Charities will be under increased strain this winter as a new poll of 67,000 people shows two in five UK residents are more likely to depend on charities during the cost-of living crisis.

A third of residents in London (33%) that took part in the research (4,581) have admitted they are more likely than ever before to have to call on help from a charity. While in contrast 33% said they are likely to reduce the amount they donate to charity due to the increasing costs they’re facing on their energy bills.

While people may be planning to give less money, 36% of residents have said they’re more likely to volunteer their time instead. Almost half (47%) are more likely to support a local charity rather than a national or international one with 50% of residents choosing frontline charities supporting those most in need due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The findings come as the UK’s largest network of food banks, The Trussell Trust, announced it had distributed a record number of food parcels between April and September this year, with one in five individuals referred to The Trussell Trust now coming from working households.

With charities facing increased pressure, Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign. Residents are encouraged to nominate a charity online at www.movementforgood.com using the online form. The first draw takes place on December 1st and the last on December 16th with 10 charities drawn every day. Nominations are open until Thursday 15th December.

Winners are drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “It’s perhaps no surprise that people intend to cut back on their charitable giving at this time, and it is clear is that charities need help more than ever. Our annual £1 million Movement for Good Awards have helped thousands of charities across the UK and we’re asking people to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about.

“Out of some five million companies in the UK, Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor* and has an ambition to be the biggest. As a Group of financial service businesses, uniquely owned by a charity, all available profits go to good causes, and the more our loyal customers support us to grow, the more the Group can give. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do and, together, we can help many good causes to continue their love and support for those who need it most in these difficult times.”

This year in June, 250 £1,000 awards were donated. A further 250 £1,000 awards were awarded in September followed by £500,000 of larger grants in October.

A special draw was recently launched to coincide with COP27, giving five environmental charities £5,000 each – a further £25,000 in funding.