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Here’s how you can make a difference in Manchester this Christmas

Mancunians are known for their charity and in this desperate time of need for many - here's how you can help people this Christmas
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As the cost-of-living crisis continues to weigh heavily on households, this Christmas promises to be one of the toughest in memory. Families everywhere are stretching every pound, making difficult choices between warmth, food and even joy.

Yet, while the festive season may feel uncertain for many, it is even more daunting for the most vulnerable in our communities—children in care, rough sleepers, and families living in poverty.

But Christmas is also a season of hope, kindness and the power to change lives. If you’re able to help, no matter how small the gesture, these Manchester Christmas appeals offer a way to share warmth, comfort, and joy with those who need it most.

Each appeal represents a chance to create magical moments, provide essential support, or simply remind someone that they are not forgotten.

This holiday season, consider being a part of that hope. Whether it’s donating a meal, gifting a theatre experience, or contributing warm clothing and self-care items, your generosity can turn a difficult winter into something magical for those who need it most.

Here’s how you can make a difference in Manchester this Christmas…

Manchester Christmas Appeals

Manchester Foundation Trust Christmas Appeal

Help young people navigate life-changing transitions with the Manchester Hospital Foundation Trust’s Christmas Appeal. For children with long-term health conditions, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital often becomes a comforting second home. However, moving to adult care can be overwhelming.

This appeal supports the hospital’s incredible Youth Service, which helps young patients and their families adjust to new environments, ensuring continued care and emotional support during this critical phase.

How to help

  • Donate: Make a financial contribution to support this vital service here.
  • Spread awareness: Share this appeal with friends, family, and on social media to encourage more support.

Together, we can empower young people to thrive, even as they transition into unfamiliar settings. Your donation can make a real difference this Christmas.

Wood Street Mission

Help bring joy to local children in need this Christmas by supporting Wood Street Mission’s Christmas Appeal. Families from Manchester and Salford will visit the mission to select gifts donated by the community, ensuring their children experience a happy holiday season.

How to help

  • Donate: Contribute new, unwrapped toys, gifts, or books for children aged 0-14 years. Selection boxes, chocolates, and wrapping paper are also appreciated.
  • Financial donations: Make a monetary contribution here.
  • Fundraise: Organise fundraising events with friends, family, or colleagues. Download their festive fundraising ideas for inspiration!
  • Spread the word: Share online using #WoodStreetXmas.

Drop-off Details: Donations can be dropped off at: 26 Wood Street, Manchester M3 3EF (Monday to Friday, 08:30–16:30)

Alternatively, arrange direct delivery from online retailers or book their van service for collection.

For guidance, posters, or additional support, contact the fundraising team at: [email protected]

Deadline: Donations accepted until Monday, 9th December 2024.

Donate a meal with Lifeshare

Lifeshare Manchester provides vital support for rough sleepers, individuals in food and fuel poverty, and anyone in need of warmth and companionship over Christmas. In 2024, they anticipate serving over 4,000 meals, making your help more critical than ever.

How to help

  • Donate a meal: For just £11.50, you can fund a Christmas meal for someone in need. This cost includes a fresh meal, support services, and a warm, welcoming space. Donate here.
  • Volunteer: Make a difference by volunteering at the Mosaic Wellbeing Hub (2 Dale St, Manchester, M1 1JW) between December 23rd-29th. Volunteers must attend an induction in December and commit to at least two shifts. Sign up via their volunteering platform.

Lifeshare’s Christmas project includes:

  • Freshly cooked meals, hot showers, and dry clothes.
  • Access to hairdressers, barbers, opticians, doctors, nurses, and Cold Weather Team referrals.
  • Entertainment: live music, Christmas films, games, and creative workshops.
  • A warm bank for those struggling with heating costs.

Operating hours

  • December 23rd-25th: 7am–7pm
  • December 26th: 7am–7pm
  • December 27th: 7am–7pm
  • Other dates: Reduced hours (7am–9am)

Lifeshare’s Christmas efforts rely on community support. Whether donating a meal or giving your time, you’ll bring warmth and joy to Manchester’s most vulnerable this holiday season.

Lowry 2024 festive appeal

This Christmas, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people across Salford and Greater Manchester by supporting Lowry’s 2024 Festive Appeal. The appeal raises funds for the Lowry’s Socially Engaged Arts Programme, which helps children and young people overcome barriers and unlock their creative potential. The programme offers opportunities for self-expression, skill development, mental wellbeing, and positive social connections, providing a safe and inspiring space for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Supported by Salford-born comedian Jason Manford, the appeal aims to raise essential funds for this life-changing programme that supports young carers, care-experienced young people, and those at risk of homelessness. With your help, Lowry can continue to offer these vital services and create more opportunities for local youth.

