The rising cost of living crisis: our response
As a charity we are well placed to meet the needs of individuals impacted by economic and social change. Throughout the pandemic we saw a huge increase in need, helping more individuals annually than ever before. We're very aware that the need for help will only continue to increase over the next few months, as individuals struggle to pay for their basic bills. We are expecting this increase not only because many will struggle with the increases in energy and food, but also due to many people finding themselves without savings to pay for unexpected items such as a broken washing machine or clothes for a growing child.
Therefore, we are responding by being prepared to help as many people as we're able during this time through the needs on our website. We will be encouraging donors to give towards the individual requests on our website, but we are also running a specific appeal through Stewardship. You can read more about these at the end of this blog.
We are hoping that through our network of churches and local charities we will continue to be able to provide a valuable resource as they meet the ever-increasing need in their communities. We are getting daily requests for help, which tell the story of individuals who are being affected by the rising costs. Here are just a few examples:
R, a young mum to two small children, has come to us in desperate need of support for gas, electric and food. She is using a Foodbank on a daily basis, but is really struggling with anxiety and depression. R is trying her best to keep her head above water, but with the rising costs and being on a low income, she feels she is failing. If we could just give her some breathing space from the cost of living, to help with her mental well-being, this would be greatly appreciated.
M is currently being supported by the local Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre. She has made significant strides forward in managing her money and dealing with debt that has caused her to struggle for some time. However, with the cost of living rising she has found it really difficult to put any money away, leaving her stuck when needing to replace her fridge freezer.
This request is for a school uniform for a single parent who cares for two daughters and is a Kinship Carer with parental responsibility for her grandson. The cost of living crisis is hitting really hard as the children get older and the cost of their clothes increases. Her grandson is starting secondary school this September and she desperately wants to provide the uniform he needs, so he isn't different to his peers.
The good news is that Acts 435, alongside our fantastic supporters and donors can help to meet these specific needs of this grandmother and R and M! All individuals who are feeling 'stuck' and anxious. These three requests for help specifically mention the rising cost of living. However, we're aware that it is affecting most people in one way or another, meaning that all of the requests on our website will support an individual or a family who are struggling during this crisis.
As well as supporting our churches and local charities who partner with us we're also continuing to connect with our key partners who are also helping to tackle this emergency. In this way we hope to be able to help further during this crisis, and meet the needs of more individuals than ever before.
If you are able to give directly to an individual or family, please do take a look at all the needs posted on our website. However, we want to provide as much support as we can to individuals who are struggling with the rising cost of living, and particularly those who are immediately affected by the increase in fuel costs taking place in October. Therefore we have created a fundraiser with Stewardship and funds raised through this will go to the direct needs of individuals who are struggling with the rising cost of living, and especially those who find themselves in fuel poverty. Each family or individual will be someone known to be in need by our partner churches and charities. Initially they will go directly to meet the needs on our website. However, if funds exceed this we may seek to help other individuals who are known to our partners to be in need.
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?