Hundreds expected to use homeless charity over Christmas

Volunteers cook hot meals for those in need over the Christmas period

A homeless charity said it had seen an increase in demand for its services this year as it launched its annual Christmas project.

Manchester's Lifeshare, founded in 1984, said it had served double the number of free breakfasts this year.

The charity runs its Christmas project offering hot meals and other services to those in need between 23 and 29 December.

About 250 volunteers are offering their services over the period, with more than 800 visitors expected over the seven days.

Abigail Noonan, from the charity, said the organisation had served 12,000 breakfasts this year

Abigail Noonan, from the charity, said the organisation had served 12,000 breakfasts this year, an increase from 6,000 in 2022.

“It’s amazing that we’ve been able to provide that support, but it shows there are more people who need our help and it’s harder to provide that help because things cost more," she said.

“As long as people need our help, we’ve got to be here to provide it.”

Alongside a hot meal, the charity’s Christmas project also allows people to collect clothing, take a hot shower and access services such as a barber, a hairdresser and an optician.

“The hot meal is a really great vehicle to get people in the door but once they’re in and they see our amazing volunteers, the boost that it gives people is to really feel included,” said Ms Noonan.

“It’s so much more than a meal.”

Maxine Peake has been involved with the charity for a decade

Actor Maxine Peake is a patron of the charity.

“Lifeshare and what happens at this time of year with Lifeshare becomes part of Christmas for me.” she said.

“Christmas is about community and family and that’s why it felt important for me to come down and see the Lifeshare family.”

About 250 people will be volunteering over Christmas

Julia Cheung has been volunteering at the Christmas project for 11 years.

“I always felt that Christmas, no matter how much you enjoy it with family or friends, you should give something back,” she said.