Christmas/Winter

Let love speak louder than hostility | boaztrust.org.uk/christmas ✨ 

“I didn’t know anything about the country, the people, the language and even where to go. You want someone to encourage you, to hug you. You want to feel that there are people around you.” - Rahel 

This Christmas, people in Greater Manchester will continue to be forced into destitution and homelessness by a hostile immigration system that inflicts a slow violence on their physical and mental health. A system that robs people of their best years and their hope for the future.  

Against the backdrop of violence and hatred targeted at people seeking asylum earlier this year, this new film shows that hostility doesn’t get the last word. Love is powerful. And this Christmas, you can help make sure love speaks louder.  

When you give to our Christmas Appeal, you’ll provide safe accommodation and trauma-informed, holistic support for more people like Rahel and Viktar. But you’ll do more than that. You’ll help someone know they are valuable, remembered, and loved this Christmas ✨ Give today at boaztrust.org.uk/christmas

🎄 RECLAIM's Christmas Donation Drive 🎄 

This festive season, help us amplify Working-Class young voices and create lasting change. 

At RECLAIM, we empower young people to lead campaigns on the issues that matter most to them. We’re on the ground providing the support they need—but we can’t do it without you. 

Here’s how you can help: 

1. Donate to Fund Our Work 
Your generosity enables young people to be heard and ensures their concerns reach those in power. Sharing your wealth gives them a louder voice and a fairer future. 
💳 Donate here: https://t.co/3zh7irY72V 

2. Support Us Through Our Wishlist 
Help us create a welcoming and functional office space for our young people. Add an item to your cart from our wishlist this Christmas: 
📦 https://t.co/zACUdD4vzd 
Prefer a different provider? We’re happy to arrange collection for donated items—just let us know! 

3. Gift Us Unwanted Household Items 
We’re in search of: 

Your pre-loved items could help us create a restful and inspiring space for our young people and team. 
📩 Send us an email if you can help! [email protected]  

Together, let’s continue our class-conscious work and make a real impact this Christmas. 

👉 Follow and share this post to spread the word! 

#ChristmasGiving #DonateNow #WorkingClassVoices #YouthEmpowerment

Help us support disadvantaged families this Christmas 

This year we are going even bigger with our ‘Magical Christmas’ project, inviting families to access our space to choose presents they know their children will love to open on Christmas morning. Restoring choice and dignity to some of the most vulnerable families in our community. 

What we need: 

New, unwrapped toys for babies, children and teenagers 

By when: 

We need to get our Christmas space ready by the start of December, so we will be asking for donations to be dropped off as early as possible throughout November at our premises in Stretford Mall. 

Drop offs are on: 
Tuesday – Thursdays 10am- 3pm 
Saturday 1st and 16th November 12-2pm 

Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum who are in need of somewhere to stay. 

Ahead of the festive period, we are urgently looking for more hosts in major cities across the UK, including Manchester.  

As the weather gets colder and parts of the country are facing snow, things couldn’t be more urgent for those facing the threat of homelessness.  

If you have a spare room and are willing to open your home to someone at risk of homelessness, visit our website to find out more about hosting with us ❤️ I'd like to host - Refugees at Home

Modern slavery is a massive problem in the UK with over 17,000 people coming out of slavery last year, and there are many survivors across Greater Manchester facing homelessness in the winter months as well as trying to deal with the trauma of surviving exploitation. Hope at Home is a charity that trains and support volunteer hosts across the UK who have a spare bedroom and the goodwill to welcome a survivor into their home for a fixed period of time and our hosts are couples, families and single people who care about the marginalised in society and want to help others. Do you have a spare bedroom and could you help a survivor of slavery?  

You can apply to host, register your interest or you can support our work here. Thank you. 

Spoons strive to alleviate stress and reduce isolation of families who experience neonatal care in Greater Manchester. See how you can help this winter:  

Join the 79 Day Challenge to support families experiencing neonatal care: starting on 30th November - for 79 days we're undertaking consecutive days of activity (running, walking, lifting, any activity as long as it's a personal challenge) to raise money for Spoons neonatal charity. See 'How to join' guide attached, for how to get involved and the background behind the origins of this challenge.

 Support families experiencing neonatal care at Christmas. Read Pip's story about how Spoons supported her and her family when their son was born at only 27 weeks, meaning they had to spend Christmas in NICU. Support other families in NICU this Christmas by donating to support Spoons.  

Can you help us combat food poverty this Christmas by donating gifts for our Food Clubs and Community Shops? 

What do we need? 

