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 laptop
M and her family moved from Afghanistan one year ago. She has two children living at home, aged 12 and 15. She has found a course to help with learning English, however to be able to practice she needs a laptop to do the work at home. Through learning English, she will find settling in the community a lot easier. She is only in receipt of Universal Credit which covers essential costs, are you able to help?
£200 needed for a dishwasher
A lady approached the church for help and support to replace her dishwasher that has recently stopped working. Both she and her husband are living on benefits and, between them, have significant physical and mental health challenges and issues. They are really struggling to make ends meet and have recently suffered a few financial setbacks due to benefit sanctions and unexpected bills, which has been really difficult for them both.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This client arrived in the UK in 2005 and at first was working and privately renting accommodation. Unfortunately he became homeless in the winter of 24-25 and was helped by Streetlink in the summer of 25, who placed him in temporary accommodation. He now has a permanent and secure place to live but is unable to work, he receives Universal Credit. Having sourced some items secondhand, he is in need of a washing machine and would be grateful for any help you can give.
£200 needed for a washing machine
M. Is on low income struggling financially and suffers from anxiety issues. M. Lost one of his legs years ago which left him depressed and unable work at the time. M has been homeless but has his own place now and is starting to enjoy life a bit better. He’s always been concerned about his appearance and try’s to look smart and clean, he has no means to buy a washing machine and is desperate to wash his bedding and clothes. Please can you help?
£200 needed for a TV and kitchen equipment
Two children who are regulars at our youth club recently had a very traumatic experience at home with their mum. Their house was broken into while they were there and their possessions destroyed and damaged. Their TV was destroyed, along with kitchen equipment, pots, pans and crockery. All three have coped incredibly well since this horrific incident, but the cost of replacing the items is a real pressure as mum is a single parent and on Universal Credit.
£200 needed for the supply and fitting of stairs carpet
This single mum is waiting on benefits to be sorted. She moved houses due to a breakdown in her relationship. Mum has only the kids beds and wardrobes and toys as she was unable to take anything else as her ex-partner still lives there. Mum is extremely concerned and stressed as the new house is a lot bigger and this creates a lot more noise. Mum is worried their neighbours will complain. Please can you help?
£200 needed for an orthopaedic mattress
S lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 17. Her husband has recently been diagnosed with stage three Parkinson’s disease, on top of further illnesses. S, herself has severe mental health needs and anxiety. They are in receipt of Universal Credit which just covers essentials of living, and are relying more on food banks. They are in need of an orthopaedic mattress due to the Parkinson’s and are waiting for a result from a Personal Independence Payment application.
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
A, is an asylum seeker who arrived in our area six months ago having left his family in Kuwait, and receives £9 per week in financial support. This client has engaged with our organisation, attending different activities such as English language classes, English communication sessions, CV writing sessions and cultural events each week. A needs help to buy a refurbished laptop as he wants to strengthen his English language skills.
£200 needed for a cooker and delivery
This gentleman is a single father. He has one child which is living with him. He lost his job following a bad back injury. This has sadly caused him medical issues and low mental health. He is on benefits and has no savings. He has just been allocated a council property but it has no cooker. He wants to be a good father to his child and loves cooking. He has learnt how to make meals and wants to add to his menu, giving his child healthy home cooked hot food. It will also help his mental health.