Christmas Project 2009
It is impossible to assess the full impact of our Christmas project - who can say how much misery is alleviated or whether a life is saved?
What we do know is that:
- Whilst Christmas brings joy to many, for others it is a time of loneliness, hardship and depression - when the suicide rate traditionally peaks.
- The likelihood of a homeless person dying as a result of suicide is approximately 35 times higher than the norm during this period.
- Manchester has the highest rate of suicide among young men in the country, with a ratio of 3:1 male to female. Homeless people are predominantly young males.
- The factors most closely associated with homelessness are also those most closely associated with suicide: poverty, alcohol dependency, substance misuse, mental illness, and relationship breakdown.
What we offer:
At Christmas, when homeless and disadvantaged people need comfort and support more than any other time, everything is closing. The Lifeshare Christmas Project offers a refuge from the exaggerated isolation. Among some of the things we can provide are:
- Food and shelter
- Three cooked meals are provided every day, with a vegetarian alternative.
- Company and activities
- TV, music, table tennis, board games and volunteers to lend a listening ear.
- Medical centre
- With a doctor and nurse or first aider, dentist, podiatrist.
- Welfare and housing advice
- Assistance with varied problems: e.g.: from emergency accommodation to benefits and advice.
- Entertainment
- Volunteer karaoke, bands, musicians, comics & vocalists.
- A Festive Air
- A Happy Christmas vibe with trees, crackers and Santa's sack.
We have now filled all of our places for this year's Christmas Project. Many thanks to everyone who has volunteered - we look forward to seeing you at the training days.
White Goods
Lifeshare can supply reconditioned electrical appliances in the Manchester area. This is a partnership between Lifeshare and Create, who provide training for the unemployed. By buying from us, you will be helping people to gain skills, employment and supporting a homeless organisation.
- 4 Ring Electric Cookers from £99.00
- Fridges from £59.00
- Fridge/Freezers from £89.00
- Washing Machines from £108.00
Delivery is at nominal cost and all units are factory reconditioned and covered by six month guarantee.
Weekend Breakfast Project
The Breakfast Project still continues to be a popular and important part of 
Lifeshare's service to the homeless and disadvantaged people of Manchester
 who are in need. The project started back in the days when the large shops did not open on Sundays, and one of our volunteers, the late Vic Davies, suggested taking bacon sandwiches out onto the streets on Sunday mornings.
The service now operates every Saturday and Sunday morning in the Charter St. Mission building on Dantzic St. In the 1860's the Mission provided free breakfasts to the poor and homeless children of what was then one of the worst slums in Manchester. It is a sad reflection of society today that there is still a need for such a service.
On average, every weekend morning, around 50 people are served with cereals, full cooked breakfast, toast and hot drinks. Our volunteer chefs pride themselves that the quality of the food that they prepare is as good as anything for sale in Manchester.
Streetwork & Outreach
Outreach is Lifeshare's first point of contact and a link in the chain of services. We aim to assist those who are sleeping rough to access emergency accommodation and to link people into other services to enable them to make changes to their lifestyles.
On 2 evenings each week, the outreach service is dedicated to the young men who sell sex to men. These lads work either on the streets or in certain bars in the city centre. Many are homeless and are often unaware of the health risks they are exposed to through this activity. We will be posting a special report on this work soon, but please contact us if you want to know more about this work.
