Struggling this Christmas? Where to find help this festive period in Salford

Despite the festive cheer, Christmas isn’t always the easiest time for everyone. If you find yourself struggling over this coming festive period, take a look at these judgement-free local organisations offering support to those in need this year.

Whether you are in need of support buying food , someone to talk to about your mental health, or worried about a rough sleeper or even losing your own accommodation- there is help available within the Salford and Greater Manchester area for those who require it.

FOOD SUPPORT:

SALFORD SURVIVOR PROJECT:

Still collecting donations of food and presents to give for families in need, the Salford Survivor Project is a perfect example of community spirit.

Helping families break free from domestic or family abuse, the organisation is a non-judgemental service helping victims of violence gain information, support, and help.

They are currently supporting families effected by abuse on the run up to Christmas by providing food parcels and presents for children. Those wanting to help can ‘Sponsor a Child’ for £10, to ensure they receive the Christmas they deserve.

For more information, their website can be accessed here.

They also offer a support helpline open 10am-10pm everyday on 0161 706 0468.

MORGAN SINDALL:

Construction giants Morgan Sindall is offering free meals for the homeless and those in need on Tuesday 28^th December.

Between 10am-2pm, in collaboration with ‘Pit Stop Catering’, those wanting a free hot meal of hot-dog and chips, or soup and a roll can go along to their main construction site located at C1 New Bailey, Stanley Street, M3 5EN.

SALFORD FOOD BANK:

Salford Food Bank are offering parcels of three-day’s worth of “nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food” (Salford Food Bank, 2021) over the festive period. Those wanting to access this organisation are urged to firstly apply for a foodbank voucher code, either from Salford Citizens Advice crisis lines, or contacting the foodbank directly on 0161 637 2120.

Once a voucher is obtained, this can then be exchanged for a food parcel. More information can be found on their website here.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:

Christmas can often be a lonely time for many people, and especially with the impact of the pandemic, numerous people will find themselves separated from family and friends this year. So, who can you reach out to when you are in need?

GREATER MANCHESTER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:

If you find yourself struggling with mental health problems within Salford and the area of Greater Manchester, please do not go through it alone.

Service users and carers can access 24-hour help available on 01204 483071.

SHOUT:

Shout is the UK’s first free, 24/7 text service for those in crisis, no matter where, no matter what time. The organisation deals with a wide range of problems, such as domestic abuse, suicidal thoughts, bullying and self-harm.

If you need to get instant help text Shout to 85258, and a volunteer will be in touch immediately.

SPIRIT OF SALFORD HELPLINE:

The Spirit of Salford helpline is available for those self-isolating, and cannot receive support from family, friends or neighbours.

The helpline offer help with food shopping, picking up prescriptions, obtaining fuel for gas and electric metres, and looking after pets.

This vital scheme can be accessed by calling 0800 952 1000 from Monday-Friday, between 8:30am-6pm.

CHATTY BENCHES (WALKDEN):

Chatty Benches in Walkden Town Centre
Image Credit: Michelle Dennett, START Charity Director (press release).

Men’s mental health organisation “Talk About it Mate” are offering an exciting new initiative for the locals of Walkden.

“Nobody needs to feel lonely in Walkden”.

Need a chat? Why not pop down to Walkden town centre and take a seat on their chatty benches? The benches are open for anyone struggling and in need to talk about their mental health problems, a friendly face is always on hand and ready to speak to you.

Not only do they offer the chatty bench scheme, ‘Talk About it Mate’ are offering a wide range of events this Christmas, ensuring no one has to struggle alone. The organisation are offering a range of events this Christmas period, including: ‘Walk About it Mate: Salford Walk and Talk’ events, alongside Christmas quizzes for all.

Within the new year both men’s and women’s support groups will be running and are welcome to anyone who wants to come along to have a chat.

More information can be found on their website.

THE EXTRACARE CHARITABLE TRUST:

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust offer vital support to the elderly population of Salford, providing interactive activities, support, and well-being services to combat loneliness.

The trust has over 60 charity shops within Salford and the local area and are always on the lookout for volunteers and donations of cash and unwanted goods.

They can be contacted on 0161 312 4107.

HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT:

EMMAUS SALFORD:

Emmaus Salford has teamed up with Salford City Council to offer a safe place for those who are homeless and living on the streets.

The support organisation has access to ‘The People’s Pods’, allowing those sleeping rough to access a secure and comfortable night’s sleep at their Pendleton base.

Councillor Tracy Kelly urged people who were struggling to reach out:

“This year’s pandemic has put extra financial pressure on many people who were already struggling to get by… I’d urge anyone who is worried about rent or mortgage arrears, debts or bills to seek help urgently. There are many organisations, including Salford City Council, which can support you and may be able to prevent you losing the roof over your head.” (Emmaus Salford, 2020)

Those in need of accessing the pods must reach out to Salford Housing Options on the contact number of 0161 794 8888.

SALFORD LOAVES & FISHES:

The Salford Loaves & Fishes campaign are serving hot meals to the homeless and vulnerable population of Salford Monday to Friday 9am-3pm. They are offering welfare advice, substance abuse support, GP services, and a much-needed listening ear to those in need.

This support can be found at their drop-in centre located at 1 Paddington Close, Salford, M6 5PL.