Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity,Lifeshare, is expecting unprecedented numbers to its Christmas Project.
From December 23 – 29, the charity will throw open its doors on a daily basis to offer hot food, company, showers, health support, clothing, games and entertainment to anyone who needs it.
This facility will be the only seven-day provision in Manchester’s city centre for anyone who needs it, including the homeless, vulnerable, lonely or other people suffering from fuel poverty. The charity is estimating providing over 3,000 meals, an increase of almost 1,000 thatwere served at Christmas 2022.
Judith Vickers, operations manager at Lifeshare, said: “I’m very concerned we’ll be seeing numbers never experienced before in our 39-year history this Christmas. We have a perfect storm of lack of housing, cost-of-living crisis and difficult to navigate benefits system. But we can create a welcoming place for anyone who needs company, Christmas food, hot showers and some festive spirit.”
Lifeshare’s Christmas Project is a week-long pop up service that offers hot meals, hair-cuts, spare clothes, advice, medical care, support, showers, veterinary care and assistance to get people off the streets over the festive season. Last year we saw nearly 800 people use the service, emergency health support was activated, food and basic provisions that people do not have were given out in their thousands.
Maxine Peake, commented: “I’ve recently fronted a campaign for Lifeshare asking for clothing donations and any other support people can offer. It’s incredible that we are fully staffed for Christmas now with selfless volunteers that are giving up their time to support our guests this year. But, we still need clothing donations, food and cash – if you’re able to offer anything we’d greatly accept it. It’s really tough out there for everyone right now, but being alone, homeless and cold is unthinkable.”
The Lifeshare Christmas Project will be held at the following times:
Saturday 23 December – 2pm – 7pm.
Sunday 24 – Thursday 28th December – 7am – 7pm
Friday 29th December 7am – 2pm.
Location: Mosaic, 2 Dale Street, M1 1JW
Anyone is welcome to attend with no questions asked, for as many days as they need. In previous years we have opened for an additional hour to 8pm, but due to rising costs, this has reluctantly been reduced.
For donations and more information see:https://www.lifeshare.org.uk/christmas-2023/
