The response – in short – was quite overwhelming, with so many of you heeding the call and helping us more than double our target of 1,000 eggs.
Taking away some of the financial stress during holiday periods is just one of the ways you have helped us combat poverty, at a time when even a chocolate bar could be considered a luxury amidst the cost of living crisis.
On behalf of our clients, we’d like to thank you for all your generosity and spirit in making it such a successful campaign – you can read Laura’s write-up here.
Olive Branch Café
This week marked the soft launch of our Olive Branch Café, on the ground floor of our Ancoats hub. What was first opened as a training space before the pandemic, quickly became a triage area for the Street Engagement Hub from September 2020, as part of our Covid-19 crisis response.
After a reshuffle at the start of the month, we have refurbished and relaunched the café, with the primary purpose of creating opportunities for people to gain new skills and experience that could lead to employment.
We’ll have more to share on the Olive Branch Café soon, and you can have a first look at the new menu here.
Salford Stories – Supporting George
George* came to Mustard Tree extremely distressed and anxious due to his financial circumstances. He was in arrears, close to £29,000, and as they went unpaid each passing month – they were getting higher and higher.
George was registered as a client when he first came to Mustard Tree, enabling him to access Food Club twice weekly to receive 10 items of food for £2.50. The support team worked with George when he was unable to pay, either through a free Food Club visit (subsidised by our hardship fund) or referred to a local food bank.
Meanwhile, the team discussed applying for a Debt Relief Order (DRO) and how this might help George to have some breathing space and clear his debts. He happily agreed and we made a referral to Salford Citizen’s Advice so that he could speak to the DRO unit.
“I didn’t even know that something like a Debt Relief Order was an option – it’s a light at the end of the tunnel”
With the support of Mustard Tree, George had his DRO assessment, sent off evidence of all of his debts and paid the application fee. A few days later we found out that his application had been approved.
George is delighted that his DRO has been successful, he didn’t know that something like this was an option and he can’t believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. He is no longer anxious or stressed and feels healthier and happier. He says that a weight has been lifted from him, he’s not scared to answer his door or open letters anymore, and he is looking forward to a bright and happy future.
If you know someone like George who may benefit from our services, please submit an online referral and our team will be in touch.
*George’s name has been changed and a stock image used to protect identity.
Art Exhibition Creative Showcase
For the first time since the pandemic, we’re delighted to be showcasing original artwork from our Art and Textiles Classes! The event is to mark and celebrate Mental Awareness Week 2022, exploring the benefits of art, community, and creativity for all our well-being.
The event will take place Thursday 12th May 2022 from 5pm – 7pm. If you’d like anymore information and would like to attend, please drop us an email reply to information@mustardtree.org.uk.
Can you help us combat poverty and prevent homelessness?
If you enjoy reading our newsletter and want to support our work, the best way you can do this is by joining the Real 10k and setting up a regular gift to help keep our services running. We have an aim to recruit 10,000 donors – each giving £5 a month – to help secure our charity for years to come – and create lasting change across Manchester and Salford.
Please join us in this mission by clicking the button below.
To our partners who are already supporting us with a monthly donation, please share this newsletter with friends, family members and colleagues – and thank you so much for all your ongoing support. Your kind donations are vital for us to continue our work and much appreciated by us all.
