Former nurse says she owes her life to charity

Bev Hall volunteered with the charity that helped turn her life around

A former nurse who fell on hard times has told how she believes she "may not be here today" without the help of a charity.

The Mustard Tree is celebrating 30 years of supporting the homeless and other vulnerable people in Greater Manchester.

Bev Hall, 46, from Harpurhey, Manchester, said the organisation had given her "life changing" help through a time of crisis.

The charity has helped hundreds of thousands of people like Ms Hall since it was set up in June 1994.

Mustard Tree volunteer Eric Stone helps refugees learn English

It supported Ms Hall through a crisis, helping to restore her confidence and self-esteem by offering training and financial support.

“I don't think I'd actually be here today if it wasn’t for Mustard Tree," the former NHS worker said.

“It’s such a positive place to be, it’s really special.”

Ms Hall who now volunteers at the charity’s shop and food club, said it was "nice to give something back after they helped me out".

“Even though I worked all those years in the NHS, this is the kindest, most caring place that I’ve worked. It’s like family,” she added.

The charity provides food, furniture and clothing to people living on the streets and those threatened with homelessness.

It also helps people turn their lives around through education, training and work placements.

The charity has had more than 10,000 visits every month to its three hubs in Ancoats, Little Hulton and Eccles.

Chief executive Jo Walby said its "fundamental values" had stayed the same over three decades but the charity had expanded to match the "growth of inequality and the housing crisis".

“The difference now is the amount of working people who are struggling” she said.

“These are people who’re not on high wages but trying to cope with rent and energy price increases.”

The charity said it is also helping an increasing number of refugees and asylum seekers.

Mustard Tree has bases in Ancoats, Little Hulton and Eccles.

Marking the Mustard Tree’s anniversary, Ms Walby said the charity would not exist without the "love and kindness" of the people and businesses who support it.

“Maintaining our services in the future will be very challenging from a money point of view,” she added.

Eric Stone, a 77-year-old from Manchester, is another former client-turned-volunteer who helps refugees to learn English.

Mr Stone wanted to work with the charity after it supported him through his own problems.

“I love doing it. It’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever come across, it’s quite unique,” he said.

“The feedback you get from people makes you feel good.

“That’s helped me. I’m happier than I’ve ever been."

The Mustard Tree is holding a series of events during June to mark its 30th anniversary.