Maxine Peake will volunteer with Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity as it opens its doors for the entire Christmas period – offering help to people across the city.
Lifeshare, an organisation run by volunteers to help homeless and vulnerable people in Manchester and Salford, are offering three meals a day, companionship, showers, health support and clothing at the Mosaic Centre on Dale Street from December 23rd to 29th.
On Christmas Eve, Bolton-born actress and Lifeshare patron Maxine Peake will join the charity’s team of volunteers who will pitch in to make sure that nobody goes without this festive season.
Judith Vickers, operational manager at Lifeshare, said: “With the help of our amazing volunteers – who basically keep us going and are giving up their own Christmases to support those in need – we hope our Christmas Project will provide a little light, warmth and much-needed comfort.”
In its 30th year opening over Christmas, the charity is expecting to serve over 4,000 meals to those in need – a jump up of 1,000 from last year’s Christmas period.
Vickers said: “With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, demand for our services is at an all-time high – especially during the festive season, when many of Manchester’s most vulnerable face increased financial pressures and isolation.
“We are here for anyone who needs a hot meal and a friendly face in what can be an extremely challenging time for many – no questions asked.”
With 2024 marking the charity’s 40th anniversary, Lifeshare has served around 156,000 Christmas dinners during its time to those facing hardship in the city.
The homelessness charity has faced financial pressures over the course of this year, but thanks to a £67,000 donation from The Moulding Foundation, raised during a recent event, Lifeshare can continue their valuable work until next April.
Throughout other periods of the year, Lifeshare works to alleviate all aspects of poverty and hardship, and assists people in accessing primary health care in a bid to promote wellbeing and harm reduction.
If you want to support those in need this Christmas, you have the option to donate a Christmas dinner for £11.50 via Lifeshare’s website.
Featured image: Volunteers at Christmas by Lifeshare
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