As the cost of living crisis continues to take its toll on communities, a local Salford charity is stepping up to support struggling families. ‘Step Into Action,’ founded by Gemma Fish during the Covid-19 pandemic, aims to ease the burden of rising prices by offering vital support to local residents.
Helping Families Cope with Rising Living Costs
Initially started as a Facebook group of volunteers, Step Into Action has evolved into a charity shop with a wider impact. Gemma, a mum from Little Hulton, expressed her concerns over how the increasing electricity prices and general living expenses have brought back struggles reminiscent of the pandemic era. “A couple of years ago, we felt like it was easing off,” Gemma explained. “Then they hiked all the electricity prices up, and that has brought us back to what it was like during Covid times when people were losing jobs.”
For now, summer provides some relief with longer and brighter days. However, Gemma predicts challenges toward the end of the season. “It’s going to be a really hard winter because the prices are due to go up, and people just can’t afford it, at all,” she added.
Summer Support Through Free Lunch and Dinner Packs
While preparing for the colder months, the charity has focused its efforts on supporting families over the summer. Step Into Action is delivering free lunch and dinner care packages to families across Salford. These packages can be collected at St James’ Church in Broughton, as well as the charity’s hub in Walkden, completely free of charge.
The lunch packs include staples like bread, butter, ham, cheese, yoghurts, crisps, and apples. For dinner, families can expect hearty meals such as sausage, mash, and peas, or lasagna. Most importantly, the service is open to everyone—there are no eligibility requirements based on benefits or income.
Targeting Working Families Who Miss Out on Additional Support
One of Gemma’s priorities is to help working families who often fall through the cracks of financial support schemes. “I’m always trying to reach working families who don’t get any additional support because they don’t reach a certain threshold,” she explained. Whether it’s easing financial pressure with free meal packs or simply allowing parents some breathing room, the initiative is making a difference.
For parents juggling extra childcare costs or taking unpaid leave to look after their children, this form of assistance can be a lifeline. “Even something like a lunch pack just gives them that ability to have some extra bits in,” Gemma said.
Salford Step Into Action continues to support its community in times of need. To register for assistance, families can email the group at help@salfordsia.co.uk.
