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 9 days
£175 needed for a fridge
Arriving in the UK as an unaccompanied child when he was 12, this man has had a very difficult life. He escaped violence in his country of origin but since arriving here he has developed severe mental health problems and, following an assault, he also has ongoing physical problems including epilepsy and the loss of one kidney. He has suicidal thoughts and finds managing his affairs very difficult. His fridge has broken down now and he would be very grateful for help to replace it.
£150 needed for a shopping voucher for food, toiletries and bedding
D has been struggling to find work due to his poor mental health. He's reluctant to get help due to seeing what medication did to his father, which has caused long-term trauma for him. He just about manages to scrape by on his low benefit income but recently has fallen behind on a monthly bill due to a technical error at the receivers end. This has thrown the clients budgeting out and he is in need of a little help to get by this. Would you be able to help him with food and much needed bedding so he is able to pay these arrears?
£200 needed for a washing machine
E and her husband have health issues that prevent them to work. They are on benefits and use our foodbank. One of their three teenagers recently got stabbed and was moved out of London by the police for his own safety, so this family is having a very hard time. Apart from blessing them with parcels from the foodbank we would like to support them to replace their broken washing machine. Can you help?
£200 needed for a sofa and bed
This family of five are from Ghana. They have three children, 8,5 and 3 years.Their father has recently started work as an NHS cleaner but the move from Universal Credit to wages has left a temporary financial gap.They have been allocated a house but lack essential furniture including a bed and sofa. They have food support but the school holidays have increased financial pressure.The school support this application as parents engage and are always grateful. A donation would help them through this transition.
£180 needed for clothing and supermarket vouchers
A house fire has meant that this young man has had to leave his home as it is not safe to return to. He is living in temporary accommodation. He was not able to take anything with him so he is finding it hard being without his belongings and he is in shock about what happened. We are requesting donations for clothing and supermarket vouchers. It has been a difficult few days as so much has happened.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
This man lives alone on Universal Credit and incapacity benefit. He is finding it hard to manage in the current economic climate. He is a big man and his bed offers him little support, so sleep is difficult. Please can you help him get a new bed so that he is able to get a good night's sleep? Thank you.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
A is a survivor of domestic abuse who is moving from temporary accommodation into her own home. As she does not have a fridge freezer, support with this essential item would help her settle into her new home. Could you please support A with funding towards a fridge freezer to help her live independently?
£200 needed for kitchen and bathroom essentials
This young person has moved on from a 12 month tenancy at a supported accommodation where they provide furniture so he has no household items. He is pleased to have his own flat and sees it as a stepping stone to independent living. He has no funds for essential items and would be very grateful if we could help him get a microwave, kettle, toaster, crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and utensils for the the kitchen and bathroom essentials like towels, toilet brush and tooth brush holder.
£150 needed for an air conditioning unit
This family with three children were due to move into a new flat but were told last minute they would not be moving. Their current flat is cramped, in very poor condition and doesn't have windows that open. In the heat it's very hard to cool the flat, which is very difficult for them. A small air con unit would make a big difference. They cannot afford this themselves as Dad is unable to work due to a health condition and Mum works part time as she needs to care for her husband and children.