Peter Bartram (pictured), a member of the MRBA management committee, told Research that between January and April this year the charity had received 64 applications for loans or grants, compared to 34 in the same period last year.

The economic situation was the main reason behind the increased caseload, according to Bartram.

The MRBA is currently appealing for people to become ‘friends’ of the charity through a £25 annual donation. Companies can become corporate friends for £100 a year or corporate patrons for £500 per year.

As well as financial support, the MRBA is asking organisations to donate gifts in kind and “spread the word about or work, so those most in need know how to get in touch with us”.

The average yearly caseload for the three years ending March 2007 was 23, but this jumped to 67 in the year ending March 2008, and looks set to be dramatically above that figure this year.

Bartram said the MRBA has paid out £36,000 in grants and loans for the year ending March 2009, up from £19,000 in the previous year.