air and has made such a difference to us as a family. I really look forward to her weekly visit. And Tracy, who is my family support coordinator that matched me with Michelle, has been a Godsend. I don’t know what we would have done without them.”

Mark, a father who has received telephone support from a Home-Start in Suffolk volunteer said: “Richard has been brilliant. He has been someone to talk to and listen when I am feeling the pressure. I can’t thank him and Home-Start enough for all they have done for me and my little girl.”

Home-Start doesn’t profess to be a panacea to the financial challenges that families are facing - it won’t offer financial advice or help families to set up a payment plan for example - but it recognises the importance of having a trusted person who has your back and doesn’t judge you whatever the situation.