Adviser helping those struggling in cost-of-living crisis will run Bristol 10K for her charity

• India Ellis will run the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run to raise money for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire
• India is a Generalist Adviser at the charity and is helping those who are struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis
• She wants to run for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire because “it is a charity for everyone”

An adviser helping those struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis will run the Bristol 10K to raise vital funds for her charity.

India Ellis, Generalist Adviser at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, will take on the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run on 19th May.

India has been inspired to run for the organisation as it is a “charity for everyone” which “can help with benefits, debt, relationships to any other issue you may need support with”.

She joined the South Gloucestershire charity last year having previously volunteered with Citizens Advice Plymouth while studying for her undergraduate LLB Law degree.

India, 23, who lives in Staple Hill, is – along with her colleagues – helping more and more clients who are struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.

The charity helped more than 6,590 people in 2023 – its largest number of clients on record, and a 20 per cent increase on the previous year.

The charity now helps roughly ten times as many clients in need of food bank or charitable support each month as it did prior to the pandemic.

India is now calling for members of the public who support the charity to sponsor her as she raises funds to help it continue its service.

She said: “I am running the Bristol 10K for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire as it is a charity for everyone and it is not a one-issue charity and that is really special.

“We can help with benefits, debt, relationships to any other issue you may need support with. We always do our best to answer it.

“Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can help clients holistically in many instances, which makes it easier for them to progress and I think this is a vital service.

“Each year after Christmas it is really busy, but this year seems more so. Clients are coming in more frequently with trouble affording the basics and needing food bank or fuel vouchers.

“There is an increased complexity and quantity with cases coming through the door which can only be contributed to the cost of living.

“This highlights the need for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire more than ever. We need more Volunteers, Staff and facilities to be able to support these people.

“At present we are booking appointments months in advance and our drop in queues are long as we do not have the resources at present which is why any support or donation is vital.”

India also plays as a prop in a rugby team at a community club in North Bristol.

Speaking on her training for the Bristol 10K, she said: “My training is going – which is the main thing. I am trying each week to build on distance and speed and I am slowly developing and seeing improvements.

“Anyone who knows me knows running is not my favourite sport but I am always up for a challenge. I am excited and nervous about the day. As long as I do not come last I will be happy!”

Anyone wanting to sponsor India can go to: https://ajbellgreatbristolrun2024.enthuse.com/pf/india-ellis

The charity is also looking for more runners to join India in taking part in the Bristol 10K. To sign up, please visit: https://www.southgloscab.org.uk/run-for-us/

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is a local, independent charity which provides free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone who needs it in South Gloucestershire.

It is dependent on donations and grants to continue its services.

It runs face-to-face open-door sessions in Yate, Cadbury Heath, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury, Bradley Stoke and Emersons Green as well as operating a free Adviceline telephone service.

Anyone in South Gloucestershire seeking free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can call 0808 278 7947.

The charity’s opening times and contact details are available at: www.southgloscab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/