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 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.