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
£185 needed for an electric cooker
This lady has bipolar disorder and has recently spent 10 months in a psychiatric hospital. She receives Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit. Now she is home she wants to cook well balanced meals for her and her husband but her cooker is broken. Please will you help us supply her with one.
£170 needed for a cordless electric mower
This lady has bipolar disorder and suffers severe mood swings. She has been hospitalised three times in the last 12 months. Her partner has recently left her with three children under 18 and one over 18. She receives Universal Credit and is applying for Personal Independence Allowance. Her garden which used to be her haven of peace has become very overgrown. She really needs a cordless electric mower. Please will you help?
£120 needed for supermarket vouchers
S has significant physical and mental health conditions and was forced to leave her home earlier this year due to domestic abuse. She is currently experiencing problems with her benefits claim and is unable to work because of her health. While these issues are being resolved, she is surviving on a very limited income. As a result of her financial difficulties, she has accrued substantial debts and is struggling to afford essential living costs, including food.
£100 needed for a cordless hedge cutter
This lady has bipolar disorder and has severe mood swings. She has been hospitalised three times in the last 12 months. Her partner has just left her with three children under 18 and one over 18 at home. She receives Universal Credit and is applying for Personnel Independence Payment. Her garden was her haven of peace but is now very overgrown. She really needs a hedge cutter. Please will you help?
£200 needed for a gas and electricity bill
E is a refugee and a father of four kids currently working part time and looking for a full time job. His wife is currently not working as she is looking after the youngest kids who are not yet in nurseries. E is struggling with his bills. He needs to pay £80 for gas and £120 for electricity. E is seeking your support to help him pay his bills.
£200 needed for clothes and food
G, his wife and 2 year old son are migrants and not allowed to work or claim benefits. They are staying with a friend and struggling to buy all the necessities of life. G has just had a heart attack and so the family are particularly vulnerable at the moment. The Migrant Centre is supporting G to access legal advice in order to settle his status in the UK. Meanwhile all three of them need clothes and they are always short of food so they would be very grateful for any help.
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
M ,is an asylum seeker who arrived in our area one year ago, having left his family in Palestine, and 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. E needs help to buy a refurbished laptop as he wants to strengthen his English language skills.
£200 needed for a washing machine
The client G was able to chat to me but had a lot of difficulty with being able to see any information. He told me he is longingly waiting for cataract surgery this month on both eyes. The client is long term disabled and stopped working seven years ago due to Hemiparesis. He receives Universal Credit and has been given advice to apply for a Personal Independence Payment. A washing machine would be a great encouragement for him and a huge benefit in terms of his current physical needs. Thanks
£200 needed for carpets
X is a father with a young child on benefits. This person is disabled and unable to work. When they moved into their property they had no carpets. We'd love to help them get flooring in the property to make it suitable for them and their young family. Thank you for considering this request.