This is a special edition of the Standard, in support of the Evening Standard and Comic Relief’s Winter Survival Campaign.

The cost of living crisis has become so entrenched that for many, Christmas is effectively cancelled.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the number of UK families categorised as destitute has more than doubled in the last five years.

In the Rowntree study, 3.8 million people - including 1 million children - are at severe risk of being inadequately fed, clothed, cleaned or kept warm.

There is increasing alarm at the impact this severe hardship is having on children as the cost of living crisis enters a second winter.

That is why the Evening Standard has today combined forces with Comic Relief to launch our Winter Survival Appeal Christmas campaign, with Comic Relief pledging £500,000 to get us underway.

The money will be given to charities in London and across the UK that help people struggling with food insecurity as well as children’s health and well-being.

To make a donation, visit comicrelief.com/wintersurvival

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