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 carpet fitting
R is a disabled mum of three who has fled domestic violence. For the last three months she has been living in a hotel whilst she waits to be rehoused. Fortunately she has now been granted a property with a local landlord, but unfortunately there are no carpets or floor coverings anywhere in the house. R is desperate to make the house a home, but she simply can't afford the high cost of carpets. We have an amazing offer of free carpets but we just need a little help fitting them.
£180 needed for a microwave, airfryer and oyster top-up
M is a migrant who has been destitute but now thankfully he has been given permission to stay in the UK. He has kidney failure and needs dialysis 2/3 times a week so has had to give up work. The migrant centre helped him to claim benefits and he has found a place to stay. He is trying very hard to remain as healthy as possible and would love to have an airfryer and a microwave to help him do this. He has appointments to go to for his health and for advice so he also needs an oyster top-up.
£100 needed for a mobile phone
M is a single woman and asylum seeker from Ethiopia who was using an old phone a friend gave her, but now it has become a nightmare. It is resetting itself, deleting important files, the battery doesn't last at all, and showing low memory space all the time, forcing her to delete other important documents she needs for her asylum case. M needs your help to replace her phone desperately, and begs for your understanding in her hard times.
£120 needed for a Bengali interpreter
A has minimal English language. We at Christians Against Poverty are scheduled to assess her financial situation and, in order to proceed with the debt help, we need to ensure she fully understands the paperwork she is signing and understands the information we require from her regarding her income and expenses. We had used a volunteer but we have been unsuccessful in arranging the follow up appointment in this instance. Please can you help us to arrange an interpreter.
£200 needed for a door and door frames
This single mum of two children in North Tyneside is living in a house where her ex-partner has caused so much damage to the property. The family is in need of an internal door that he pulled off the door frame, and replacement door frames that he damaged, as well as the necessary equipment to repair these things and paint for the timber door frames. Mum is on her own, has rent arrears and no spare money to repair or replace these things.
£200 needed for a living room carpet
Our client has fled domestic abuse and just been housed in a new property without any flooring. They are trying hard to rebuild their life after fleeing and have found themselves in a new area, away from their support network. We would like to support our client with a new carpet for their lounge to help them in their fresh start. Please can you help?
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
M is a single lady living in a council bungalow. She is a long-term cancer sufferer and spent nine months in hospital last year. She is unable to work and receives Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments. M's fridge freezer has stopped working and is beyond repair. She needs it not just for storing food but also for her medications. M is unable to afford a replacement herself so if you are able to help with this purchase, that would be brilliant. Thank you.
£150 needed for a television
We have met a young care experienced person who has moved into his new property, is currently on his own for the first time in a while and is struggling with this. His television is currently broken and he would really appreciate having a new one to provide some distraction while he builds his independent life and tries to make his flat a home.
£200 needed for a bedroom carpet
Our client has fled domestic abuse and just been housed in a new property without any flooring. They are trying hard to rebuild their life after fleeing, and have found themselves in a new area, away from their support network. We would like to support our client with a new carpet for their bedroom to help them in their fresh start. Please can you help?