THE tough times being felt across the Shoalhaven this winter should be of concern to us all. With a 30 per cent increase in calls for help to just one charity, the effects of a rising cost of living and a slowing economy are being acutely felt.

One of the concerns is that an increasing number people are finding the things many of us take for granted, such as a warm house in winter, are becoming unattainable.

In the grip of a particularly nasty winter, life for the disadvantaged has become even harder. The stark choices between food for the table or wood for the fire are confronting an increasing number of our residents. Too often, the people seeking help are families, which means kids are suffering too.

What is particularly alarming is the growth in so-called working poor who are appealing for assistance. These people have jobs but the money they bring home simply doesn’t go the distance when it comes to paying for necessities, including those ever-increasing power bills and rent.

And indications that some unfortunate people are being forced by spiralling costs to sell their homes should also sound a warning. Times are indeed tough.

While compassion will help, as those with clothes or money to spare donate to charities, what is needed above all is an improved and resilient local economy where there is enough money to support the people who live here.