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 3 days
£200 needed for a locksmith
We are requesting support for an urgent replacement porch door lock for a new female CAP client with chronic physical and mental health issues who is unable to work. She is receiving repeated visits from enforcement agents for Council Tax arrears and has been left frightened and distressed. Her PVC porch door lock is broken and cannot be secured from the outside, leaving her and her possessions vulnerable and the risk of agents gaining access. This repair is urgently needed to help keep her safe.
£200 needed for rent
This gentleman on a Skilled Healthcare Visa has been impacted by changes to his visa conditions reducing his work hours & leaving him unable to cover rising rent and other costs for his family of four. He is actively seeking employment with Visa sponsorship so he can return to stable working hours but faces immediate financial strain. His wife and children are affected by this instability and his own mental health is deteriorating. We would like to help with his rent while he is struggling.
£200 needed for a sofa, armchair and a coffee table
This gentleman has been coming to our centre for some time. He is vulnerable and suffers from mental health difficulties. He has experienced addiction issues but has recently been moved into a new home. He is in receipt of Universal Credit and has bought some items of furniture, but is struggling to afford all the basic essentials to create a comfortable living environment. We would like to provide an armchair, a two-seater sofa and a coffee table as he currently has no comfortable seating.
£200 needed for delivery and installation of new carpet
Our client has a small property and two very young children. They have worked hard to create a suitable home for them, but have not been able to afford carpet for their stairs and landing. While they have coped so far, there have been a number of slips and falls on the stairs for both our client and their eldest, so their health visitor has asked if we can help.
£200 needed for a dryer and a coffee table
This gentleman is a refugee/ asylum seeker from Kuwait. He is now in receipt of Universal Credit but through trying to furnish his home has incurred some debt. He has a family, and they live in a small flat. This gentleman is struggling to keep up with drying the family laundry at this time of year. Clothes hanging around the flat are not properly drying and are now causing mould issues in the rooms. We would like to provide a tumble dryer for the laundry and a coffee table for the lounge.
£200 needed for AI smart glasses
J is in her early 40’s and is diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTs) . This has caused her to lose the ability to read things like cooking instructions, medication etc. These smart glasses verbally narrate what is on the label. She is in process of applying for benefits after her drop in sight.
£200 needed for a B&B, food and clothing
This retired gentleman came to us as he has been served an eviction order. Being a recovering alcoholic and suffering from depression makes him vulnerable to be street homeless. We are working to find accommodation via the council. In the meantime we hope to offer three nights at a B&B to keep him safe due to deteriorating mental health and physical needs. He isn’t eating well due to low income and is not dressed for the cold weather. We would like to offer him a food voucher and warm clothing.
£150 needed for an under counter fridge/freezer
This client has been living in supported housing and hostels for many years and is now a pensioner. He has recently secured his own tenancy but obviously does not have many household items for his new place. He has an issue with alcohol and substance misuse but is receiving help and medication and wants to make his new place home. He is in need of a small fridge/freezer to store food but also for prescribed medication. Thank you so much for considering this.
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
Y is an asylum seeker who arrived in our area three months ago, having left his family in Iraq. He receives £9 per week in financial support. This client has engaged with our organisation, attending different activities such as English language classes, chess club and lunch, sport, fitness and exercise, English communication sessions, digital programmes, CV writing sessions and cultural events each week. Y needs help to buy a refurbished laptop in order to continue to learn English and strengthen this vital skill.