Combating Homelessness in Manchester: Mustard Tree and Two Brews

Last week, I was able to visit the two wonderful charities we at Blendsmiths support, both of whom assist those experiencing homelessness in Manchester.

 

Manchester, a city known for its vibrant culture and thriving economy, is facing a sharp increase in cases of homelessness. Over the past few years, the number of people living on the streets or in temporary accommodation has surged, while many individuals experience “hidden homelessness,” living in insecure or temporary accommodation, such as hostels, or “sofa surfing” with friends and family.

 

We’re committed to addressing this issue through donating products to our ongoing partners Mustard Tree and Two Brews. I spent the day finding out more about these two charities, seeing the work they do and the impact it has on the community.

I visited Mustard Tree as my first stop, arriving just before opening to notice a large number of people outside waiting for the doors to open—before even stepping foot in the building, it was clear how essential this space is for people. Mustard Tree has been a beacon of hope in Manchester for over 25 years, offering a range of services to help people out of poverty and homelessness, while also supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

 

From providing food and clothing to offering training (as part of their Freedom programme), Mustard Tree empowers individuals to rebuild their lives. Their footfall has risen from 2,000 individuals per month pre-COVID to 10,000 individuals. The rise in clients can be attributed to several factors, including the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, cuts to welfare benefits, and the chronic shortage of affordable housing.

 

The space is open to anyone, with a relaxed feel that aims to de-stigmatise and normalise walking through those doors—the first step to seeking help. Clients who are choosing clothing donations are interwoven with paying customers who are thrift shopping—the aim being to reduce feelings of failure and shame, and just make the process feel like a normal shopping experience.

 

Likewise, clients can choose their own items in the food bank as opposed to receiving a generic food package that may not meet their taste and dietary requirements. As I sat in the café, I spotted people choosing a range of items from cereals, fresh produce, and tinned foods. Before COVID, the food package footfall was 120 people per month, costing £2,000 per month. Post-COVID, this has shot up to 5,000 clients a month, costing £480,000 per year.

 

I dropped off our weekly donation to the amazing team in the café, who are a mix of employees and volunteers developing skills to kick-start their employment pathway, what Mustard Tree calls their Freedom project. Our donations of hot chocolate and chai help raise funds for the charity. Anyone can visit the café and buy a drink, but this is also a safe space for people to arrive and seek help in a relaxed, non-clinical environment—the informal and relaxed setting reduces barriers to seeking help.

 

The charity has support workers who are the first point of contact for anyone walking through the doors; this might be someone coming to attend an English lesson upstairs, or someone in crisis, such as suffering from addiction or domestic abuse. These support workers also receive supervision to ensure they too are looked after.

 

Upstairs, I was enjoying the scent of Persian-themed lunch being cooked in the kitchen while looking around the various classrooms, art spaces, and IT hubs. The upstairs area is more focused on preventative measures, cultivating skills, and providing education and computers to look for jobs and housing. There is also a crèche for people who want to use these services and who also have children.

 

It was a true joy to visit Mustard Tree and experience the many pockets of support they provide. Their approach to de-stigmatising walking through those doors, which can start with a simple cup of hot chocolate, is clearly working—the number of people using the service has grown immensely.

 

Two Brews is another vital charity in our community, known for its grassroots approach to helping those on the streets. Their message is one that resonates with Blendsmiths deeply: “a brew can go a long way.” It’s not just hot drinks that they serve; their dedicated volunteers walk the streets of Manchester each night, offering food, drinks, and essential items to rough sleepers.

 

I joined the team at St Anne’s Square, where there was already a huge queue of people waiting for a brew and a bite to eat—it was the most people they had seen for a while because another local charity was closed for the week, resulting in a bigger demand on Two Brews’ resources. I served coffees with heaps of sugar, strong piping-hot teas, and hot chocolates for roughly 60 people. Two Brews does this every single night.

 

Food was provided by Pret A Manger and Greggs, who commit to giving their fresh produce away at the end of the day. These drinks and meals went directly into the hands of those who needed them most—providing warmth, sustenance, and a little cup of joy. A brew does go a long way.

 

By donating our drinks to Two Brews, we’re able to directly support their outreach efforts, ensuring that the people they help receive not only sustenance but also a reminder that they are not forgotten.

 

 

We believe that by working together, we can help build a future where everyone in Manchester has the opportunity to live with dignity and security. It’s our hope that through our partnerships and contributions, we can be part of the solution, bringing warmth, comfort, and hope to those facing the toughest challenges.

 

Mustard Tree and Two Brews rely heavily on donations, fundraisers, and volunteers. Each charity has its own unique needs. To find out more about each charity, follow the links here:

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