April 2nd 2018
The number of people finding themselves in crisis and in need of help from Perennial increased again last year.
For many across the horticulture industry, working in jobs that are often low paid and seasonal, the effects of the economy and welfare reforms have taken their toll, according to the charity’s Director of Services, Sheila Thomson.
Add to that job insecurity and the risk of accident or injury, together with other threats such as illness, family breakdown or bereavement, it is no wonder, she says, that more people are ending up in crisis.
The Gardeners’ Company is a key supporter of Perennial, the only charity dedicated to helping everyone from across the horticulture industry and related sectors, delivering front line financial and emotional support and advice to those facing tough times.
In 2017, there was a 9% increase in the total number of people Perennial helped, assisting them in accessing just under £1.9 million in direct financial help, which included around £1.4 million in statutory benefits, a 35% increase on the previous year.
The majority of people Perennial helps are of working age. In 2017, 88% of people getting in touch for the first time were under retirement age and 12% over retirement age, while the overall split was 73% under retirement age and 27% over retirement age. The largest age bracket, representing 32% of the total, were aged 26-49.
For more information about the range of free and confidential services Perennial offers its clients, please visit http://www.perennial.org.uk/help