The Cost of Living

We mentioned in our first Round-Up about the Resolution Foundation’s Year of the Squeeze report. This week, it is now being reported that the cost of living rose at its fastest pace in nearly 30 years in the year to December (ONS) 1.

A fiscal think tank told the BBC that people on low incomes would be particularly hard hit by the rises:

“Everyone, particularly those on modest incomes, has had a long period of wages not really growing any faster than prices over the last decade, so another increase at this point is going to be particularly painful 2”

– Paul Johnson, Institute for Fiscal Studies

A rise in food, furniture and clothing have contributed to the rise in the cost of living. Our Community Shops exist for everyone, but particularly those on low/no income to reduce some of their financial hardship. When we receive donations of goods and appliances – such as the below from Curry’s and PC World – it can make all the difference for someone in need.

If you can support us with a regular collection within your community group or company – we’d love to hear from you by emailing information@mustardtree.org.uk.

Click here to food donation information

Click here to submit a free furniture collection enquiry

We’re Hiring!

If you’re passionate about combatting poverty, preventing homelessness and looking for a new career opportunity – come and join our Salford team!

The deadline for applications is Monday 31st January – visit our vacancies page for more details and to apply.

Positive Change

Last week, Will and Simon from MakePositive used their company’s volunteering days to give their time with our drivers – helping to collect furniture donations and deliver food parcels across Manchester and Salford.

If your company would like to get involved in a volunteering day at Mustard Tree, please drop us an email to information@mustardtree.org.uk.

The Real 10k

Harnessing the community spirit of the Manchester 10k run – we’ve launched a brand-new fundraising initiative called ‘The Real 10k’ – with an aim to recruit 10,000 donors giving £5 a month through our Just Giving platform.

The campaign is designed to create a dependable income stream, allowing the charity to budget effectively during uncertain times — such as the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing food prices.

Thank you if you are already supporting us. If you are reading this and want to help fight poverty and prevent homelessness, please join our movement.

You can read more about the Real 10k campaign here.

Final Word

Here’s an uplifting testimonial from one of our Little Hulton trainees, who joined our Freedom Project last year:

“Being on the Freedom Project has helped me build my confidence and helped me feel ready to tackle anything that is put in front of me. Since starting in August I have done my Food and Hygiene Level 2 and my COSHH training.  I would like to give Jonathan and Alison a big thank you for all the help and support I get from them”.

Have a great weekend and see you soon.