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 cooking course plus ingredients
This lady, who is a regular at our centre, struggles with severe learning disabilities and has shown remarkable determination to rebuild her life. We have been working closely with her, and other organisations, to support her main goal of reuniting with her children who were placed in care at a young age. To empower this lady's independence and strengthen her parenting skills, we seek your support to enrol her in an eight week cooking course and provide ingredients afterward, enabling her to practice her new skills.
£200 needed for a sofa, wardrobe and small drawer
This woman, who is a long-time user of our services, due to severe physical and mental health challenges, recently moved into a flat with no furniture or essentials, except a fridge. The lack of basic items is worsening her mental health. We recently secured a washing machine for her, but she still urgently needs a sofa, wardrobe and small drawer. Your assistance would greatly improve this woman's living conditions and wellbeing, providing much needed stability and comfort in her new home.
£200 needed for equipment for a Media and Make-up course
This single parent, who is getting over a recent heart operation, is in significant debt and threatened with eviction. Her daughter, aged sixteen, has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and autism. Her daughter's aim in life is to become a make-up artist in film or television. This girl is on a Media and Make-up course, but mum cannot afford food, let alone the pack of make-up, specialised brushes and equipment the course specifies. Please can you help her daughter to train for a career that would enable her to be independent and find her place in society?
£200 needed for a second-hand bed and sofa
M is a single mother of two children who has finally found unfurnished accommodation after a long suffering story. Mum stayed for a long period without access to public funds which caused her to be in debt. M, who has a new born baby and so cannot currently work, requests your help to assist and support her so she can by a bed and a sofa for her rented accommodation.
£180 needed for a washing machine
S, who worked with us last year to go debt free, has been saving and managing her money much better. She was proud she had bought Christmas Presents, kept the house warm and had not gone into debt, very different to previous years. Her washing machine has just broken and, as she has not been able to save up again, is currently having to take her washing to her mum's house, who she helps look after, following a stroke. S is finding this difficult as she doesn't drive and it's taking a toll on her mental health.
£200 needed for furniture storage
M is an asylum seeker who has been evicted from his accommodation, has been classed as homeless and has been placed in temporary accommodation. He has nowhere to put some of his larger items of furniture and needs to place them in storage whilst he waits for housing to become available. M, who is very isolated and has no family around him, is not able to afford the costs of the storage on his limited income. He would really appreciate any support given.
£200 needed for rugs for the children's bedrooms
A is married and has three children aged thirteen, nine and five, the youngest of whom has autism. They lived in rented accommodation for twelve years and were evicted due to the landlord selling. The council has placed them in temporary accommodation which has two bedrooms in a high rise block. The bedrooms have floorboards which are rough and cause splinters in the children’s feet. A's husband has started a plastering business and A work three days a week at Next.
£150 needed for a washing machine
This lady is having to move from private accommodation to a social housing flat. All appliances were included in the previous flat, but she has none in the new one. This lady is reliant on Universal Credit and has a small toddler with health issues. She desperately needs a washing machine.
£175 needed for an electric cooker
E and her partner have been without a cooker for over eighteen months since it suddenly stopped working. They are unable to replace it because they are on benefits and have a low income. In fact, E and her partner have had to recently access a food bank for a food parcel to help their situation. They have been using a microwave since their cooker broke, which often means they are buying more expensive and less healthy food. Help from Acts would make an enormous difference to their wellbeing.