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 trampoline
We are a family living in the UK with no family and limited support network, my husband and I work alternative days and shifts so one of us can care for our children. One of our two boys has severe learning difficulties and a high levels of needs. One thing that keeps him stimulated is a trampoline. We are trying hard to make ends meet but we have no disposable income. A trampoline would give our son a space where he can play and decompress.
£200 needed for bedroom furniture and a garden shed
This vulnerable gentleman is still being hounded by his abusive ex-partner; he has lost his home, his job and access to his young son and has now been re-homed in a new area. He is disabled and unable to work, so relying on his benefit only income. It has been costly starting over and he is already struggling with debts incurred mainly due to his ex. He is in need of some help with some storage for his new home, but unable to afford it himself. Could you possibly help him to buy a wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table and a garden shed?
£200 needed for a bed, mattress and bedroom furniture
A is part of a family who the local charity have been supporting for many years. She relocated to Southampton with her mother and siblings a few years ago but her mother has now returned to Oldbury. A tried to find housing, unsuccessfully, initially in Southampton but has now managed to secure a flat, walking distance to her mother's. She recently lost all her belongings in a house fire and has nothing. She really needs a bed, mattress and bedroom furniture and would be grateful for any donations. She receives Universal Credit and cannot afford these extra expenses
£120 needed for an outdoor adjustable height clothes dryer
J is a mid 50’s adult with multiple sclerosis. She lives independently in an adapted property and is a full time wheelchair user. She is reliant on benefits only. This dryer allows her to do her own clothes drying despite being so mobility impaired. Living on benefits means she doesn’t have the spare funds to use an expensive tumble dryer.
£200 needed for food, travel and utility bills
S came to the UK to live with her uncle but had to leave his home after the relationship broke down. She has been supported by the local authority with accommodation. Her Universal Credit stopped in July after failing the habitual residence test, leaving her without an income, because her solicitor made an error. She is awaiting the correct immigration application and is having significant financial hardship. S is without any money and waiting for a decision. Can you help her to cover food, top up her oyster card for travel (to college and to her legal advisor and the charity supporting her to resolve her legal situation), pay some more urgently bills, specifically topping up her electricity and gas?
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
This man is physically disabled and is also struggling with his mental health. He receives Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit but struggles to meet all his bills. His fridge freezer has been broken for months. His Mum has been driving quite a distance to bring him fresh food almost daily. Please can you help us get him a second hand one.
£200 needed for respite accommodation and clothing
A homeless gentleman was seen in a chaotic state, and extremely emotional having been on the streets for several weeks. With a clear deterioration in his mental health we are looking to provide him with some respite from the elements and the dangers of the streets by assisting him with a stay at a Bed and Breakfast and some clean clothes.
£200 needed for a bed and breakfast stay and food
A young man who has been street homeless following an altercation with his parents and being asked to leave the family home was attacked and has a severe break to his arm as well as serious bruising. Whilst appropriate accommodation is sought and some comfort provided we are looking to provide a Bed and Breakfast stay for five nights to enable us to engage with the relevant authorities and some food for him.
£200 needed for a double bed and mattress
This lady has been housed in Southend from London with her 4-week-old baby. She is living in a studio flat with no furniture, is on Universal Credit and has right to remain. Her baby has a safe sleeping space but this lady has no bed and is sleeping on the floor, with nowhere comfortable to sit while feeding and caring for her baby. This lady needs rest in safety and comfort to protect her wellbeing and look after her child. We would like to ask for a double bed frame and mattress.