Give just five pounds this Christmas
"Thank you so much for the money, it means the absolute world to me to be able to feed my three children and get them a few bits for Christmas. This time of year is so hard, especially with electricity and gas bills, so your kindness and generosity mean everything. Thank you so much, C."
We're aware that for many this winter turning the heating or hot water on will feel like a luxury and for others simply won't be able to afford it. But, what do those in that position do when their washing machine breaks, or their child grows out of their school shoes?
Last year, before the cost of living crisis really began, many sources reported that a fifth of UK adults had less than £250 in savings (Yorkshire Building Society, Joseph Rowntree Trust). This winter it is likely that those who are struggling will have little or no savings to see them through a crisis, a broken appliance or to just simply turn the heating on.
This impact will be felt more widely than ever; not just those on the lowest incomes will feel the squeeze this year - and we're anticipating the need for one-off financial help to increase. You can read more about our reflections on this here.
We're also aware, as Jenny highlights in her video below, that while those on lower incomes will be hit hardest, that actually many of us are also feeling the squeeze due to the increasing living costs in the UK.
Therefore, this Christmas, we're asking if you can join in with a community of other donors to support those most in need, and give #justfivepounds. If many of us give just five pounds, together with donations from others, we will help to lift a burden and bring hope to an individual, or family, this Christmas.
To give#justfivepounds to a need take a look at the ones below, or look at the other ones on our website: acts435.org.uk/needs
"Hi everyone, I write this letter with great joy and pleasure. Your kind generous donations have placed a wonderful fridge freezer in my kitchen for this coming Christmas and New Year. You have also given me trust in humanity. Words cannot express my gratitude to wonderful people whom I have never met. You are wonderful and I do thank you and applaud you all. It now leaves me to wish each and everyone of you a wonderful Christmas and a spectacular New Year. You have made mine! Thank you and respect to you all, R."
'W' said thank you so much to all concerned for help with his bills over Christmas. He has all of his children living with him now and is safe and settled and your help has eased his worries at this stressful time of year and has allowed them to enjoy their first Christmas.
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 3 days
£200 needed for vinyl fitting and a blind
This gentleman first made contact with us when he was sitting in the dark with no heating as he had no money for electricity. We have worked with him to help him with his debts and bills. This gentleman is in need of vinyl flooring. We can source the vinyl for free, but need help with the cost of fitting. He would also like a blind for his living room window as he feels it is very open and not private. This would also help with heating costs.
£200 needed for counselling
This lady came to us in urgent need of support, struggling with her mental health and had no access to food. At St Vincent de Paul, we have been working closely with this lady to address her most immediate needs, such as providing clothing and food. We now feel she is ready to take the next step in her journey through one-on-one counselling sessions, which will empower her to regain stability and confidence. We graciously request your assistance to help make this possible and any support would be deeply appreciated for six counselling sessions.
£160 needed for a second-hand laptop
A, an asylum seeker who is part of our weekly drop In sessions, only has a phone as digital device, and it’s difficult for him to access any online learning opportunities or information on the small screen of his phone. It would help him a lot to increase his English skills and move on in life through having his own laptop. Thank you so much for enabling A to get a second-hand laptop.
£200 needed for a box room carpet
This lady is a single parent who is working with Christians Against Poverty to become debt free. In 2024 she endured multiple issues affecting her welfare and finances. With our assistance, mum has successfully taken up a council property after many years of struggling to get repairs done by her private landlord. The home is ready to move into this week, but it is without any floor covering. Mum has had each room measured and quoted for, and we are looking to assist with carpeting a box room.
£200 needed for accommodation and clothes
This gentleman came to the St Vincent de Paul centre after becoming homeless, following a fall out with his mother’s partner. He was discharged from the career he loved after a late epilepsy diagnosis, which led to mental health struggles and substance misuse. Despite his challenges, this gentleman has been clean for six months and is determined to rebuild his life with stable accommodation. We are asking for your support to provide respite in bed and breakfast accommodation for three nights, and some clothing, offering warmth and dignity while he secures permanent housing.
£200 needed for a wardrobe, kitchen utensils, towels and bedding
E, who has been seriously ill, has moved to be closer to her daughter to receive support. Unfortunately, the removal firm failed to take all of her items, leaving a lot of them behind. The council has disposed of everything, resulting in E losing her wardrobe, all of her crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and bedding. E was looking forward to her new life. Being able to replace the lost items would be beneficial to her physical and mental health, and enable her to fully settle in to her new home.
£160 needed for a second-hand laptop
Y is an asylum seeker who is well known within our support groups. He is very engaged and often helps us by baking amazing cakes. Y is studying hard in the English classes, but struggles to access information online and to do his homework, as he only has a phone as digital device. It would help him a lot to have a laptop on his own. Thank you so much for helping Y to get a second-hand laptop!
£200 needed for a fridge freezer
T, who has recently moved from shared living arrangements to his own home, is currently waiting for support regarding housing benefits and a reduction in Council Tax. As a Universal Credit recipient, he is unable to afford a fridge freezer, which results in frequent and expensive grocery shopping trips. Could you assist this young man by providing him with the means to keep his food chilled and help him manage his budget more effectively by freezing meals?
£200 needed for a second-hand bed, mattress and wardrobe
D, has been referred to Romero by his support worker for our help, is moving into his own accommodation and needs to buy a bed, mattress and wardrobe. He receives benefits, but hopes to start on a training programme in the New Year. D sleeps on the sofa, which is impacting on his physical and mental health, and he feels exhausted due to not having a proper night's sleep. Please would you help us to support D, so that he can turn up for training rested and ready to learn, giving him a fresh start?