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 10 days
£200 needed for a pendant alarm urgently needed
L is a severely disabled and housebound middle-aged woman who has many underlying health problems, including a crumbling spine. Two weeks ago she fell at home and broke her hip and wrist, and spent almost 3 hours trying to reach her phone to summon help. We wish to provide an emergency call button system for when L is discharged from hospital as she is still recovering from her injuries and may need urgent help at home.
£200 needed for a mobile phone and TV
My client at Christians Against Poverty is living in a 24 hour supported living accommodation. They have no television or mobile phone. This would help them greatly with feeling more at home and improve their mental health. The mobile phone would be useful for staff to contact him, as he can leave independently and also be able to contact his 20 year old daughter too. Please consider helping this client feel that he is cared for.
£200 needed for energy, food shop and a wedding outfit
Our lovely debt client had to stop working due to an injury. She now lives on a very low budget. We would like to help her this month with her energy costs and a food shop. Also her daughter is getting married soon and it would make such a difference if we could help her buy some suitable clothing for the wedding.
£200 needed for an electric cooker
N became homeless in 2022. He spent 3 months alternating between sleeping rough and sofa surfing then in temporary accommodation. This January he finally moved into a council property but it was unfurnished with no white goods. He is determined to use this as an opportunity to get his life back on track and is already training to be a barista, through a government funded program. £200 for a cooker would make a real difference to his quality of life and preparation for a meaningful future.
£200 needed for a freezer and curtains
K is a veteran that was homeless for several years, suffering from severe mental health issues as a result of trauma from the army. He is trying to get back on his feet and budget and pay the bills but is on such a small income that he is unable to buy anything for the flat. He has no curtains or poles and is struggling with the sense of exposure and he is also unable to freeze food which is costing him more. £200 will get him a small freezer as well as curtains and poles, improving his quality of life so much.
£200 needed for a washing machine
M lived with his parents all his life and has few life skills as a result. His parents have both passed away recently and he feels lost. He had to move into a new flat and we are supporting him with building some new life skills. One of these is washing his clothes. He doesn't have a machine and has never done washing. We want to support him in this but he needs a washing machine otherwise the clothes will just never get washed. This would make a huge difference to him. Could we help?
£200 needed for a cooker
This client is in need of a cooker. Her current cooker is a hazard as the oven is broken and the hob cannot be regulated and hence is dangerous. The client is in receipt of Personal Independence Payment due to a range of health issues including chronic back and leg pain, infection to the brain and hypothyroidism. She is considered to have a long term disability and definitely needs support to get a working cooker. Thank you so much for considering this request.
£200 needed for the supply and fitting of carpets for living room, stairs and landing
This family has endured homelessness and the challenges of temporary housing. They now have new permanent accommodation but without a working boiler and no carpets. Their home is cold and uncomfortable. Dad is coping with significant health issues, including Type 1 diabetes, previous sepsis, and the loss of a toe. Their one-year-old daughter is struggling with the discomfort of bare floors, and the family is struggling financially. We want to provide carpets to create a warmer and safer home.
£150 needed for a tablet
B is a new refugee in the UK. He was a social worker in his home country and is keen to volunteer and work in charities in the UK, and continue his work in supporting people. He would love to work in refugee advocacy, as someone who has navigated the system and has lived experience. He would like a tablet so that he can apply for volunteer roles and make job applications in the charity sector, to help lift him out of poverty and support others.