How to help

  • Donate: Make a donation online at Lowry’s Festive Appeal.
  • Spread the word: Share the appeal on social media using #LowryFestiveAppeal to help raise awareness.

Donations can be made in person at The Lowry venue or online. Visit the website for more details and to donate by clicking here

Deadline: Donations are being accepted throughout the festive season.

Let’s support Lowry’s vision to transform young lives through creativity and give them the chance to shine this Christmas!

Eat Well MCR’s Christmas wellness box appeal

Eat Well Do Good

This Christmas, Eat Well MCR is spreading joy and comfort to young people in Manchester who are transitioning from the care system into independence.

The charity, known for providing over 130,000 free meals to those in food poverty, has launched its Christmas Wellness Box Appeal to support young people facing the challenges of the festive season. With the help of partners like Good Thing Coffee Co, The Old Abbey Taphouse, Venture Arts, and Meanwhile Creative, they aim to bring a moment of care and respite through thoughtfully curated wellness boxes.

How to Help

  • Donate items: Contribute new, unworn cosy clothing such as socks, hoodies, scarves, or beanies. Self-care products like bath bombs, moisturisers, and mindfulness journals are also needed, along with healthy snacks, hygiene essentials, and stationery.
  • Volunteer your time: Help pack and deliver the boxes to those in need.
  • Spread the word: Share the appeal with friends, family, or colleagues who might like to help.

You can drop off donations at the following locations:

  • Good Thing Coffee Co: Pollard Yard, Pollard Street East, Manchester, M40 7QX
  • The Old Abbey Taphouse: Guildhall Close, Manchester M15 6SY

The boxes will be distributed in mid-December to offer a comforting and thoughtful gift to young people in need.

Deadline: Donations are being accepted through November.

For more information or to donate online, visit Eat Well MCR’s website by clicking here

Your support will help make this holiday season a little brighter for Manchester’s young people as they step into their independence.

Z-arts’ festive appeal for children in care

This Christmas, Z-arts is bringing joy and inspiration to Manchester’s children in care with their Festive Appeal. Partnering with the Big Give Christmas Challenge, Z-arts is raising funds to offer free theatre trips to children in care and their foster carers or support workers.

Each child will participate in festive arts and crafts before enjoying a heart-warming re-imagining of Black Beauty, creating magical memories that will last a lifetime.

From Tuesday 27th November to Tuesday 4th December, every donation made through the Big Give website will be doubled, making each contribution twice as impactful.

How to help

  • Donate: Double your impact by donating during the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Visit the Big Give website by clicking here and search for “Z-arts” to make your contribution.
  • Spread the word: Share the appeal with friends, family, and colleagues to help bring theatre magic to children in care.

Gemma Rooke, Z-arts’ Development Manager, explained: “We believe all children should have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas adventures and quality time, and Z-arts is the perfect place for this to happen.”

Help create a festive season filled with joy, creativity, and inspiration for Manchester’s most vulnerable young people. Your donation could change a life!

Donate between 27th November and 4th December 2024 to double your impact.

For more information, visit the Big Give website by clicking here

The Wellspring Christmas Dinner Appeal

This Christmas, The Wellspring is asking for your support to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive a warm meal and a gift on Christmas Day. The Christmas Dinner Appeal is one of the charity’s most crucial campaigns, providing hope and positive change to those who need it most.

How to Help

  • Donate: Your donation will directly fund a Christmas dinner and a gift for someone who might otherwise go without this holiday season. Donations also help sustain The Wellspring’s work throughout the year, offering ongoing support to those in need.
  • Spread the word: Share the appeal with friends, family, and your network to help maximise the impact of the campaign.

Your contribution will not only make a difference on Christmas Day, but it will also provide a foundation for The Wellspring to continue their vital work into the next year. Every gift, no matter the size, carries a lasting legacy of change.

Please consider donating what you can, and help The Wellspring continue to bring hope and support to Manchester’s most vulnerable.

You can find out more on their website by clicking here

Mustard Tree Christmas Appeal

This Christmas, Mustard Tree is asking for your help to fight food poverty by donating gifts for their Food Clubs and Community Shops. These donations will bring joy to families facing hardship, providing festive treats and essential items to those who need them most.

What They Need

  • Selection boxes
  • Festive treats, including chocolate Santas and Christmas biscuits
  • Stocking fillers
  • Other non-perishable food items for their Food Clubs

How to Donate

  • Drop-off: Bring your donations to any of their hubs during opening hours.
  • Online: Purchase items and have them delivered directly to Mustard Tree via their GiveToday page.
  • Larger Collections: If you’re organising a bigger collection, email [email protected]

For any questions or assistance with food collections, call 0161 228 7331 or check out their website here

Your generosity this Christmas will help ensure that more people have access to food and festive cheer during the holidays.

Have we missed anyone? Let us know! [email protected]

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Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!

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