A PIONEERING anti-poverty charity launched by the Archbishop of York has raised half a million pounds in its first five years - but he says he won’t be happy until it goes global.

The fifth birthday of Acts 435 was marked on Monday with a reception at Bishopthorpe Palace, attended by supporters and advocates from around the country.

The charity allows people to donate towards particular individuals’ needs, such as paying off a debt, buying basic pieces of furniture or paying for school uniforms.

Recipients have often experienced a sudden change in circumstances, such as fleeing domestic violence, losing a job, or suffering a bereavement.

Requests are approved by churches around the country and uploaded anonymously to the charity’s website, where donors can give part or all of the sum requested.

Speaking to The Press at Monday's event, the Archbishop Dr John Sentamu, said: “It’s just extraordinary and the growth rate of people being helped is 50 per cent a year. It’s incredible.”

Since its launch in July 2010, the charity has helped around 5,600 people, thanks to about 1,500 donors giving a total of around £500,000.

Around the UK, 1,000 churches now use the charity to help local people in need.

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Jenny Herrera, the charity’s executive director, said: “When you look back over the five years, it really has grown.

“To have so many people here today is really exciting - now I am excited to see what the next five years bring.”

The Archbishop addressed the visiting supporters and cut a celebratory cake for the occasion.

He told the audience the church reached every community in the country, and he said he wanted to see more UK churches using Acts 435, so it then could then look to expand internationally.

The Archbishop praised York businessman Julian Richer, of Richer Sounds, who had come up with the idea in 2010, and he told the audience: “To those wondering how they can do more in their community, I say ‘Be bold, take a risk, step out of the boat and start helping other people’.”

He said he hoped that after another five years, the charity would have grown further.

“If we could cover the whole map of the UK and Ireland we would be very different.

“I hope every patch will have Acts 435, then we can export it elsewhere.”

Roger Holmes, Acts 435 advocate at St Michael le Belfrey Church in York, said: “It’s clear it is helping transform lives.

“We have managed to get bunk beds for a single mum whose children had never slept in beds and clothes for people for job interviews. It makes a real difference.”

For more information on the charity, or to donate, visit www.acts435.org.uk