Please drop-off your donations to any of our hubs during opening times. For larger collections, please email [email protected] 

Items can be purchased online and delivered directly to us through our GiveToday page 

Thank you for your support! If you have any questions about food collections for Mustard Tree, please email or give us a call on 0161 228 7331.

Gift cracking good food this festive season. We are holding a special Festive COOK-Up to make meals for Lifeshare, Manchester's oldest homeless charity, marking 40 years of supporting the homeless community in 2024. 

We need volunteer cooks for one day in December. Interested? Contact [email protected]   

Or please donate - £22.50 funds 5 meals. Donate for yourself or tick off a gift for a loved one. Donate and check out our other gift ideas HERE. 

Back on Track winter food appeal:

We want to provide a gift hamper and Christmas meal to everyone that comes through our doors in December - but we need your help to do it.  

Back on Track support people who are living on low incomes and struggling financially. Our hampers will make things a little bit easier, with essential food for over the Christmas period, festive treats and toiletries. We will also provide a Christmas meal in our cafe to every person.  

£10 pays for a gift hamper of festive treats and essentials 

£50 pays for a Christmas meal for ten people 

Please donate if you can and help to make someone’s Christmas a little bit easier this year. Thank you

Noah’s ART is an animal assisted therapy hub, offering fully-funded opportunities, subsidised activities and commercial services, all based around animals, nature and creativity. There are a number of ways that people can support us this Christmas:  

Donations - we are always grateful for donations of guinea pig, rabbit or rat/mouse food and equipment. People can contact [email protected] to arrange drop-off or collection. Additionally, financial donations towards the care of our therapy animals are gratefully received via www.noahs-art.co.uk/donate 

Therapy dog sponsorship - people can sponsor a therapy dog via www.noahs-art.co.uk/store/sponsorship . They will receive a 12-month sponsorship pack (in the post or to download), and the funds raised go towards the care of our therapy animals. 

Art competition - for a small donation of £3, we are accepting entries to our Christmas animal-themed art competition. Entry is online via https://www.noahs-art.co.uk/store/p/xmasartcomp . 

Lastly, we are holding a free art exhibition on Tuesday 17th December at our base in Hyde, which will celebrate the work of participants on an art project we have been running over the last 12 months. Tickets are available for free from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-of-dreaming-tickets-935450145567 .

'Looking for a gift that truly gives back? 🌟 Street Paws' festive gift certificates represent a donation in honour of your loved ones, helping us provide essential vet care to pets of people experiencing homelessness. 💕 
 
Your gift supports our mission: no one should have to choose between their furry best friend and a safe place to sleep. 🏠🐕 
 
🎁 Make kindness your gift this Christmas. A festive certificate can be emailed and mailed to you or direct to your recipient. 
 
👉 Order yours now: www.streetpaws.co.uk; 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/DCiw3Cfxtsb/ 

Message from Caritas Salford: 

At this time of year, we can all feel under pressure to buy more, spend more, consume more and respond to the never-ending call to accumulate things.   

But, some people don’t even have the basics.   

No food for their baby, no warm clothes or heating; not even the security of a roof over their family’s heads.   

Let’s not just make it about the tinsel, the parties and the supermarket queues.  

Visit our website www.caritassalford.org.uk/BeeThere to watch our brand new animation and to choose from our gift catalogue. Put the true meaning back into Christmas now and #BeeThere with a gift that can truly help transform lives. 

Together Trust delivers individual care, support and education services across the North West, supporting care-experienced children and people with disabilities, autism and mental health differences. 

Secret Santa with a Twist: Candles, novelty socks, bath kits – how much difference can your team really make with Secret Santas?   Donations to the Together for Christmas Appeal help purchase vouchers for care leavers and families on pupil premium, relieving some of that Christmas stress and making this time of year a little bit brighter. Last year, donations from efforts like one HR team’s Secret Santa helped 80 care leavers and families have an easier winter.   

Donate wished-for items to the Donation Station: People supported by the Together Trust would dearly love it if they received a gift of one of the following: sensory toys, board games, toiletry sets, lego, gift vouchers, hair and beauty products, selection boxes, sportswear, gaming accessories, arts and crafts, outdoor games.  Wrapping paper and Sellotape also welcomed!  If you are able to donate of those items (new only please) before 9^th December, please contact [email protected].   

Buy a Christmas cards with impact – Fundraising – Together Trust 

Sign up to Together Trust weekly lottery – You could win up to £25,000 a week by joining our new weekly lottery! | Together Trust 

New year’s resolution? Make it count with Pledge Together – Pledge Together | Together Trust 

The Big Christmas Give 2024 for Big Issue North Vendors 

Give a gift that counts this Christmas! 

