Give just five pounds this Christmas
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"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.
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Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 8 days
£200 needed for a school uniform and clothes
A is now the legal guardian for her two grandchildren, as requested by the Home Office. The children relocated abroad over four years ago, but their parents became unable to care for them and both children now have mental health issues. A has received the children's element of Universal Credit, but has numerous unexpected expenses. She requires help to buy a blazer and sweatshirts for the younger child (the school are helping with other items) and suitable non uniform clothes for both.
£200 needed for a cooker
J is a victim of trafficking who has now been granted leave to remain in the UK. She has now secured a flat of her own, but has no possessions or savings, and a low income, as she hasn't been allowed to work whilst her asylum claim was being assessed. Your support to purchase a cooker would help J to cook and eat properly as she builds a new life for herself.
£150 needed for a television
D is a single mum who has just started a new job and is awaiting her first monthly wage. While she was at work, her ex-partner entered the house and took the television. She has since had the locks changed. D cannot afford to replace the television after paying rent, bills and food. The family don’t go out, but enjoy family time and watching telly together. Please can you help?
£150 needed for a wardrobe
P, who ended up in a women's refuge after fleeing fifty years of domestic violence, had no possessions and is trying to rebuild her life from nothing. She has very little income and can't afford to purchase anything herself. The refuge have managed to source a few furniture items, but P really needs a wardrobe as her clothes are currently on the floor.
£100 needed for a vacuum cleaner
O and her fifteen year old daughter moved to the UK from the Ukraine when it became unsafe to stay. Her husband and other family have remained in the Ukraine. Mum and her daughter were first housed through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, but moved into their own unfurnished, rented flat, two months ago. O works as a cleaner, and is also receiving Universal Credit, but money is tight. She would be really grateful for a vacuum cleaner to keep the flat tidy.
£200 needed for a housing deposit
S faces challenges including a mental health condition, hearing difficulty, and the need for financial help with a housing deposit. On a low income, stable housing is crucial for her wellbeing and recovery. Your support, along with a Home Office loan she had already received, will help S secure a safe environment to manage her health. Your assistance will significantly improve her quality of life, providing the stability she needs to focus on her health.
£175 needed for a washing machine
Our client came to the UK from Bangladesh to join her husband. She was subjected to verbal, physical and sexual abuse from her husband and his mother, and treated as a domestic slave. A family friend reported this to the police and our client was removed from the house and the perpetrators were arrested. She was moved to another county for her safety and lived in a refuge until she was ready to live independently. Our client has now moved into her own tenancy and needs help towards the cost of a washing machine
£200 needed for a cooker
K was homeless and sleeping in a tent, but has recently secured a one bedroom flat which is unfurnished. He is unemployed and his benefits only just cover his daily living expenses, so he is not able to afford any furniture. K has no family support or connections to help him. Your help to purchase a cooker would mean that he can cook and eat more healthily and affordably, helping him to make the best possible start in his new tenancy, and to save towards other items.
£150 needed for food, gas and electric
G, who struggles with anxiety and depression, receives medication and support for past drug misuse, but is trying hard to put that behind him. He receives Universal Credit, but has debts which he is struggling to repay, and this is using up most of his money each month. G often goes without food, gas and electric, when the money runs out, and would be very grateful for help towards these costs. He hopes that, with help, he can clear his debts in the next two to three months and get his finances back on track.