Music legend Clint Boon has opened the Lifeshare Christmas Project, helping Manchester’s homeless and those in crisis - describing the work they do as "vital."
The Inspiral Carpets frontman is back recording and gigging again after a six year hiatus since the tragic death of the band's 44-year-old drummer Craig. He went along to open the project at Vinci Construction and said he hoped the initiative would inspire people to transform empty places in to venues to help people struggling.
From today, (December 23) to December 29, the New Victoria development, close to Victoria Station has thrown open its doors and will continue to do so on a daily basis to offer hot food, company, showers, health support, clothing, games and entertainment to anyone who needs it. People do not need to be homeless, it is open to anyone over 18-years-old.
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Lifeshare’s Christmas Project is a week-long pop up service that offers hot meals, hair-cuts, spare clothes, advice, medical care, support, showers, veterinary care and assistance to get people off the streets over the festive season.
Last year saw over 60 people a day use the service and over 2,000 meals made. Emergency health support was actioned several times and food and basic provisions were given out. Lifeshare say they are very concerned that this Christmas there is likely to be more demand.
Clint said: "It is an absolute revelation to see what they do with the space. The more people become aware of places like this, the more empty spaces can be turned into something.
"It's vital that people are doing stuff like this. The people that this is helping can very easily be forgotten about. If you only worry about yourself, this section of society will be forgotten about.
"It's company. It's somewhere for people to come and hang out and feel loved. And they make a nice cup of tea."
Judith Vickers, operations manager at Lifeshare, said: “This incredible, life-saving service that is going to be greatly needed this Christmas couldn’t happen without our amazing corporate partners VINCI Building, Muse and Pension Insurance Corporation. We are so grateful that yet again they are providing the location, cash, and a wealth of other supplies to make sure we can support the increasing number of people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.”
Matt Legg, VINCI’s project manager for the New Victoria scheme, said: “Last year we were honoured to support this great project. This year, while this site is still operating, there wasn’t a second we considered not supporting it again with a facility and donations.
“Being part of this scheme was a real eye-opener for our team, homelessness is a problem that is not going away, and this is why we’ve supported Lifeshare throughout the year again.
"We’re very concerned that people are struggling, and while we are building this amazing development, it’s essential that we also give back to the city we’re working in. Through our delivery of the exciting New Victoria scheme we ensure that we not only deliver a flagship development but leave a lasting legacy and support the communities in which we work.”
Actor Maxine Peake, who supports the project, encourages people in crisis to pay a visit to the site.
She said: “If you find yourself in crisis, homeless or alone this Christmas, get yourself down to Lifeshare’s Christmas Project. You will be welcomed by an amazing group of people who want to help and share their holiday with you.
"We’d all like to live in a world where homelessness is not an issue, but the reality is that’s not the case. The important thing is that there is help out there, there are people who care and no one should be on the streets alone at Christmas.”
Simon Hourihan, project director at Muse, said: “It is not lost on us as a business that, while amazing buildings are being constructed across the city, some people haven’t got a stable home. Our goal is to create kinder communities that are built on creating opportunities for all to have a brighter future and for all to be healthy in body and mind. We’re proud to support the vital work of charities like Lifeshare, to try and help those in need find a stable and nurturing community where they can thrive.”
The Christmas Project opening times for anyone in need: Friday 23 December 2pm - 8pm
Saturday 24th December until and including Thursday 28 December 7:30 am - 8pm.
Friday 29th December 7:30am-2pm.
For more information on the Christmas Project see www.lifeshare.org.uk
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