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 8 days
£200 needed for a trampoline
We are a family living in the UK with no family and limited support network, my husband and I work alternative days and shifts so one of us can care for our children. One of our two boys has severe learning difficulties and a high levels of needs. One thing that keeps him stimulated is a trampoline. We are trying hard to make ends meet but we have no disposable income. A trampoline would give our son a space where he can play and decompress.
£200 needed for bedroom furniture and a garden shed
This vulnerable gentleman is still being hounded by his abusive ex-partner; he has lost his home, his job and access to his young son and has now been re-homed in a new area. He is disabled and unable to work, so relying on his benefit only income. It has been costly starting over and he is already struggling with debts incurred mainly due to his ex. He is in need of some help with some storage for his new home, but unable to afford it himself. Could you possibly help him to buy a wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table and a garden shed?
£200 needed for a bed, mattress and bedroom furniture
A is part of a family who the local charity have been supporting for many years. She relocated to Southampton with her mother and siblings a few years ago but her mother has now returned to Oldbury. A tried to find housing, unsuccessfully, initially in Southampton but has now managed to secure a flat, walking distance to her mother's. She recently lost all her belongings in a house fire and has nothing. She really needs a bed, mattress and bedroom furniture and would be grateful for any donations. She receives Universal Credit and cannot afford these extra expenses
£120 needed for an outdoor adjustable height clothes dryer
J is a mid 50’s adult with multiple sclerosis. She lives independently in an adapted property and is a full time wheelchair user. She is reliant on benefits only. This dryer allows her to do her own clothes drying despite being so mobility impaired. Living on benefits means she doesn’t have the spare funds to use an expensive tumble dryer.
£200 needed for food, travel and utility bills
S came to the UK to live with her uncle but had to leave his home after the relationship broke down. She has been supported by the local authority with accommodation. Her Universal Credit stopped in July after failing the habitual residence test, leaving her without an income, because her solicitor made an error. She is awaiting the correct immigration application and is having significant financial hardship. S is without any money and waiting for a decision. Can you help her to cover food, top up her oyster card for travel (to college and to her legal advisor and the charity supporting her to resolve her legal situation), pay some more urgently bills, specifically topping up her electricity and gas?
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
This man is physically disabled and is also struggling with his mental health. He receives Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit but struggles to meet all his bills. His fridge freezer has been broken for months. His Mum has been driving quite a distance to bring him fresh food almost daily. Please can you help us get him a second hand one.
£200 needed for respite accommodation and clothing
A homeless gentleman was seen in a chaotic state, and extremely emotional having been on the streets for several weeks. With a clear deterioration in his mental health we are looking to provide him with some respite from the elements and the dangers of the streets by assisting him with a stay at a Bed and Breakfast and some clean clothes.
£200 needed for a bed and breakfast stay and food
A young man who has been street homeless following an altercation with his parents and being asked to leave the family home was attacked and has a severe break to his arm as well as serious bruising. Whilst appropriate accommodation is sought and some comfort provided we are looking to provide a Bed and Breakfast stay for five nights to enable us to engage with the relevant authorities and some food for him.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
This lady has been housed in Southend from London with her 4-week-old baby. She is living in a studio flat with no furniture, is on Universal Credit and has right to remain. Her baby has a safe sleeping space but this lady has no bed and is sleeping on the floor, with nowhere comfortable to sit while feeding and caring for her baby. This lady needs rest in safety and comfort to protect her wellbeing and look after her child. We would like to ask for a double bed frame and mattress.