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 3 days
£150 needed for a television
S has just joined us at Homes of Hope after coming out of a domestically abusive relationship. It has taken a lot of strength and courage for her to take this step, due to her relationship status. As S has some restrictions on visiting/staying with her family, this is significantly impacting her mental health. She has a safe room with us, but finds it difficult to stay in the room when it is so quiet, and we feel having her own television will help with her mental health, as it will help her to switch off from her circumstances.
£175 needed for chiropractor appointments
A had a work related accident in November 2024 when he tripped over some wood and a curb stone fell on his shoulder. He is now unable to work and is unable to pay for appointments with a chiropractor. £175 would pay for an assessment and four sessions of treatment. Many thanks.
£100 needed for a vacuum cleaner
R was homeless, but has moved into supported accommodation. He has no family or friend support, very little income, and has previously resorted to street begging to be able to buy food. R struggles with day-to-day living and relies on support workers. They would like to help him to keep his flat clean, but he doesn't have a vacuum cleaner and can't afford to buy one. Your help to get one would mean he could look after his flat properly and take pride in it.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
N is a young man with additional needs, limiting his ability to find employment. He currently receives Universal Credit and is awaiting further assessment. Up to now he has been living between his mum's and his grandma's homes. N has now obtained a council flat in a suitable location for him. Whilst it has been left in good condition, he is furnishing it from scratch. Please can you help him obtain a fridge freezer so he has somewhere to keep his food fresh? Thank you for your help.
£175 needed for a fridge
K is a diabetic who needs to store her medication in the fridge at all times, but her fridge has broken down. She has a very low income and relies on low-cost food pantries to make ends meet, and can't afford to replace the fridge. This has left K struggling to keep her medication safely. Your help to buy a fridge would mean she can keep her medication safely, as well as being able to shop and eat properly again.
£190 needed for a cooker and a wardrobe
This applicant has substance abuse difficulties, but has been engaging well with staff and hopes to get into further education and employment in the future. He has a number of debt arrears and has had his benefits halved in order to help rectify this. This applicant has absolutely no spare income and is provided with food parcels each month from the charity supporting him. He has recently moved and would benefit from a cooker and a wardrobe - any donations would help him in making a fresh start. Thank you.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This young mum, who has been a regular at our play cafe for several years, has been struggling with debt and has arranged an appointment with Citizens Advice for support. While she is just managing her day-to-day budget, mum's washing machine broke a few weeks ago, and replacing it is currently beyond her means. Any help towards providing a new washing machine would be greatly appreciated.
£115 needed for clothing
E is a client of our pantry who has special educational needs and was a victim of domestic violence in the past. She rarely leaves her home. E is on benefits and is in need of clothing. She would be very grateful if you could support her in buying warm items of clothing that she needs.
£115 needed for a washing machine and a hoover
This applicant has a nine year old child who has recently come to live with him, due to mum having left home with substance abuse difficulties. The child was originally with a grandparent, but she cannot sustain this care long-term. Dad was previously homeless, but has now been rehoused and wants to do the best for his child; however, he has no household belongings at all. To support him and help him move forward, he would greatly benefit from a washing machine and hoover. Thank you.