Chiswick Crosslight Team Taking Part in Move4Change

Fund raising walk and cycle to support the financially vulnerable

Supporters of the charity prepare for the challenge

September 11, 2023

The Chiswick branch of a London debt advice charity is taking part in Move4Change a sponsored 10km walk or 40km cycle.

On Saturday 16 September, supporters of Crosslight Advice, who help lift people out of poverty and build a better future, will tackle the 10km circular route from St Paul’s Church in Hammersmith taking in the sights of the Thames Pathway and stop halfway at Crosslight's Chiswick branch at St Nicholas. The cycle challenge will see participants ride 40km, to finish back at St Paul’s Hammersmith at the same time as those who take on the walk.

All money raised will enable the team to deliver comprehensive and holistic debt advice as well as money education to those in need in London. In 2022, Move4Change raised nearly £15,000 and just under 100 walkers took part, and the cycle challenge is new to the event this year. Crosslight Advice hope to beat last year’s total raised and see even more Londoners take part.

Bruce Connell, founder and chief executive of Crosslight Advice said, “One of the scariest feelings imaginable is the realisation that you can’t afford to eat or feed your children properly – almost half of those who seek our help have had to go without food. We see day in day out the devastating effect that the cost-of-living crisis is having on those in need, and it’s the most vulnerable that are affected the most.

“We long for our communities to flourish and for no one to be left behind, and our teams work tirelessly to walk alongside individuals and families in need and help them get back on their feet. Joining Move4Change and helping us raise vital funds – no matter how big or small – will make such a difference to those we support, and every penny raised will help bring hope to those who are struggling.”

Move4Change supports the work of Crosslight Advice, which conducts over 4,000 appointments a year and helps improve the lives of over 1,600 Londoners a year, many of whom are in deep financial trouble. Sign up today to help Crosslight Advice bring hope to those in need.

Shivani was struggling to pay for all her bills when the cost of living skyrocketed, having a detrimental impact on her and her son’s life.

She says, “I first came across Crosslight through a charity that was helping me with my issues with my EDF bills. My gas has always been a lot more expensive than my electricity and my income was struggling to cover both gas and electricity as they began to increase in price.
I was able to use the drop-in service at Crosslight when I first began to experience issues with trying to pay for my gas and electricity bills. While getting help with this, I also found out that I could get assistance with other aspects of my life and finances. This included benefits like PIP [disability benefit] as I struggle with my health. Crosslight helped me with my application for PIP and supported me with my interviews too. They held my hand throughout everything and really helped me through it. My case worker and everyone else I got help from have been so amazing.

“Whenever I needed support with something Crosslight were there to help. They were also able to refer me to other charities and organisations if I needed help with something else, such as my son who has autism. I have also been provided with vouchers, the most recent ones for Tesco and Primark. I was able to go and buy my son winter clothes so that he is warm. He grows so quickly, and he’s been in too small clothes and the vouchers came at the right time to help with this so that he can be kept warm.

“The team who helped also did things so fast, it was so amazing. It was so efficient. My adviser would speak to me at my appointment, follow it up with emails and book me in for future calls. I always knew what was going on. Because I have a lot going on in my life with my son and my own health, my adviser was always so good at reminding me of things and what I needed to do to make sure things progressed. She was always checking up on me, not just the financial situation but she was also asking how I was doing. When someone asks ‘how are you’ it is all about connecting with a person which brings people out of their shell and allows them to open up. I think that is why I was able to get through it - I was asked how I was throughout the process.

“I put £100 on my gas meter this week, which I can’t quite believe, and I am so happy about it. My son isn’t well and off sick, but our flat is warm and I am so relieved. When I think about how I’m able to do this, I just think ‘Crosslight, Crosslight!!’, it feels like a cuddle, I am so grateful.

“Once I properly get back on my feet, I’ve thought about volunteering for Crosslight. The help that I’ve received has been amazing and I’d like to give it back too. I still can’t believe how amazing the help Crosslight have given me has been, and it's for free! A big thank you to all of you!”

Those interested in joining the team can sign up via the this link and by contacting Susan Welsh at Susan.Welsh@crosslightadvice.org.