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 5 days
£200 needed for a sofa, wardrobe and chest of drawers
This woman, who has spinal issues and other health challenges, was referred to us after enduring severe abuse and threats from neighbours, prompting police intervention and a move. She has two children and we have helped by providing a washing machine. However, the family urgently needs a sofa, wardrobe and chest of drawers as they currently have no seating or storage. This lack of basics is causing clutter and stress. Your assistance would greatly improve their quality of life.
£60 needed for a passport
The client is an Indian citizen who has lived in the UK for 20 years. He is currently homeless and without immigration status. He does not have an Indian passport and needs one for ID purposes. He is struggling with daily life due to not having any ID. Having a passport would also help his immigration case to progress quicker.
£150 needed for a new bed frame
Our client's home was broken into and has been completely trashed. Among the items damaged was their bed. They have relocated temporarily whilst some of the damage was repaired, but have now come home without a bed. We'd really like to be able to support them to get a new double bed.
£200 needed for a bankruptcy fee
The applicant's wife was medically retired from her job as a nurse in 2016. She and the applicant then started a café business, which went well to begin with. Unfortunately, she was then diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (joint hypermobility and susceptibility to dislocation). This means she is no longer able to work and the applicant has to be her full-time carer. Debt issues resulting from the failure of the business mean the applicant needs to go bankrupt, but the fee for this is £680.
£125 needed for a mattress
Our client's home was broken into and has been completely trashed. Among the items damaged was their bed. They have relocated temporarily whilst some of the damage was repaired, but have now come home without a bed. We'd really like to be able to support them to get a new bed and mattress.
£190 needed for household items and duvet
S was evicted from his home, but through the help of a local charity he has now found somewhere to live and he is very happy. He has long term chronic health problems and he is unable to work. S feels the cold and he has been advised to improve his diet. He would benefit from a small fridge, a kettle and toaster that he can keep in his room. He also needs new bedding as his old bedding was damp and couldn't be taken with him to his new home.
£200 needed for two beds
This lady has acute osteoporosis, but is currently sleeping on the floor as she has no bed. Her 15 year old son is currently sleeping on a child's bed which is too small for him to stretch out properly. The lady is a Christians Against Poverty client and struggling with debt and so has no funds to buy the two beds needed. Getting beds will enable better sleep to allow this lady and her son to deal with the other challenges in their lives right now.
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
Our client came from Turkey to the UK to be with her husband who subsequently subjected her to domestic abuse. She has no family here to support her so she fled to a refuge. She has now been offered an independent tenancy giving her the chance of a fresh start. The property is unfurnished and she cannot meet the cost of all the items needed. She is in receipt of Universal Credit which barely covers her essential living costs. Could you please help towards the cost of a fridge freezer?
£200 needed for two single wardrobes with drawers
D has three children, aged 17, 16 and 7. They are currently using bin bags to keep their clothes in, as their old wardrobes had to be thrown out as they were broken. D is in financial debt and lives on a low income. The room being untidy is causing arguments between D and his kids- your help to alleviate this cause of tension would be make a huge difference and would be much appreciated.