Increasing the limit for requests for help
You may have noticed that the monetary limit for requests for help has increased on our website, which means that our local partners can now post requests up to the upper limit of £200 (instead of the previous £150). This is a decision we have recently made, with our Trustees, to make sure that we can continue to help individuals with the items that they need most.
Why?
With the rising cost of living in the UK we have been made aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult for our Advocates, and their recipients, to find larger items within the previous limit of £150.
Therefore, we have made the decision to increase the limit for requests to £200. However, as with our previous limit on requests, we ask our Advocates to only use this upper limit where absolutely necessary for specific larger items, such as cookers, washing machines and fridge freezers.
Although we have increased the upper limit for each request, one household is still able to have up to three requests. This means that we can enable our donors to help individuals and families in a crisis, but highlights that we're not an on-going financial support.
Alongside the guidelines around the upper limit we also have in place other guidelines on some items, and have increased or stipulated these where we feel necessary. We have placed reasonable limits for some specific items, such as £100 for a mobile phone or £75 for a microwave.
How do we keep track of these limits?
With the launch of our new website and back-end systems in June 2022, we were able to integrate some new processes. One of these processes is that each request posted by our local partners gets read by our staff team before it goes live onto the website. This enables us to question and, where needed, amend the amount or request. This process helps us to keep the system fair for every applicant, making sure all our guidelines are adhered to.
As we increase the limit on each request we're very thankful to all our donors, each giving what they can; whether meeting a need in full or giving towards a request. In 2022 the most popular amount donated was £50, which on its own wouldn't be sufficient to meet in full one of the requests on our website. That's what we love about Acts 435 - it is as people donate, alongside others, to the same need, that they can together support an individual in crisis. We are trusting that in spite of the cost of living crisis continuing to impact so many, our donors will still step up with us in generosity to continue to meet the needs of those seeking our help, even as we increase the maximum limit of our requests.
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 3 days
£150 needed for a television
S has just joined us at Homes of Hope after coming out of a domestically abusive relationship. It has taken a lot of strength and courage for her to take this step, due to her relationship status. As S has some restrictions on visiting/staying with her family, this is significantly impacting her mental health. She has a safe room with us, but finds it difficult to stay in the room when it is so quiet, and we feel having her own television will help with her mental health, as it will help her to switch off from her circumstances.
£175 needed for chiropractor appointments
A had a work related accident in November 2024 when he tripped over some wood and a curb stone fell on his shoulder. He is now unable to work and is unable to pay for appointments with a chiropractor. £175 would pay for an assessment and four sessions of treatment. Many thanks.
£100 needed for a vacuum cleaner
R was homeless, but has moved into supported accommodation. He has no family or friend support, very little income, and has previously resorted to street begging to be able to buy food. R struggles with day-to-day living and relies on support workers. They would like to help him to keep his flat clean, but he doesn't have a vacuum cleaner and can't afford to buy one. Your help to get one would mean he could look after his flat properly and take pride in it.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
N is a young man with additional needs, limiting his ability to find employment. He currently receives Universal Credit and is awaiting further assessment. Up to now he has been living between his mum's and his grandma's homes. N has now obtained a council flat in a suitable location for him. Whilst it has been left in good condition, he is furnishing it from scratch. Please can you help him obtain a fridge freezer so he has somewhere to keep his food fresh? Thank you for your help.
£175 needed for a fridge
K is a diabetic who needs to store her medication in the fridge at all times, but her fridge has broken down. She has a very low income and relies on low-cost food pantries to make ends meet, and can't afford to replace the fridge. This has left K struggling to keep her medication safely. Your help to buy a fridge would mean she can keep her medication safely, as well as being able to shop and eat properly again.
£160 needed for travel and clothes
A, who has been in the country for a year now with no recourse to public funds, has been unwell for the last couple of months and not been able to work. She has used most of her savings to cover herself in this period of time, and has run out of funds. A has moved in with her friend, but is still struggling to meet basic needs. She needs support with a monthly bus pass, and to get some clothes as she has lost a lot of weight.
£190 needed for a cooker and a wardrobe
This applicant has substance abuse difficulties, but has been engaging well with staff and hopes to get into further education and employment in the future. He has a number of debt arrears and has had his benefits halved in order to help rectify this. This applicant has absolutely no spare income and is provided with food parcels each month from the charity supporting him. He has recently moved and would benefit from a cooker and a wardrobe - any donations would help him in making a fresh start. Thank you.
£200 needed for a washing machine
This young mum, who has been a regular at our play cafe for several years, has been struggling with debt and has arranged an appointment with Citizens Advice for support. While she is just managing her day-to-day budget, mum's washing machine broke a few weeks ago, and replacing it is currently beyond her means. Any help towards providing a new washing machine would be greatly appreciated.
£115 needed for clothing
E is a client of our pantry who has special educational needs and was a victim of domestic violence in the past. She rarely leaves her home. E is on benefits and is in need of clothing. She would be very grateful if you could support her in buying warm items of clothing that she needs.