Give just five pounds this Christmas
"Thank you so much for the money, it means the absolute world to me to be able to feed my three children and get them a few bits for Christmas. This time of year is so hard, especially with electricity and gas bills, so your kindness and generosity mean everything. Thank you so much, C."
We're aware that for many this winter turning the heating or hot water on will feel like a luxury and for others simply won't be able to afford it. But, what do those in that position do when their washing machine breaks, or their child grows out of their school shoes?
Last year, before the cost of living crisis really began, many sources reported that a fifth of UK adults had less than £250 in savings (Yorkshire Building Society, Joseph Rowntree Trust). This winter it is likely that those who are struggling will have little or no savings to see them through a crisis, a broken appliance or to just simply turn the heating on.
This impact will be felt more widely than ever; not just those on the lowest incomes will feel the squeeze this year - and we're anticipating the need for one-off financial help to increase. You can read more about our reflections on this here.
We're also aware, as Jenny highlights in her video below, that while those on lower incomes will be hit hardest, that actually many of us are also feeling the squeeze due to the increasing living costs in the UK.
Therefore, this Christmas, we're asking if you can join in with a community of other donors to support those most in need, and give #justfivepounds. If many of us give just five pounds, together with donations from others, we will help to lift a burden and bring hope to an individual, or family, this Christmas.
To give#justfivepounds to a need take a look at the ones below, or look at the other ones on our website: acts435.org.uk/needs
"Hi everyone, I write this letter with great joy and pleasure. Your kind generous donations have placed a wonderful fridge freezer in my kitchen for this coming Christmas and New Year. You have also given me trust in humanity. Words cannot express my gratitude to wonderful people whom I have never met. You are wonderful and I do thank you and applaud you all. It now leaves me to wish each and everyone of you a wonderful Christmas and a spectacular New Year. You have made mine! Thank you and respect to you all, R."
'W' said thank you so much to all concerned for help with his bills over Christmas. He has all of his children living with him now and is safe and settled and your help has eased his worries at this stressful time of year and has allowed them to enjoy their first Christmas.
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 5 days
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
J lived with his wife and children until the relationship broke down. For ten years he sofa-surfed, slept rough and rode night buses. He was referred to the rough sleepers team in 2022, was placed in temporary accommodation and now has permanent secure housing. Previously, a working independent man, he now has a medical condition which has left him unable to work. A fridge freezer would enable J to eat more healthily and better manage his limited income of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment.
£200 needed for a washing machine
J lived with his wife and children until the relationship broke down. For ten years he sofa-surfed, slept rough and rode night buses. Referred to the rough sleepers team in 2022, he was placed in temporary accommodation and now has permanent housing. Previously a working independent man, J now has a medical condition which has left him unable to work. A washing machine would enable him to maintain his personal hygiene and better manage on his limited income of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment.
£200 needed for an oven
S lives with her husband and three children. For the last six months, they have not had a fully working oven and have been using one hob ring to prepare meals for the five of them. The hob is inefficient and expensive, and is costing a lot to run. S is juggling working part-time and looking after her children. Her husband is, unfortunately, unable to work. The family really need a new oven so they can cook the food they are receiving from the foodbank. Please can you help?
£150 needed for electricity bills and food
S is on a very low income, receiving only the basic Universal Credit of £393 per month. He was recently released from prison, which means he doesn't receive full housing benefits and needs to top his monthly rent up himself. S is struggling to meet his basic living costs, buy food and pay his utilities, but he has no family support. Please can you provide a donation to help him get back on his feet?
£200 needed for a bed
E is a single mum with four children. One son has special needs, meaning mum has been unable to work and has run up debts. Her son has outgrown his bed and she wants to buy a larger one to make him more comfortable. Please can you help?
£200 needed for a washing machine and a cooker
Our client, who is dealing with severe mental health issues, has moved from temporary accommodation into a more permanent home to start regaining some independence. They are currently suffering from financial hardship and are in need of a washing machine to wash their clothes, as well as a cooker to be able to make hot meals at home. These items will improve their overall mental wellbeing and independence in their new home.
£180 needed for a wardrobe, chest of drawers, fridge freezer and a lamp
H is a single lady who has been offered a property, but unfortunately there was no furniture at all. H came here with some savings, but these are nearly gone and she is struggling to furnish her house and feed herself too. H is in urgent need of a fridge freezer, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers and a lamp for her house. She would appreciate any support.
£200 needed for food, a microwave and a kettle
Following a recent heart attack, three months ago, this gentleman finds himself in need of ongoing assistance. We are urgently requesting a regular food parcel, a kettle and a microwave. Our client was referred to us by Peabody after an outreach encounter where he was soliciting passers-by for food or financial aid. Although he has a flat, this gentleman's health condition prevents him from being able to work. Any support provided during this challenging time would be greatly appreciated.
£200 needed for supplying and fitting a living room carpet
A and his partner have been given a flat after being homeless and are in need of a living room carpet. They have nothing and are waiting for their benefits to be processed. They have no family able to help, as family have disowned them because they are not the same nationality. A few friends have given them some kitchen items. Please can you help them with a carpet?