Acts 435 was launched by the Archbishop of York and allows people to donate directly online to specific people with specific needs.

Website: acts435.org.uk
Twitter: @acts435

Jennifer Herrera from the charity says: “As well as giving online to requests, you can help by raising sponsorship money for us perhaps doing something festive to help those for whom Christmas brings little joy. 

“Haxby and Wigginton Methodist Church has recently signed up to become an Acts 435 participating church, able to post requests for people in need in that area.  It joins eight churches in York and the surrounding area (Tadcaster, Easingwold, Wilberfoss) which enables us to help many in York and beyond. 

“However, we would love that to be so further afield.  Readers of The Presscan help if they know of churches and local charities working with the poor in other parts of the UK that they can tell about Acts 435 – perhaps where they used to live, or where they have family, or where they work.

“In Leeds, for example, we would love to be able to help people there.  So as you renew contact with friends and family this Christmas, why not let them know what Acts 435 can do for those falling through the gaps as austerity bites.”