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 7 days
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
K, an asylum seeker who arrived in our area three months ago having left his family in Kuwait, receives £9 per week in financial support. This client has engaged with our organisation, attending different activities such as English language classes, English communication sessions, CV writing sessions and cultural events each week. K needs help to buy a refurbished laptop as he wants to strengthen his English language skills.
£190 needed for a laptop
M is an ex-gambling addict who is rebuilding his life after experiencing destitution and rough sleeping. He is living in homeless accommodation, and gives regular talks and support to people still suffering from addiction. M wants a laptop so he can start studying, learning, and applying for jobs. He wants to work in a role where he can help people, and eventually set up a gambling support line for people like himself.
£195 needed for the supply and fitting of carpets for hall, stairs and landing
This family has recently moved into a new home after spending a period in temporary accommodation. Their income is limited as the father is actively seeking employment. They are learning to manage their finances carefully while repaying some small debts through an agreed plan. The family is receiving support as they work towards greater stability. They need carpeting especially as their baby is now crawling and beginning to take their first steps. Praying that our generous donors can help
£170 needed for a mattress
This single mum with a 9 year old daughter, living in rented social housing, suffers from multiple physical and mental health problems including muscular skeletal issues. She lives on Universal Credit and child benefit (not currently getting Personal Independence Payments). Christians Against Poverty are putting a debt plan together for multiple debts and she has no savings. The springs are going in her current king size mattress and she needs £170 to replace it with one that will help her be more comfortable
£200 needed for a garden table and chairs
After three years of homelessness and living in temporary accommodation, J and her three children have finally moved into a permanent home. With support from others she has worked hard to make it feel like home but cannot afford outdoor furniture. Living with a long-term health condition and caring for a son with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, J would greatly benefit from a garden table and chairs, creating a safe space for play, family time and rest as they begin this new chapter and build lasting happy memories together.
£145 needed for attendance at summer camp
SVP Leeds central council run a summer camp for young people in school years 4-7. This gives the opportunity for single parents to have a break or children to have a holiday that would be otherwise unaffordable. D, her older sibling, and mother have fled an abusive relationship. This obviously leaves a single parent household in these challenging financial times. Funding this trip would give the young person a much needed break with people of her own age, and breathing space for the whole family.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
A, her husband and three children have been living in overcrowded temporary accommodation for eight years. They have been offered permanent accommodation and have just moved - however they have no furniture or appliances at all as their temporary accommodation was already furnished. They are all currently sleeping on the floor and would appreciate your support in purchasing beds. Dad works as a taxi driver but is on a low income and they receive Universal Credit.
£200 needed for a washing machine
S is mum to a young daughter and baby son. She has experienced a very difficult time in the past six months, including a very difficult relationship break up, and mental health issues which she is being supported through. Recently her washing machine broke beyond repair, which has left her washing all of the family's clothes by hand. A washing machine would significantly ease the burden of hand washing the family's clothes and bedding and be really appreciated.
£200 needed for a washing machine
L has been staying in a hostel, after being homeless. She is now ready to move into her own accommodation and is looking forward to managing her own tenancy. L has managed to buy a few bits of furniture and household items, but she has a very low income so hasn't been able to buy much. In particular, she can't afford a washing machine. Your help to buy one would mean she could keep her limited clothes and bedding clean without having to hand wash them - she can't afford a launderette either.