How to help feed vulnerable people in Newcastle and donate a warm meal this Christmas
by Emily Gray · ChronicleLiveAn appeal has been launched to help feed as many local people in need as possible this Christmas.
Newcastle Cathedral will be opening its doors on December 20, as the annual Homeless Christmas Meal event is returning this festive season to Café 16 - meaning those facing hardships or homelessness can enjoy a warm meal.
Charity Changing Lives are calling on the North East community this Christmas period to come together spread joy and warmth to help those less fortunate who need it most. The campaign is appealing for £5 donations covering the cost of the meal which can make a real difference to someone in need.
For many, this may be the only gift they receive, and so support can make a real impact on the lives of those facing difficult circumstances in our local community.
Chris Tubman of NE offers, said: "The UK, and particularly the North East, have faced a double blow in recent years: first the pandemic, and then the cost of living crisis. This has led to a sharp rise in demand for foodbanks.
"We've been alarmed to see a 31% increase in households presenting as homeless in the North East this year, compared to 2023, showing that, unfortunately, the situation continues to deteriorate."
The dedicated team from Changing Lives will serve Christmas meals at Café 16 to those in need. This heartwarming initiative will also extend beyond Newcastle, as Christmas dinners will be provided across the North East from December 20 to 27.
Changing Lives began first as a soup kitchen in 1970 and has since grown into a nationwide charity. Each year, they support over 14,500 individuals who are facing homelessness, unemployment, addiction, and abuse. Despite rising rough sleeping rates and a reduction in available housing, Changing Lives continues to make a significant difference by providing critical support to people experiencing hardship.
With a 27% increase in rough sleeping and the cost-of-living crisis pushing more people into poverty - demand for Changing Lives’ services has risen dramatically into a crucial lifeline. In 2022, over 80% of services saw an increase in people unable to make ends meet as a consequence of the devastating effects of food poverty becoming all too common.
This year, in addition to one-off donations, the charity has introduced the option to make small monthly donations to support our work year-round. Your ongoing contribution will help us provide long-term, meaningful assistance to people in need.
To donate to the appeal and help a local person in need, click here. : Warm Meal Appeal North East - Help a Local Person in Need – NEoffers.co.uk
If you are unable to donate, simple sharing Changing Lives message can still have a huge impact to make this Christmas a little brighter for those in need.
Local businesses interested in fundraising and getting involved in the campaign can email the team at info@NEoffers.co.uk.
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