Think about what you do on Christmas Day...well our vendors might have very different plans! 

There are plenty of good reasons for buying Big Issue North magazine, and to support our vendors this winter. By making a donation today, you can assist someone who is struggling this winter and help to provide the support they truly need. 

Follow this link to donate today! 

DONATE TO OUR WINTER CAMPAIGN TODAY 

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are thinking about the perfect gifts for our loved ones.  At domestic abuse charity TDAS, we believe that while presents are a wonderful way to show we care, the most lasting gift we can give is safety and warmth.  

As the new year dawns, we often see an increase in referrals and it is during this period that we struggle the most, as our focus shifts to providing the dedicated support these families need to heal from the trauma they have experienced. 

This is where your continued support can make a profound impact.  While Christmas presents bring immediate joy, a donation towards our post-holiday efforts can provide the lasting support that changes lives. With your help, we can offer the counselling, educational support, and safe spaces that are crucial for children and young people as they begin their journey to recovery. Donate here.  

As we approach the holiday season, many of us are thinking about the perfect gifts for our loved ones.  At Trafford Domestic Abuse Services, we believe that while presents are a wonderful way to show we care, the most lasting gift we can give is safety and warmth.  Towards the New Year, we often see an increase in referrals, and it is during this period that we struggle the most, as our focus shifts to providing the support these families need to heal from the trauma they have experienced. 

Here is a link to the giving page: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/2024-winter-campaign 

This winter, help out MASH, a charity that supports women who sex work and/or are homeless. As you can imagine, these winter months are very difficult for the women that we support. So we are always in desperate need of donations. Below is a list of items we could really do with having: 

If you have anything to donate, please drop it off at our address during opening hours: 94-96 Fairfield Street, M1 2WR.  See our website here on more ways to donate and get involved.  

Library Lovers: Christmas Gift of Membership 

Library Lovers is our Friends scheme that supports cultural and educational activity in Manchester Libraries. Funds raised also support archives digitisation and access, and supporting Read Manchester / Manchester Libraries ongoing Book Gifting campaign.   

Treat your loved ones to a Library Lovers membership this Christmas and they can enjoy library events, behind the scenes tours and discounts, whilst supporting cultural and educational activities in Manchester Libraries. Plus, all new members receive a beautiful art deco style mounted print - FREE! 

Orders must be received by Monday 16 December to ensure new members packs are received before Christmas Day.  

Visit Manchester Central Library and pick up a leaflet or purchase online: Library Lovers – Manchester Libraries UK Store. 

Levenshulme Inspire are looking for volunteers to support our Christmas projects and Catering that take place over December. We need volunteers that will do any cafe roles such as helping prep food, washing up, cleaning tables, serving food etc, helping set out tables and chairs for our events or supporting us with our kids activities. The dates and times are as follows: 

• 9^th - 13^th December (helping prep food for following week and some catering) - 9.30 - 12.30pm or 12.30 -3.30pm 

• 16^th December - (helping prep food) 9.30 - 12.30pm or 12.30 -3.30pm 

• 17th, 18^th & 19^th December (helping with Christmas lunches front of house and in the cafe) - 9 - 12pm, 10 - 1pm, 1 - 4pm, 2 - 5pm. 

• 20^th December (helping with Kids craft or the Christmas singalong) - 10 - 1pm, 1 - 4pm, 4 - 7pm 

If you are interested please get in touch with Charlotte on 0161 676 8540 or email charlotte on [email protected] 

DBS not essential and travel will be reimbursed 

Support Our Food Bank This Winter – Help Us Feed Families in Need 

As the months get colder and living costs continue to rise, support for families and individuals in Manchester South Central has never been so important.  
 
Share the joy of Christmas by hosting an office food drive! Run your own reverse advent calendar and donate an item a day over December to ensure we can provide food to people in crisis this winter.  

Run your own REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR this winter! | Manchester South Central Foodbank 
 
Prefer to support our work with a monetary donation? Donate to our crowdfunding page and double your donation until December 11th! 
Donate money | Manchester South Central Foodbank 
 
Any support, large or small, will directly benefit those facing hardship this Winter. Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to our community. If you would like more information or are ready to make a donation, please get in touch with Heidi on [email protected] Thank you x 

Or, host your own office food drive! See below: 

Every child deserves a magical Christmas! 

Wood Street Mission really needs your help to give local children from struggling families a happy and memorable Christmas.   

Families across Manchester and Salford will come to Wood Street Mission to choose gifts for their children from the selection they are donated by supporters.   

They will be accepting Christmas donations until Monday 9th December 2024. You can download their Christmas Appeal flyer and Gift Ideas List. They have a Give Today List too to order gifts online. 

