RESIDENTS in St Helens are being called to take action by joining an initiative that supports anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust.
Step Up September, supported by actors Emma Kennedy and Kellie Shirley, is a fundraising initiative aimed at tackling the current poverty crisis.
Those in the community are being challenged to take on a 30-minute walk every day for a month to help raise vital funds for food banks in the UK.
Participants are able to complete the challenge in their own time for any distance, as long as they walk 30 minutes.
The Trussell Trust supports more than 1,300 food bank centres nationwide, with five of these centres based in St Helens.
Kate Merrifield, events engagement manager at the Trussell Trust, said: "Step Up September is a great opportunity to get active and also call for a change and help build a future where no one will need to use a food bank to put food on the table.
"It’s a challenge for everyone, whatever your fitness level, age, background or ability. You can do it alone, with family, friends, your dogs, while raising vital funds to help stamp out hunger in the UK.
"That’s why we’re urging everyone in St Helens to put their best foot down because together, we can create a fairer, more just society."
Actor and writer Emma Kennedy, a strong supporter of the cause, added: "The cost of living crisis is affecting us all but for people on the lowest incomes, the cost of surviving this crisis is too high, with many unable to buy food due to huge price rises and inflation.
"This September I’ll be joining #TeamTrussell to stamp out hunger in the UK."
Actor and presenter Kellie Shirley also shared that she will be involved with Step Up September: "People are having to face impossible decisions - between heating their homes or eating. For this reason, I’ll be joining #TeamTrussell and am so excited to get involved with #StepUp this September.
"Helping to fight for a more just society, where everyone can afford the essentials. If you can, get involved too and help us build a future without the need for food banks in the UK."
To sign up to Step Up September, visit http://https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/fundraise/events/step-up-september-2022/.
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