A Blackburn charity has urged those in need to ask for help as the cost of living crisis continues.

Benefit Mankind, an international aid relief and development organisation, say emails and calls to the organisation have increased by 75 per cent in the last few months.

With the expected energy bill rises these numbers are only expected to increase in the coming months

Chief executive of Benefit Mankind Dr Abdussamad Mulla says many people from South Asian communities and refugee families have been using the services.

However, the team has urged anyone from these communities, and elsewhere, to seek help if needed instead of being reluctant to take advantage of the services available.

Speaking to a national newspaper, one anonymous mother from the south Asian community, talked about the help she received from the charity.

Benefit Mankind gave her clothes, books, toys and furniture.

She said: “I wouldn't have anything if it wasn't for them.”

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Dr Mulla said: “The number of emails and calls are increasing each day due to the cost of living crisis and energy bill rises this year.

“Many from the South Asian communities as well as refugee families are single mothers with children due to the unfortunate wars in their countries which makes the challenges more difficult.

“We at Benefit Mankind are helping anyone who needs help and we would urge families not to hesitate if help is required.

“Email info@benefitmankind.co.uk with your details and our team will deliver emergency food parcels within 24 hours to your doorsteps.”

Benefit Mankind has have started delivering in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester and they plan to expand their relief efforts wherever we can.

Dr Mulla said: “Currently we are working together with our official partners Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

"Together we will ensure nobody in our communities goes to sleep hungry.”

Benefit Mankind has been at the forefront of a number of regional campaigns to support the vulnerable.

Last year, the charity was awarded the Lancashire Telegraph Community Heroes Award.

As the world wrestled with the unprecedented implications of the Covid pandemic, Benefit Mankind delivered emergency food parcels to families struggling with the crisis within a six-hour window upon receiving the requests.

An emergency hotline was also set-up where anyone requesting a food parcel could have it delivered to their doorstep.

In 12 months the charity delivered more than 40,000 food packs in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The charity also identified many students who were struggling for food and basic necessities and launched the School Meal Support campaign.

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You can support the project by visiting the Benefit Mankind website at: www.benefitmankind.co.uk/uk.