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.
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The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 7 days
£200 needed for a sofa
I have just spoken to a lady who is a single mother with a young baby. She has had some health issues with dangerously high blood pressure, in part due to the stress of moving and having no funds to furnish her property. Mum said she struggles day-to-day with keeping things going and does work whenever possible, but is on a zero hours contract. Hence, it is impossible to have any extra money to buy items for her new place. Mum was very upbeat when we spoke and is very grateful you are reading this.
£200 needed for a bankruptcy fee
K's wife sadly passed away in July 2023 and this has left him unable to pay debts because his household income has halved. This has resulted in his home being repossessed, leaving a large debt. K is simply unable to pay his debts and it is having a very real and significant impact on his mental health. He needs to go bankrupt as this is the only possible solution. We have raised the majority of the fee, but need some support with the remainder.
£200 needed for accommodation and food
This gentleman was recently released from the criminal justice system and was invited to visit the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) centre to explore what help we could provide. He is excited to assist with cleaning and set-up for both the day sessions and the night sessions. Additionally, he was successful in landing a place at a rehabilitation treatment facility. SVP is requesting three nights in a nearby bed and breakfast establishment, as a temporary stay before he moves to the rehabilitation housing, and a food package.
£200 needed for a mobile phone and clothes
Our client has returned to Brighton after leaving a domestic violence relationship and has returned with nothing. He is in need of a mobile phone with some credit, and some clothes and shoes. He is in the process of applying for Universal Credit.
£200 needed for a bankruptcy fee
K has recently left a violent relationship as her ex-partner abused her physically, emotionally and financially. She has been left with a mountain of debt which she cannot deal with. K is being threatened with eviction and her landlord wants a solution to K's debt problems that will make her able to sustain her rent payments. That solution is bankruptcy. Please would you help us keep K in her home and support her with funds towards her bankruptcy?
£150 needed for bankruptcy fees
Our client is a single gentleman suffering from brain and lung cancer, for which he is receiving immunotherapy treatment. His illness has led him to accrue many debts that he cannot pay off as he cannot work, so only receives benefits. Going bankrupt is the only way forward for him as he does not know how much time he has left. This would give him a fresh start, enable him to enjoy what time he has left and not worry about being in debt.
£200 needed for a stair carpet
K has recently escaped domestic violence and has been housed here. She has three young children and one with complex disabilities. K has no carpets anywhere and is especially concerned about the stairs that have nails etc. on them, with her toddlers and the disabled child. She desperately needs some carpet, but has very basic benefit income. A local carpet shop will deliver stair carpet for £200 and she will manage the fitting charge. Please could we help?
£200 needed for a bed
C, who has additional needs, lives with her husband and two children. After life-changing medical incidents for both her and her husband, there is significant financial strain on the family. Regularly reliant on Foodbank, the family are concerned about Christmas. C is trying her best to save money each month to purchase a new bed for her son, as the current one is unsuitable. This money would be used to purchase a more suitable bed so that they can afford the daily/weekly essentials.
£150 needed for bankruptcy application fees
L, a single mum of four children, has been the victim of domestic violence and, whilst being relocated in several places around the country, has built up debts which could be written off with a bankruptcy. L works part-time and receives Universal Credit, and she would love to be able to start completely afresh without any debts hanging over her, or deductions for arrears taking money away from her limited budget. Are you able to contribute towards her bankruptcy fee of £680?