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 table and chairs, wardrobe and television
This young lady, a refugee on her own in this country, has recently been permitted asylum and has now moved into her own accommodation. She has no funds to buy the essential items needed for her new home, and with your help we have provided her with a bedside table, bedding and towels, crockery and cutlery, cooking utensils and food. This lady is now volunteering at our centre to help others. We would now like to provide her with a table and chairs, a wardrobe and a television, to help her feel more settled.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This lady, who has been coming to our centre for a few months, found herself alone and street homeless after a family rift. We have worked with our partner organisations and secured new living accommodation, as living on the streets is not ideal for anyone. This lady has little money to buy living essentials and, with your generous help, we have provided her with a bed and mattress, but would now like to provide her with a washing machine.
£200 needed for a cooker
L, who is living with significant challenges, both mentally and physically, has fragile mental health and has undergone two hip replacement surgeries, which makes daily tasks even more difficult. The property she has moved into is completely unfurnished and has no flooring. L urgently needs essential household items to help her settle and maintain a basic standard of living. A cooker would make a huge difference to her well-being, and help create a safe and stable environment during this very challenging time.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
L is living with significant challenges, both mentally and physically. She has fragile mental health and has undergone two hip replacement surgeries, which makes daily tasks even more difficult. The property she has moved into is completely unfurnished and has no flooring. L urgently needs essential household items to help her settle and maintain a basic standard of living. This would make a huge difference to her well-being, and help create a safe and stable environment during this very challenging time.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
This family requires help due to a significant leak/flood in their home which is being addressed by the landlord. It ruined the bedding and bed which is now mouldy, with mould and damp in the home, which is due to be corrected by the landlord. The family has no spare cash to be able to buy a new bed and mattress, so we would like to supply them.
£200 needed for a washing machine
L, who is living with significant challenges, both mentally and physically, has fragile mental health and has undergone two hip replacement surgeries, which makes daily tasks even more difficult. The property she has moved into is completely unfurnished and has no flooring. L urgently needs essential household items to help her settle and maintain a basic standard of living. This would make a huge difference to her well-being, and help create a safe and stable environment during this very challenging time.
£200 needed for flooring
L, a single parent of two children, who is currently being supported by her local food bank, is on benefits and has no savings. Hers son, who has additional needs, recently left the bath running and flooded the property. The family is currently walking on bare floorboards and it is unsafe. L needs some support to purchase large rugs for her property to make it safe and so it feels like home again. Any support would be appreciated. Thank you.
£200 needed for a washing machine
L, a gentleman in his late sixties who relies on state pension, is living alone with no family support. His washing machine stopped working last year and he has been hand washing his clothes ever since. His mental health struggles mean he doesn't leave the house and is unable to take the clothes to a launderette. Unfortunately, L is using a lot of water so his water bill is now very high and he is struggling to make payments. He has tried to save, but his bills keep rising.
£175 needed for a table and comfortable chairs
This client, who has no recourse to public funds. was housed by Lewisham Social Services. He has been in a studio flat in Lambeth for just over a year, which does not have any furniture and the client only has a mattress. He has no income as he does not have recourse to public funds and is not permitted to work. This client, who relies on food banks for food, would really love a table and some comfortable chairs to make the place more homely. Thank you so much.