ABTA LifeLine said applications for financial support have almost tripled compared with the same period last year.
Demand has come from those experiencing ‘a wide range of challenges’, it said, from financial hardship and debt to serious illness, domestic violence, mobility issues and inability to access essential household appliances.
The charity did not disclose the exact number of applications received last year or so far this year.
ABTA LifeLine is urging businesses and individuals across the travel industry to donate to its cause by booking a table at the ABTA LifeLine Dinner (9 September), taking part in the Madeira Challenge (9-14 October) ahead of this year’s ABTA Convention, which is also taking place in Madeira, or joining its £2 per employee appeal.
ABTA LifeLine Director Trudie Clements said: “We’re seeing a clear shift in the level of need. One of the drivers appears to be ongoing cost of living pressures, which continue to hit travel professionals hard.
“People are coming to us earlier, and with more complex challenges, and we want them to know that LifeLine is here for them. In fact, we’ve already surpassed the number of applications we received in the whole of last year.
“The rise in applications presents a further challenge for the charity — securing the vital funds needed to meet growing demand for our services. And that’s where we need industry support.”
