City residents and volunteers have described the recent crisis as "awful, frightening, and worrying".

They have expressed concerns about their future and are demanding that more needs to be done to help the community. 

Woolston-based group, Big Difference, which supports families, refugees, vulnerable people and more, has noticed a 'shortage of food'.

It distributes food across Southampton and has helped feed more than 85 families. 

Read more - Main article continues below:

• The Daily Echo's mission to help you save money
• 'My life is just work and back home, it's more like surviving'
• 'Tip of the iceberg': Cost of living crisis hits Southampton firms
• Southampton hospitals facing £3.5m extra bill as energy prices soar

Volunteer, Sanjay Mall, said: "There is a real food shortage at the food bank due to the rise in the cost of goods. 

"Also, because of the Ukraine war, more people are accessing the food banks and families are coming in asking for support." 

He added: "We cannot stress how important the food banks are to the local community. It would be awful without them." 

The organisation is also working with schools to stamp out food insecurity and ensure children are fed properly. 

Karen Dawkins, who manages the Oasis Community Pantry in Sholing, has said there has been a "surge in referrals" since it opened earlier this year. 

She said: "We opened up only six weeks ago after acknowledging that there was a need, and since then, the pantry is getting busier and busier. 

"Some people who use the pantry have not one but two jobs. These are people who are trying to make ends meet. 

"We really wish we didn't have to open up or run the pantry, but what can we do?

"People are feeling isolated during this crisis, and I am worried for everyone. 

"But we will make sure that we are there for them and offer our services to more and more families." 

The Sholing pantry is open every Thursday from 9.30am to 1pm at Sholing Football Club. 

Another person feeling the financial squeeze is Southampton resident and Unite the Union member, Helen Field.

The 68-year-old has been organising cost of living protests across the city and told the Echo that her energy bills have jumped from £67 to £183 a month. 

Helen said: "When I saw the bills, I was gutted, and I was not happy. In fact, I was sick to my stomach. 

"I am really lucky that I can afford to pay the bills, but there are people who can't, and I am hugely concerned about them."

Helen added: "People are borrowing money from families and friends, and I can't imagine what it's like for them."

She feels 2022 has been a year of financial insecurity not only for her but for many residents across the city. 

All three residents are calling on the government to 'step in' to help people from marginalised communities and families with lower incomes. 

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News