Star date: 14th December 2020

LOAVES AND FISHES CONTINUES ITS WORK THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

While some community help organisations have had to shut during the coronavirus crisis, Salford Loaves and Fishes has continued to provide food and support for those who need it... "Demand has gone up, not just from the streets but from people who were on the breadline and have now fallen below it" says new Chair, Paul Ashton, who is developing new fundraising ideas and services.

Meanwhile, this Wednesday 16th December at 7pm, there is a Concert For Hope being livestreamed, with lots of local artistes, including poet Tony Walsh, Mike Sweeney and Jess Kemp, plus Andy Burnham and the Bishop of Salford.

Full details here... 

Salford Loaves and Fishes is a much respected, much needed and loved charity that helps the homeless and vulnerable. While many community support organisations have had to close during the coronavirus crisis, this organisation, based on Paddington Close, off Churchill Way, has continued its work, with requests for help soaring.

"Generally what we are seeing is that people who didn't have to come here before are coming as they're now desperate" says new unpaid, hands-on Chair, Paul Ashton "They're not on the streets but it's probably a fine line. Demand has gone up, not just from the streets but from people who were on the breadline and have now fallen below it."

While the modus operandi of services have had to change, the charity is still providing food parcels, clothing and advice, with a gazebo set up outside so people can still turn up in person.*

"It's not just about food here, it's about contact with people, having a chat and that camaraderie with each other and support workers" says Paul "We are giving out food parcels on an emergency basis. Whereas we would have been cooking it before and serving it on a plate, now it's just bags, giving out what we can."

Advice, guidance and support is provided by appointments in the gazebo between 9:30am and 12.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with takeaway hot lunches served between from 12:45pm and 1.45pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

New underwear, and socks, fresh clothes, hats, gloves and toiletries are given out between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, while on Fridays between noon and 2pm, Salford Food Bank offers food parcels by referral. The centre also facilitates remote contact and acts as a hub for other support agencies and services like Health, Housing, Citizens Advice and Recovery Services to meet people.

One of the things Paul wants to instigate is a campaign to get people to donate smart phones, with clients eventually trained to wipe them clean and re-issue them to other clients...

"People need technology to get Universal Credit and to go through the things they need to go through, even medical attention, and while people can come and use an iPad or whatever, they also need their own access" he explains "A few years ago I'd see people on the streets with phones and think 'What are they doing?' but now I know how important it is."

He also wants more businesses to get involved, either through fundraising or volunteering... "We can help them with their Corporate Social Responsibility as we're a good partner, and while it's difficult at the moment, there's things to do like picking up food donations and doing sponsored fun activities."

Individuals can also help by nominating Loaves and Fishes as the charity of choice at places like John Lewis and the Co-op, or online at Amazon Smile, which donate funds to good causes.

There's also the annual Christmas Is Coming Concert which is being livestreamed this Wednesday, 16th December at 7pm with the theme A Concert for Hope.

Many will know Paul Ashton from his work co-organising the Salford Music Festival every year, and he has used his contacts to attract some great artistes to perform, including Mike Sweeney, Freya Beer, Amanda Jane Heywood, Jess Kemp, James Holt, Little Sparrow, SheedyFrost, Lol Goodman Band, Ged Wilson, Tony Walsh, plus carols by Notability, Children of St Luke's and the Salford Cathedral Children's Choir.

There will also be messages and readings by Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, Luke Wood and Eamonn O'Neal, with introductions by Ian Rothwell of Salford City Radio.

As well as managing all the live streaming for the Concert, Paul is also performing the seasonal Gaudete, together with a number of singers including his 'alto' wife and 'soprano' daughter, recorded remotely and pieced together. The event is free to watch on-line but people are asked to donate to Salford Loaves and Fishes and Caritas.**

It stands to reason that the more funds raised, the more services can be provided for those who are struggling. And, post-COVID, there are plans to start skills for life in a new building the charity has taken on next door at 3 Paddington Close.

"We know we have a bigger demand for what we do, and we also know that there are more people who maybe don't realise that they can come here for help" says Paul.

For appointments, information and more contact Salford Loaves and Fishes on 0161 737 8775 or see the website – click here

For more details on the Concert for Hope which will be streamed on the Loaves and Fishes website, Twitch, YouTube and Facebook page – see here

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/Concert4Hope  or Text 21HOPE 3 to 70085 to donate £3.

Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message and you'll be opting in to hear more about the charity's work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you'd like to give £3 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text 21HOPENOINFO 3 to 70085.

Main photo shows Paul Ashton