Food or warmth, warm or food this winter? The team at @humdumuk have been working round the clock to prepare for what will be a hugely challenging winter for one and all. During my recent volunteering shift with @nigbhola and the team I met someone I knew from my old neighbourhood in the East End. M and I exchanged pleasantries. I was a bit withdrawn, mindful of the fact that he could be feeling a little apprehensive and shy at being served food parcels by someone he knew. He wasn’t having none of it though and gave me a bear hug. M explained that food and fuel are his family’s greatest worries this winter and he struggles to sleep at night. This has affected his health significantly and he experiences red and painful eyes, migraines and sinus trouble. He has sought medical support for depression. M and his family have had their gas and electric cut off twice and is now on a more expensive pre-payment meter. The adults have taken the difficult decision to make lifestyle changes to help cope with the cost of living crisis and this includes eating more food that doesn’t require heating. This is very difficult as the family have always enjoyed fresh, home cooked meals. During a conversation with a local GP I’m on friendly terms with I learnt that unprecedented numbers of people are now being referred on for help with malnutrition, many of whom are adults who are skipping meals to ensure that the children can eat their fill. Over the course of the winter we should not be surprised to see larger crowds flocked together in public offices like the Barking Learning Centre, the Ripple Centre and even places of worship as people juggle with the difficult choice whether to eat or heat. According to the Centre for Sustainable Energy, one-third of older people living on a low income will be rationing and cutting back on food, while two-thirds will work to reduce their consumption of energy this winter. Food and warmth can help empower people who are disadvantaged, from struggling, to flourishing in life. #humdumuk #thewanderinglondoner (at Ripple Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck3i_2WIINe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=