Has life ever surprised you? Taken an unexpected turn that you couldn’t have predicted?
As the winter months approach, many people in Haverhill and the surrounding areas are struggling with financial hardship through no fault of their own. People like Jimmy, who have faced unexpected challenges, are feeling the cold more than just physically—it's the weight of financial struggles, mounting debt, and the inability to provide for themselves or their families.
This Christmas, your gift can bring hope where there is despair. Through the generosity of supporters like you, REACH is able to step in at critical moments, helping local people who are struggling with illness, unemployment, and unexpected crises that make survival a daily challenge.
With your kindness, we can provide food, warmth and longer-lasting debt help this Christmas.
But beyond any of that is the most precious gift anyone can give to others:
Hope.
Here’s how your gift makes a difference to people in and around Haverhill living in hardship:
£5
could buy fuel to collect and deliver emergency food parcels
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£30
could fund an initial debt meeting, providing hope
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£75
could provide vouchers to heat a family home for around 2 weeks
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£150
could ensure up to 20 benefit applications
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Winter can be a cold and desperate time, but your donation could be the turning point for someone in need this Christmas, helping them find the hope they need to rebuild their life with dignity.
This year, Jimmy* is feeling hopeful again
For over 30 years, Jimmy worked as a trader, but four years ago, his life changed unexpectedly when he developed a disability that means he will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Could any of us predict being thrown into that kind of situation, unable to work and spending almost two years in and out of hospital?
He first came to REACH in desperation for emergency food, but as he struggled to adjust to the enormous change in his life, his finances spiralled, and mounting bills left him struggling under the weight of debt. He reached out again, not knowing where else to turn.
Feeling lost, alone, and out of his depth, Jimmy’s mental health had been at rock bottom, until Debt Advisor Tracey helped him sort through his finances.
"I was in a really bad place. Before she came, I thought I’ve got no chance of getting out of this hole. She made everything better. She helped me with all my bills… it actually made me cry, just because she helped me.”
The immediate relief was overwhelming, as he was suddenly given hope that perhaps there was light in his future after all. Over time, Tracey went through his bills, offered guidance, applied for life-changing disability benefits, and spoke with his creditors, lifting him out of his financial crisis.
With Tracey’s support, Jimmy found hope and stability where he thought there was none. Now, regular calls from Community Connector Elaine that are intended to rebuild his confidence, also bring comfort to his day, breaking through the isolation and brightening his weeks.
This Christmas, Jimmy knows he’s not alone. With the help of REACH, he’s stepping into a new chapter. Your donation could give others facing hardship a second chance at hope, just like it did for Jimmy.
Giving hope to the next generation
We don’t just believe in relieving the effects of financial hardship, but also in actively tackling the causes of poverty. Please click to read about how your donation will also ensure our prevention work continues, and how we are advocating for change.
* Name and identifying details changed for the client’s protection