Vulnerable single mum (L), 2 children under 2 yrs. Eldest child has autism requiring constant care and supervision. L has worked hard to provide a safe and loving home for her children on a limited income. L’s washing machine has broken and she is unable to afford to buy a new or reconditioned one from her benefits and attending a launderette is difficult for her with the children especially in light of the special needs of the autistic child.
L would greatly benefit from a hoover as she lives in a small house with little storage and she has limited funds to buy essential living and cleaning equipment. L's 1 year old daughter is mobile and she wants to be able to provide a safe clean home for her child. She is finding it hard to save for a hoover as she has little or no money left after bills and food each week. L attends a young parents group weekly to work on her parenting and development skills.
This couple came into our Centre because they had no money to top up their gas and electricity meter. They have just moved to Universal Credit and are receiving much less money than previously and are struggling to budget the money over a month. The husband had been receiving Disability Living Allowance but this has now been stopped so his wife is no longer entitled to Carers Allowance. Thank you for any help you could give to ease the transition from the old benefits to Universal Credit.
"I am currently living in supported accommodation and am looking to get a new job. I have just enrolled on a course to get my Support Worker credentials. I have no access to a computer to complete my essays and attend web seminars. Therefore I am asking for help towards buying a laptop. I have saved up a small amount from my benefits but need help to fund the rest. Thank you for considering my request. God bless you." - Mr P
S is a single Mum with two children and has just left a controlling relationship so all their clothes are in bags as she has little furniture. She needs something to place the clothes in so as to start making a real home for her and the children.
This dad of a 1 and 3 year old is off sick at the moment and living off a very low income. He's trying to get more benefits sorted but needs some help to get through in the meantime. They were cold and hungry; we've given them food and this request is for topping up his electric card so he can heat the home.
Pam is a 47 year old mother of two who has suffered from domestic abuse. She is making a fresh start in temporary accommodation in a new area. Her flat has no furniture or white goods. She is keen to obtain a fridge freezer, washing machine and bed bases for the children, which she will be able to obtain from a local reclaim centre. Please help this lady begin again in a safe place. Your support would mean so much to her.
This gentleman has recently lost his job and is now struggling on Universal Credit. He has had to take an advance to pay his rent and now is struggling on his lower income. He wants to do a Debt Relief Order so he can have a fresh start and not worry about his debts and bailiffs any more.
This request is for a single mum with 5 children. The family are struggling to make ends meet and the need for a cot bed for the youngest is causing a lot of stress as mum doesn't know how to stretch the budget to cover this. As the youngest is now almost 6 months old and still in a Moses basket the need for the cot bed becomes more urgent. Any help towards this would be gratefully received and make life just a little bit easier for this mum.
A gentleman in Middlesbrough, with support, is moving to a new property. The mattress that he has is very very old and not suitable for him. He has no means of purchasing another mattress and would be so grateful if Acts 435 donors could help him. This is a fresh start for him the gentleman has learning difficulties and is quite vulnerable.
S is working with Christians Against Poverty to sort her debts, and is at the beginning of a long repayment plan. She's opened up her coal fire to try and save heating costs, but she needs £50 to have the chimney swept and some money for coal, and a cowl to go on top of the chimney. It would be great if we could help. When I explained about Acts 435 she couldn't believe that people might help her.
Mum and Daughter have had to leave their family home due to mental and physical abuse. They managed to find a property which took ALL their money, and the property has been partly furnished through local furniture bank and freecycle. They still need a few items, bedding towels, toilet brush, a desk for her studies etc. What a huge blessing it would be at this sad difficult time for them both if you could help them to have a fresh start.
L has been regularly attending the Christians Against Poverty Freshstart Course to help her deal with life controlling addictions. She is currently working full time in low paid work in connection with local tourism and is paying off debts as well so her budget is very tight. L desperately needs some dental treatment including a tooth extraction which she just can't afford on her current income, and she'll have to pay to travel to a dentist taking NHS patients.