The latest report from Pro Bono Economics paints a sobering picture. Nearly 3 million people in the UK are living in wellbeing poverty, scoring 4 or less out of 10 in life satisfaction. Without urgent action, this number could rise by 300,000 by 2030, costing the nation an estimated £110 billion annually in lost wellbeing.
At St Giles Trust, we see the human face behind these statistics every day. Our Pantry Network is a lifeline for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity, isolation, and the mental toll of poverty. It is more than just food. It is connection, dignity, and hope.
The report highlights that mental health, physical health, and loneliness are the key drivers of low wellbeing. These are precisely the areas our Pantry Network addresses by:
- Providing nutritious food in a welcoming, stigma-free environment
- Creating community hubs where people can connect and access support
- Offering wraparound services that tackle the root causes of disadvantage
But we cannot do this alone.
We urgently call on the government to recognise and support the essential role of charities like ours. Investment in the social sector is not a luxury. It is a necessity. The wellbeing of our nation depends on it.
We also invite partners, funders, and policymakers to work with us in scaling up solutions that work. Let us not allow the UK to slip further into a wellbeing poverty trap. Together, we can build a society where everyone has the chance to live a decent, fulfilling life.
Join the conversation. Support the mission. Help us make wellbeing a national priority.