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 sofa
I have just spoken to a lady who is a single mother with a young baby. She has had some health issues with dangerously high blood pressure, in part due to the stress of moving and having no funds to furnish her property. Mum said she struggles day-to-day with keeping things going and does work whenever possible, but is on a zero hours contract. Hence, it is impossible to have any extra money to buy items for her new place. Mum was very upbeat when we spoke and is very grateful you are reading this.
£200 needed for a bankruptcy fee
K's wife sadly passed away in July 2023 and this has left him unable to pay debts because his household income has halved. This has resulted in his home being repossessed, leaving a large debt. K is simply unable to pay his debts and it is having a very real and significant impact on his mental health. He needs to go bankrupt as this is the only possible solution. We have raised the majority of the fee, but need some support with the remainder.
£200 needed for accommodation and food
This gentleman was recently released from the criminal justice system and was invited to visit the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) centre to explore what help we could provide. He is excited to assist with cleaning and set-up for both the day sessions and the night sessions. Additionally, he was successful in landing a place at a rehabilitation treatment facility. SVP is requesting three nights in a nearby bed and breakfast establishment, as a temporary stay before he moves to the rehabilitation housing, and a food package.
£200 needed for a mobile phone and clothes
Our client has returned to Brighton after leaving a domestic violence relationship and has returned with nothing. He is in need of a mobile phone with some credit, and some clothes and shoes. He is in the process of applying for Universal Credit.
£200 needed for a bankruptcy fee
K has recently left a violent relationship as her ex-partner abused her physically, emotionally and financially. She has been left with a mountain of debt which she cannot deal with. K is being threatened with eviction and her landlord wants a solution to K's debt problems that will make her able to sustain her rent payments. That solution is bankruptcy. Please would you help us keep K in her home and support her with funds towards her bankruptcy?
£150 needed for bankruptcy fees
Our client is a single gentleman suffering from brain and lung cancer, for which he is receiving immunotherapy treatment. His illness has led him to accrue many debts that he cannot pay off as he cannot work, so only receives benefits. Going bankrupt is the only way forward for him as he does not know how much time he has left. This would give him a fresh start, enable him to enjoy what time he has left and not worry about being in debt.
£200 needed for a stair carpet
K has recently escaped domestic violence and has been housed here. She has three young children and one with complex disabilities. K has no carpets anywhere and is especially concerned about the stairs that have nails etc. on them, with her toddlers and the disabled child. She desperately needs some carpet, but has very basic benefit income. A local carpet shop will deliver stair carpet for £200 and she will manage the fitting charge. Please could we help?
£200 needed for a bed
C, who has additional needs, lives with her husband and two children. After life-changing medical incidents for both her and her husband, there is significant financial strain on the family. Regularly reliant on Foodbank, the family are concerned about Christmas. C is trying her best to save money each month to purchase a new bed for her son, as the current one is unsuitable. This money would be used to purchase a more suitable bed so that they can afford the daily/weekly essentials.
£150 needed for bankruptcy application fees
L, a single mum of four children, has been the victim of domestic violence and, whilst being relocated in several places around the country, has built up debts which could be written off with a bankruptcy. L works part-time and receives Universal Credit, and she would love to be able to start completely afresh without any debts hanging over her, or deductions for arrears taking money away from her limited budget. Are you able to contribute towards her bankruptcy fee of £680?