GMCVO – ‘Communities in Control’ week

A big thanks to everyone who joined us for our GMCVO tour – part of the organisation’s ‘Communities in Control’ week. We had a real blend of local companies, individual donors and community group members attend, to visit our refurbished Community Shop, Food Club and Olive Branch Café.

Guests were also treated to a pop-up exhibition by Mustard Tree’s art drop-in clients, some of which shared their experiences of attending on-site clubs and classes. If you or any of your contacts would ever like a tour of our three hubs, please email information@mustardtree.org.uk.

Inflation and the impact on Food Club

This week it was announced that prices are continuing to rise at their fastest rate for more than 40 years. In our last newsletter, we mentioned that our Food Club demand has hit an all-time high, with 126 people visiting us in a single day to access low-cost food. Just a couple of days later, the number hit 129 at our Ancoats hub alone – another ‘record’ and a new reality during the cost of living crisis.

We’re always in need of ambient food donations to help our clients alleviate the financial pressure of a weekly shop. Here are two quick ways to make a direct donation to help with our food response:

Purchase a ‘food bundle’ via our Give Today online wish-list

Donate via our ‘Bankuet’ page, through which we can place a food order

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us during these very challenging times for our clients.

Mustard Tree has been like a second home

This week’s story comes directly from Rasheedat, one of our Freedom trainees currently gaining new skills by helping to run our Community Shop:

“Hello, my name is Rasheedat. I am on Universal Credit and was recommended to train at Mustard Tree. Mustard Tree has been a benefit to me personally. I have received so much support physically, financially and more. Mustard Tree has been like a second home to me because ALL the staff have been very helpful – I felt welcome and could turn to anyone for help.

I have been able to take a customer service course and train with the retail team, where I gained experience and met different people from different backgrounds.

“My landlord has agreed to reduce the rent increase” – Rasheedat

Peter (my work coach) has been very supportive – I was able to get my provisional driving license, tax return and pension all sorted. Another person I would like to thank is Megan – she has been amazing. I was unwell one day and as soon as I messaged Megan, she dashed out of the office to attend to me.

Megan called the attention of the first aiders that came to Mustard Tree and an ambulance was called. Megan did not stop there – she also did a follow up to check I was ok.

When I had a problem with my landlord as a result of rent increases, Peter referred me to the Tenants’ Union, who were supportive and gave advice – now my landlord has agreed to reduce the rent increase.

I want to thank Mustard Tree for a job WELL DONE and give them a big thumbs-up!”

Are you ‘Tough’ enough?

We have purchased a limited number of charity tokens for the infamous Tough Mudder 5k obstacle course, taking place at Heaton Park on October 22nd and 23rd – here’s your chance to take part for FREE.

Tokens are available on a first-come-first served basis to anyone who can pledge to fund-raise at least £250 for our causes through our Tough Mudder JustGiving campaign page. To sign-up, please email information@mustardtree.org.uk with your full name.

Supporting Salford

If you live in the Eccles or Little Hulton area, you may see one of the below flyers drop through your door over the next couple of weeks. We’re constantly in need of furniture, white goods and essential household items across our three hubs – to help make a house a home for families in need.

If you have pre-loved items which you want to prevent from going to landfill, click here to submit an online form for a free collection, give us a call on 0161 228 7331 or email helpdesk@mustardtree.org.uk.

The Burning Issue

Record breaking temperatures this week presented fresh challenges for our clients who are street homeless. Manchester World has rounded-up some opinions of voluntary organisations to cover their support responses to the heatwave.

The article features points of view from ourselves, plus the Street Engagement Hub – who operate out of our Ancoats hub each Tuesday and Thursday.

“Mustard Tree said access to water is the biggest problem rough sleepers are facing. It said the council had offered it money to buy extra bottled water to put out in its reception and it had also received donations of sun cream and baseball caps to help provide respite from the sun”.

– Manchester World

You can click here to read the full article.

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.

Join the Real 10k

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.