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
£145 needed for a mattress
This lady is in the UK on a working visa, working full-time as a carer and doesn't have access to public funds. She has a two year old daughter who was born in the UK. Mum recently moved from a furnished, private rented flat to an unfurnished one, and wasn't able to get credit in order to buy furniture. An application was made to Central Aid for help with donated furniture, however, they charge for new mattresses, albeit at a reduced rate. The payment is to cover the cost of the mattress.
£200 needed for care costs
R has severe debilitating anxiety and cannot stay at home at night on her own. She has been staying here, there, and anywhere, and it is exhausting. She has one friend who is supporting her a lot, but she is going away soon, so R really needs the support of a carer. This money will pay for a local carer to be with her and support her while her friend is away.
£200 needed for moving items to storage
This lady has been through an incredibly difficult few months with family break up, meaning she has had to leave her home and she now finds herself homeless. She is being supported to find a new property in time, but for now needs to keep her belongings in storage. This lady is struggling to meet this cost, given the difficulty of her transition to single benefits, and so this funding, if raised, will pay for a local 'man with a van' to sort this for her.
£200 needed for Council Tax arrears
Our beneficiary has recently divorced and has had to leave the family home for temporary accommodation. He is paying Council Tax arrears monthly; however, a substantial amount remains. Although he is working, this debt, coupled with incoming bills in his new place, leaves him struggling financially each month. Our beneficiary is in danger of falling into further debt and doesn't receive any state benefits. He has heart problems and diabetes, so could do without the added worry of this debt. Please can you help?
£120 needed for clothing and bedding
Back in July we supported this lady with emergency accommodation after fleeing domestic abuse. She has now been given temporary accommodation, but now needs assistance with clothing, duvets and pillows. As this lady has been moving from one accommodation to another, she has not been able to secure work and her benefits have been messed up due to the constant moving of address.
£200 needed for food and gas and electric bill
N is a member of our church and a single mother of three teenagers, 2 of whom suffer from asthma. Mum has worked as a cleaner and a kitchen assistant, but suffers from back and knee problems and is on sick leave at the moment. N is struggling to pay her bills, and got into debt with British Gas. We would like to encourage her with a food voucher and a top-up on her gas and electricity account. Thank you for your support!
£180 needed for an Emergency First Aid At Work Course and safety boots
L has recently experienced four months of homelessness, living out of an old car after losing his employment, which came with accommodation. He is now settled in supported accommodation and would like to return to warehouse or factory work. An emergency first aid course, as well as new work boots will assist L in finding sustainable employment and help him towards independent living.
£170 needed for a duvet, duvet cover and pillow cases, pillows, two sheets and a towel bundle
S, who has debts and is now a Christian Against Poverty client, lives in a bedsit and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and mental health issues, and is awaiting an autism diagnosis. She has to take her washing to the unemployment centre and has recently been really unwell for some months. S is hoping for a bit of help with new bedding and towels. She is a vulnerable adult whose parents live quite far away. Sadly, S lost her sister when she was only twenty years old, and very much struggles with everyday life.
£150 needed for a television
Could you please help client X by contributing towards the purchase of a television for them and their eleven year old child? X's sole income is benefits, so they cannot afford to buy a television themselves. At the moment they can only watch television on their phone, which is a very small screen. X, who struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and bi polar, is currently living in a caravan on a temporary basis. A television will help their temporary accommodation feel more like a home.