Local charity is bringing the holiday cheer to the streets, fostering a message of solidarity and compassion this Christmas season
Anna Stelfox
Two Brews, a homeless charity are bringing the Christmas joy to St Peters Square this Saturday by putting on a Christmas Pop up for the homeless. The day will consist of a three-course Christmas dinner, a visit from Santa, and access to a hairdresser and checkup from St Johns Ambulance.
Amanda Thompson, co-founder and Admin of Two Brews has said that the aim of the day is no to be a fundraiser for the homeless but a party for their friends.
Amanda said: “It’s a chance to put everyone on the same level – to make everyone realize we’re all the same people no matter if we lay on the floor or stood up above them”
Although donations are welcome, she explains: “It’s to do with what we can give the homeless, for them to be seen and not us to be seen”. Amanda said she appreciates the chance to bring a smile to their faces and let them have a good day.
The non-profit charity, made up entirely of volunteers, goes out 365 evenings a year. Starting on Christmas day 2020 they wanted to do something that no other outreach did and by providing the regularity they’ve been able to become trustworthy, reliable help for many people who’ve had nowhere else to turn.
Homelessness in Manchester is on the rise and has one of the highest rankings in the country, according to statistics published by Shelter. In January 2023, Manchester ranks third highest in the country for people experiencing homelessness per capita, with around 7,407 people (one in 74 people) experiencing homelessness.
Amanda said homeless figures are “shocking, the figures are shocking at the minuet, it’s just unbearable” and that due to the government rising costs that she sees first hand that “more people are coming onto the streets” because the economy isn’t livable anymore.
But it’s charities like Two Brews that are not only helping to tackle the problem but embracing the homeless too by putting on events such as this one and their continued daily support.
The event is free to attend and will take place from 3:00pm in St Peters Square.