To help you can…    

All of their services are free for families to access, so if you think you may need help this Christmas please visit their For Families page. Or ask someone supporting your family to visit the For Referrers page. 

If you would like to support their Christmas Appeal, please get in touch with the Wood Street Mission fundraising team at [email protected] 

At Pegasus RDA, we are asking for donations towards the upkeep costs of our three therapy horses: Tyson, Bobby and Hector. Costs always increase during the winter months due to the horses needing extra feed, supplements and more bedding due to increased time in the stable. 

As part of our 2024 Christmas fundraising, we will be running a raffle, so any donations or raffle prizes would be very gratefully received. In particular, we would like to create some Christmas hampers to raffle off, so any donations of chocolates, biscuits etc. would be fantastic. 

Go to their website here to donate or get involved.  

Healthy Me Healthy Communities are looking for food items or toiletries for our Community Grocer food project. We also welcome organisations looking to donate this type of thing. 

Please take donations to:  

Healthy Me Healthy Communities CiC 

Gorton Central, Highmead Street, M18 8PE 

Tel: 0161 222 3633 

Winter Appeal 2024 - Manchester Care & Repair Casework Service:  

It is estimated that more than 8,000 eligible older people in Manchester are not claiming Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment they need to stay warm this winter. 

Many people feel anxious about the application process, embarrassed to apply, or don’t realise they’re eligible. Our Case Workers help people apply and navigate the system at a time when they're most vulnerable and worried about bills, their health and their homes. 

Sadly, this service is at risk - which is why we need to raise £25,000 to keep it running and help more people get their Winter Fuel Payment back. Every £1 you donate, we turn into at least £10 for our clients - and in every share lies the possibility of raising another pound - everything helps! Donate here 

Or: Share our social media posts with your followers using the optional caption we’ve prepared. 

The Hidden Treasure Trust is encouraging workplaces, churches, community groups, schools, sports clubs, and social media communities to collect donations for the Hope Centre this Christmas. Contributions can include new toys, food items, or funds raised through events like raffles or sponsored activities. 

How to Get Involved 

Resources Available 

Many care leavers struggle to buy day-to-day essentials, and Christmas brings added pressure as they strive to create a meaningful time for their children—often without the family support networks many of us rely on.  There may not be gifts to unwrap for them or their children and no Christmas Dinner to share with loved ones. 

Here’s how your team can get involved and make a real difference: 

Purchase a gift: Staff can select a gift from our Amazon Gift List to bring a smile to a child. https://amzn.eu/csRmxs2 

Donate £12: This amount covers the cost of a Christmas dinner for a Care Leaver who does not have family or friends to share a meal with. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pureinsightchristmas2024 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. We’d be thrilled to have you join us in making this season a bit more special for care experienced young people.

🎄 Christmas Appeal 
This year, our Christmas Appeal is focused on the life-changing work of our Youth Service. By supporting young patients during their most challenging moments, our Youth Workers help them find their voice and independence. A donation to our youth service this Christmas can make a lasting impact. Read more here. 

“Without the Youth Club, I couldn’t socialise or make friends. Being a teenager is the age where we all socialise and learn new things, and I feel like I can do that with the Youth Club. Otherwise, we could miss out on so much by being in hospital. They teach us career advice and they teach us secondary school transition advice. They teach us so much!” – Sameer, 15. 

👕 Christmas Jumper Day 
Get your team involved in some festive fun by joining our Christmas Jumper Day on December 12th—or a date that works for you! It’s an easy, enjoyable way to make a difference. You can collect your fundraising using a team JustGiving page or you can send it in via our donation form.  

🎶 Carols in the City 
Celebrate the season with us at Manchester Cathedral on December 12th. Enjoy an enchanting evening of carols, choirs, and festive cheer, hosted by Mike Toolan and Jennie McAlpine. Very festive and family friendly, find out more and grab your ticket here. 

🌟 Champions for Children Gala Dinner 
Save the date! Our Gala Dinner is on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Join some of Manchester’s most influential leaders such as North Edge Capital, CarFinance 247, JMW Solicitors, The Ruia Group, OBI Sports and many more. Morson Talent have also joined as event sponsors and will also be attending. Join us to raise vital funds for young people in our community! 

If you are unable to attend, you can still support young people by sharing this opportunity with your contacts. There is a PDF available to use here. 

With colder temperatures and shorter days, winter can be challenging. The campaign encourages individuals to "Get To Know Where To Go" for extra help and support when unwell. The Winter 2024 toolkit includes: 

You can support by: