UK cost of living champions: women battling the crisis

theguardian.com:

F rom providing food and clothing for struggling families to offering financial advice and childcare, each of these women has helped change the lives of others in the toughest economic climate in a generation.

Named “cost of living champions” by Save the Children for refusing to stand by while the situation played out around them, they have demonstrated the transformative power of women in a crisis.

A group of talented female photographers have worked alongside the six champions to create a series of portraits that captures their work and spirit.

Gwen Hines, the chief executive of Save the Children, said: “Each woman is inspiring for the work they are doing and deserve their moment in the spotlight. Everything they do, often for little or no pay, is to make the lives of others easier. It seemed fitting to bring these women together with female photographers at the forefront of their field.”

Photographed by Camilla Greenwell

Danielle and her mum, Michelle, founded AberNecessities child bank, which provides disadvantaged families with essential items from birth to the end of school.

“One in five children living in Aberdeen city and shire are living in poverty. Since launching in 2019, we have supported over 10,000 children across north-east Scotland. For me, this is a huge sign that we are needed and that AberNecessities is a vital service to our community – and we are very proud that we can help.

“Families are referred to us daily by the NHS, social work, the education system and fellow charities, and we provide everything a parent needs for a child growing up; from nappies and formula to clothing and beds for pregnant mums to children up to 18 years.

“This all came about as I am a specialist and early intervention teacher. I