The powerful campaign highlighting the struggles of Manchester’s most vulnerable

As the festive season lights up Manchester, for many, the holidays bring not just joy but mounting pressures.

New polling reveals that while 37% of people in the city are focused on buying and wrapping presents, over a third (35%) are deeply worried about heating costs, and almost 1 in 5 (19%) struggle with rising food bills.

Amidst this backdrop, Matt Stallard, Campaigns Manager at Manchester Central Foodbank, is sharing his story as part of Mile In My Shoes—a powerful new digital storytelling project from Health Equals.

Mile In My Shoes

Originally conceived as an immersive exhibition where visitors physically walked in the storyteller’s shoes while listening to their experiences, Mile In My Shoes has now been adapted for online audiences.

This reimagined platform invites listeners to take a metaphorical journey in the shoes of 21 individuals, like Matt, who are working on the frontlines of housing, education, air pollution, hunger and other pressing issues.

Manchester Central Foodbank

For Matt, the work at Manchester Central Foodbank goes far beyond distributing food. Over the past year, the foodbank’s reach has doubled, now supporting over 1,600 people each month—a stark reflection of growing inequalities.

Yet, for Matt, the foodbank’s existence underscores a more profound issue: a system that leaves families in crisis without adequate support.

“Foodbanks shouldn’t have to exist,” says Matt. “Their necessity is a symptom of broken systems, from inadequate social safety nets to housing policies that fail the most vulnerable.”

Through Mile In My Shoes, Matt shares stories from the foodbank, highlighting the harsh realities faced by families—some struggling with malnutrition severe enough to cause rickets, others grappling with the Two-Child Benefit Cap that disproportionately affects children.

“46% of the households we support have more than two children,” Matt explains. “Policies like the Two-Child Benefit Cap not only punish families but also lead to long-term costs in health, education, and productivity. We need to shift toward proactive solutions.”

The campaign coincides with a critical time for many in Manchester.

Seasonal expenses force some to cut back on essentials, with over 1 in 10 residents anticipating financial repercussions lasting well into 2025. Meanwhile, health inequalities in Manchester remain stark, with life expectancy up to 14 years lower in some parts of the city compared to others.

Paul McDonald, Chief Campaigns Officer at Health Equals

Paul McDonald, Chief Campaigns Officer at Health Equals, emphasises the importance of addressing these disparities: “The holiday season highlights the gaps in our society.

Inequal access to essentials like quality housing, food, and green spaces is cutting lives short. This campaign aims to bring these issues to the forefront and demand systemic change.”

For Matt, sharing his story is about more than awareness—it’s about action.

“The festive season is a time of giving, but it’s also a chance to reflect on what we can do to create lasting change. By understanding these issues, we can work together to build a fairer, healthier society.”

To take a walk in Matt’s shoes and explore the full collection of Mile In My Shoes stories, please click here

This December, let’s not just celebrate the season—let’s step into the shoes of those making a difference and help pave the way for a brighter future for everyone.