Every year I write a blog post that centres around charity, and how you can give at Christmas.
After last week’s results, it feels a little bit more important to me. I didn’t vote on Brexit. I voted on the issues that mean far more to me than our exit from the EU – austerity, the NHS policing, pay, the rise in violence against BAME people, and the LGBTIQ+ community. All the reasons this government has failed us. And will fail us again.
Given the above, I’m even more aware of the rise in poverty. The mouths that need feeding. The bodies that need clothing. Those being denied money for health care and support. And what feels like a lack of kindness from many different perspectives. Despite the Tories causing more deaths via austerity than terrorism (150,000 link here, versus deaths during The Troubles, link here, list of all terrorist attacks here), they were still voted in. People were more concerned about our exit from Europe, than the wellbeing of others. And whilst that makes me very sad (and angry, and disappointed, and worried), it is what it is.
So again, I’m going to write this, pop down some links. To be fair, January is often worse than Christmas, so whilst this post is a little later than normal this year, whether you can spare £1 or £100, or just an hours volunteering, I know it will all be gratefully received. And, given I’ve coordinated some donations at work, I can honestly say, if you’re feeling sad about Thursday like me, it’ll make you feel a little better about the world – whatever your political stance.
So, for Stretford and South Manchester, Barakah Food Aid, Stretford Food Bank and Emmeline’s Pantry. Further afield, visit the Greater Together website (which has all of Manchester’s food banks on it, independent or otherwise), or the Trussell Trust, so you can find your local foodbank and donate, or volunteer.
Foodbanks regularly run short of tea and coffee, sugar, tinned meat/fish, toiletries and nappies, but all non-perishable food is welcome. A full list can be found on the Trussell Trust site – and they will often update on their local Facebook pages what is in short supply, making it easy for you to add a tin or jar to your regular shop.
In Manchester, we’ve also seen a change with the homeless charities. You can still donate directly to the smaller charities, such as Coffee4Craig, Mustard Tree and Barnabus, or you can head to Street Support and see how you can help – and find charities you didn’t know existed. Or maybe that’s just me!
You can of course donate money, but you can also donate clothes, blankets, and food, as well as time. For some charities, volunteers donating hours to help can make all the difference, so if you can’t donate funds, but could offer an hour here or there, could be exactly what they need.
Oh and as always, remember you and yours. Be kind to yourself. Don’t go into debt for gifts for others. It’s not worth it, and speaking as a recipient, I’d rather sit down for a brew and a catch up with you, than you spend money you can’t afford.
Maybe this year, ask people what they’d like. Sometimes they’d actually prefer something useful and practical, than something indulgent and frilly. What’s the point in a bath bomb if you’re struggling to pay for the hot water? Maybe offer to do a shop for them, grab some essentials, pay their bus fare for a week.
In a world where people can be in full time work, and still be in need, that offer might be just what they need.