Maxine Peake appeals for donations as charity reveals it will dish out record 3,000 meals this Christmas

Maxine Peake has urged people to make donations to a Manchester charity which will be dishing out a record 3,000 meals to the homeless this Christmas.

Lifeshare, the city's oldest charity for the homeless, says it is expecting 'unprecedented' numbers of people seeking it's help amid what it describes as a 'perfect storm' of social problems, not least the cost of living crisis. The charity expects to hand out 3,000 meals over the festive period, one thousand more than last year.

As the charity launched it's 'Christmas Project' today (Saturday 23 December), actress Maxine Peake joined volunteers preparing food to be handed out.

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A fortnight ago the star of Shameless and Silk pointedly fronted the charity's appeal for clothing on the same day the world’s fashion royalty descended on the Northern Quarter for Chanel’s Metiers D’Art show.

Today the star said: "I’ve recently fronted a campaign for Lifeshare asking for clothing donations and any other support people can offer. It’s incredible that we are fully staffed for Christmas now with selfless volunteers that are giving up their time to support our guests this year.

"But, we still need clothing donations, food and cash – if you’re able to offer anything we’d greatly accept it. It’s really tough out there for everyone right now, but being alone, homeless and cold is unthinkable.”

Between December 23 and 29, Lifeshare will throw open its doors - just a five-minute walk Thomas Street which hosted the Chanel show - daily to offer hot food, company, showers, health support,