For our Christmas appeal this year the Manchester Evening News is asking for your help in supporting an incredible charity which tries to offer a desperately-needed safety net to people in our region struggling with poverty.

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, Mustard Tree offers support to the most vulnerable in Greater Manchester; the homeless, people who can't afford food, people unable to find a job to support themselves.

The charity's three sites in Ancoats, Little Hulton and Eccles are busier than they have ever been and their dedicated staff are expecting even more people to need their help as the weather turns colder in the new year.

Mustard Tree offers food discount schemes, a welcoming and affordable café where people can get a much-needed break from the cold, and a community store offering discounted furniture, white goods, electricals and clothing.

All three sites run a ‘Food Club’, a discounted and free grocery scheme. Although there are some donations, 90 per cent of this food has to be bought by Mustard Tree. And they can’t do their vital work without funding.

But they doesn’t just help people in crisis - they try to equip them for a better future by teaching skills to help them get jobs. This includes clubs and classes such as learning computer skills, improving their literacy and managing bills. Amazingly nearly 100 people have found new jobs this year with support from Mustard Tree.

Already in 2025, Mustard Tree has helped 350 people into homes who would otherwise be living on the streets, and almost 700 families have been given a helping hand for their new start with free furniture.

This Christmas we are hoping to help raise £10,000 to help their mission this winter.

Even just a small donation can make a huge difference, so once again this year we are asking you please give generously.