Key figures in the city have now endorsed Bristol Live's campaign, Benefit Bristol.
As this year the colder months will be even more challenging for many families in Bristol, the campaign will be running over the next few months to highlight some of the support available to the city's most disadvantaged families.
So far, we have spoken to residents in one of Bristol's most deprived areas about their worries ahead of the winter months and visited a charity tackling food waste and food poverty, among others.
READ MORE: Bristol Live launches Benefit Bristol campaign
And, with Benefit Bristol gaining momentum, the campaign has now endorsed by Bristol actor Joe Sims as well as two of the city's MPs.
The TV star said in a video (you can watch the full video at the top of this article): "Now more than ever, it is going to be biting.
"This is going to be one of the worst winters on record for so many families who are already up against it following the pandemic.
"It is going to be a long road for so many people, so it is so important that we have a cohesive strategy and are pulling together all of our resources."
The actor urged people to volunteer if they can.
He then added: "Please know that you are not alone - this city is stronger together, when we stand shoulder to shoulder.
"£20-a-week of Universal Credit has just been wiped off across the board, food banks are going to be used more than ever.
"So please show that kind of sympathy, show that strength of human kindness that Bristol is famous for.
"And let's dig in, it is going to be a long, long road.
"Lots of love to you all."
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Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire has also backed our campaign.
She said she was extremely grateful to the fantastic local charities helping people across Bristol.
She continued: "I know these organisations and thousands of volunteers have been a lifeline for thousands of people over the last 18 months.
"Sadly, it looks like we will need their help more than ever this winter. The warning signs show the next few months could be very difficult, with rising costs for energy, food and other essentials.
"The government is also raising taxes on earnings and cutting Universal Credit that many working people rely on.
"Where the government has failed to look after its citizens, organisations like food banks have stepped up.
"Thank you to everyone in Bristol who is a part of this effort."
Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy also endorsed our campaign, saying she has been contacted by more than 100 constituents who have had concerns regarding the Universal Credit uplift cut.
She added: "The Government’s cut to the Universal Credit uplift is set to coincide with significant rises to fuel bills.
"As a result, we can see that families who struggle the most will have to rely on the generosity of charities, community groups and food banks to put food on the table this winter.
"I have heard from parents in Bristol East who have said that this drastic cut now means they must choose between feeding themselves and buying school uniforms."
And continued: "Constituents have contacted me, worried about the health of their friends and neighbours, who simply can’t afford to turn the heating on.
"While it is clear that the Government is not doing enough to support Bristol’s working families and disabled people who live in poverty, I am heartened to see that organisations across Bristol are stepping up to provide extra support to those who need it."
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