Manchester’s oldest homeless charity celebrates ‘bittersweet anniversary’

A Manchester charity is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in a year when its services are being significantly stretched.

Lifeshare, Manchester’s oldest charity supporting the homeless community – is marking its 40th year of operation with a call out to the public to continue supporting its essential services for those who desperately need them.

Lifeshare – Manchester’s oldest charity

The charity was founded in 1984 by David Grey, who, alongside a small cohort of volunteers, recognised an issue with people sleeping rough in Manchester city centre.

The small team started with bacon butties and developed into ‘soup runs’, provision of clothing and other support for tens of people every week.

So far in 2024, the charity has supported almost 9,000 people with its services that otherwise would require support from the State.

What services does Lifeshare offer?

Over the years, Lifeshare has pioneered some of the most recognisable services for the homeless community in Manchester including launching a Harm Reduction Service, Rent Bond Scheme, bringing the Big Issue to the North West and a Resettlement Service with Manchester City Council.

Also, Lifeshare established the Breakfast Project in 1994, The Christmas Project – which pioneered indoor support for the homeless from 1991 – and Manchester Digital Collective which continues today to support some of the most vulnerable people in our great city.

Judy Vickers, Lifeshare’s executive officer

Judy Vickers, Lifeshare’s executive officer said: “Today, Lifeshare still continues to offer the growing homeless community and others in food and fuel poverty the very first point of contact they might have with accessing any support services.

“Our Breakfast Project – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning – offers people a hot meal, showers, clothing and conversation.

“We never judge or push someone, just signpost them or spend time acknowledging them. Our guests are the most marginalised in the community – ignored by most.

“Only a year ago, we were probably serving 150 people a weekend, jump to our 40th year and right now we’re serving upwards of 400 a weekend.”

Judy continued: “Our service is needed more than ever. Our amazing team of volunteers come week in week out to serve our guests, but the costs are rising on a daily basis.

“We need your support now more than ever. That’s why our anniversary is bittersweet – we wish we weren’t needed.”

How you can help Lifeshare

The charity is therefore asking the people of Greater Manchester to dig deep and support its services right now.

• For members of the public – donations of cash, time, clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries and food.
• For companies – come and volunteer at the breakfast service and fundraise for the charity.
• For Manchester Council, the charity needs its financial support more than ever.

Matthew Johnson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Lifeshare, said: “Last year we served over 15,000 meals. So far this year, we’ve served 11,280 breakfasts to the homeless community.

“These are unprecedented figures for us, and now, we’re asking for your support once more – especially as winter is around the corner and is our busiest time. Cash, clothing, volunteers, personal essentials – we are asking for your help. Without funds and our incredible volunteers, our charity won’t exist, help us help others and work towards a time when maybe our charity won’t be needed.”

You can donate to the charity here or join the team as they act to support those with no home, those at risk of becoming homeless, and those in food or fuel poverty – families, individuals, young and old.

Lifeshare does not discriminate against anyone who requires its services, if you’re in need of help or at risk of losing your home you can get help from Lifeshare here.

For more information or support you can call Lifeshare on 0161 235 0744.

Lifeshare is celebrating its anniversary with a special fundraiser on Wednesday 9 October at the Lowry Hotel – buy tickets by clicking here.