Give just five pounds this Christmas
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 6 days
Waiting 11 days
£165 needed for an undercounter freezer
We are hoping to replace a freezer for a young care experienced adult that we are supporting. This is something she uses regularly to help her to manage her cooking and budget, enabling her to make different choices when buying food and also to keep portions for another time. She isn't currently able to afford to replace this herself as she is in receipt of Universal Credit. We would love to bless her with a new one as a way of showing her that we care for her and that she is not alone.
Waiting 11 days
£200 needed for a trampoline
This single Mum with a 9 year old autistic daughter would love help funding a trampoline. Movement is a big part of A's sensory circuit and this family are not in a position to buy their own due to Mum's health needs and not being able to work. Your donation would mean A can regulate herself through exercise, and mum can enjoy quality time with her daughter.
Waiting 10 days
£200 needed for a provisional licence and driving lessons
T is a young male who has recently moved into semi-independent accommodation, T is currently holding down a part time job whilst attending college and also setting up his new home. T hopes to continue with further education and would find driving a useful resource to help him manage this. T is looking to try and save up to begin driving. T is unable to afford a provisional licence or driving lessons himself.
Waiting 10 days
£170 needed for a cooker delivery and installation and pots and pans
I had a short chat with D who had been homeless for many years. He has most recently spent almost 2 years in temporary accommodation and now for the first time has a flat of his own. He has been unable to work due to an ongoing mental health condition which at times results in hospitalisation. He remains hopeful for a new phase in his life and a cooker would be a great encouragement to him as he starts to furnish his new home. Thank you so much for reading this.
Waiting 10 days
£150 needed for food and heating
A is a mum who is finding it hard to manage financially since the birth of her son last year. She works part time while her partner looks after their son, and it is hard to manage. Help towards groceries and the electricity bill would make a huge difference to their lives.
Waiting 10 days
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
C and F and their 1 year old son recently moved to Bridgwater for a fresh start after a difficult year in their previous home. They're trying to set up a safe, stable home for their son but they need a new fridge freezer to store food safely. C's long term health issues prevent him from working, and F struggles with her mental health, so money is always tight. A new fridge freezer to store food safely and provide healthy meals for their son would make a huge difference to this family.
Waiting 10 days
£200 needed for a rent payment to prevent eviction
S is a bright postgraduate student, who has fallen into rent arrears and is facing eviction. He is only 4 months away from graduation. He has found work on a zero hour contract but limited work availability and restrictions on his student visa mean he cannot earn enough to pay the full amount owed. His family cannot help. We have raised funds to cover most of the debt and we need just a bit more to save him from homelessness, in a country where he has no family or support network.
Waiting 10 days
£160 needed for a replacement fridge/freezer
This lady and her partner and two sons live in social housing. She is recovering from spinal surgery. Her partner has had to temporarily give up work to care for her and their two sons. They are on Universal Credit with no savings. Their existing fridge/freezer has stopped working and they need help to get a replacement.
Waiting 9 days
£120 needed for car repairs
This young man suffers from anxiety and depression since the death of his mother last year. He is unable to work and receives Universal Credit. He lives in a rented home with his stepdad. He needs to get new brakes and tyres for his car to enable him to get back to work and to visit his three sons who live with his ex in Essex. Your donations will enable the car repairs to get done.