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 9 days
£200 needed for a cooker
J is a single, vulnerable young man who lives alone and is dependent on basic benefits as he is unable to work due to his mental and physical health. He is awaiting an autism assessment, which may help improve his support system and enable access to additional benefits. J has no savings and is also currently going through the process of a Debt Relief Order. His cooker is irreparably broken and he is desperate to have it replaced. Any help towards financing this will be much appreciated.
£200 needed for a television and a microwave
This gentleman has been visiting our centre and seeking support as he navigates significant challenges. He was involved in a serious motorbike accident that left both of his legs severely damaged, requiring multiple pins to hold them together. As a result, he is unable to work and relies on limited financial support. This gentleman has recently been housed, but his new accommodation lacks essential items. We are urgently seeking assistance to provide him with a television and a microwave, which will improve his life
£200 needed for vinyl flooring
M, a twenty seven year old disabled woman who is living alone with serious long-term health conditions and limited mobility, relies on a walking frame to move around safely. Her hallway currently has a bare concrete floor which poses a significant risk of slips and falls. To ensure M's safety and independence, it is essential to install non-slip vinyl flooring. We are appealing for £200 to help fund this important improvement to her home environment. Thanks.
£200 needed for a living room carpet
B is currently receiving benefits due to ill health and mental health difficulties. She regularly uses the food bank and is in need of a new carpet for her living room, which is currently bare and very cold. We are appealing for help and any support would be greatly appreciated.
£200 needed for a washing machine
P, who has come out of rehabilitation and has done brilliantly, is starting a completely new life away from old influences. He has a possible job starting in a couple of months and is keeping himself busy in the meantime. P has his first flat in many years and is excited about settling in there. He really needs a washing machine, as it's a long way from the nearest launderette. Please could we help P, as he has stretched his benefits as far as they will go and there's nothing left for this? Thank you!
£200 needed for a double bed
SF is a mother of a big family that struggles financially. The father's income drastically dropped in the last couple of months and mum only works part-time. They have accumulated some debts as they were unable to pay their bills on time, due to their low income and the cost of living crisis. SF's bed is broken and she has been sleeping on the floor for months as they can't afford to buy another bed. Mum struggles from arthritis, so sleeping on the floor causes her a lot more pain.
£200 needed for a washing machine
G, who has been homeless for three years, struggles with his mental health and is waiting for an operation relating to damaged tendons in his shoulder which means he can't carry anything. He also has other health struggles. G lost his last home and all belongings when his landlord sold and he was evicted. He is starting afresh and really needs a washer because he is unable to carry his laundry, due to his shoulder and asthma. Please could we help this lovely man who is struggling with so much? Thank you!
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
L is coming to the end of his rehabilitation programme and has overcome ten years of addiction. As he struggles with his mental health, it will be some time before he is ready to start working; therefore, he is currently receiving basic benefits. L has secured a flat, but has nothing for it. A fridge freezer would help him so much in ensuring that he can at least buy food and keep it fresh. He said that any help would relieve him of the financial pressure that he is feeling at the moment. Thank you!
£200 needed for supplying and fitting a carpet
This single mum and her family are currently facing difficulties with poor home conditions. Mum, who is on a low on low income, suffers from anxiety and depression due to domestic violence. The carpet on the stairs and landing, which is particularly soiled and worn, is dangerous due to being badly damaged. Please can you mum to replace it?