The selfless volunteers who will cook up hot Christmas dinners to those most in need

A Manchester based charity will be remaining open over the Christmas period and offering a range of services to the homeless. Lifeshare is Manchester's oldest homelessness charity, and had released its schedule over the festive period to continue helping people through Christmas.

While Christmas can be a wonderful part of the calendar, for many people it can be a very difficult time of year. This year will be the 30th that Lifeshare has remained open over Christmas to provide support for those who need it.

The charity estimates that it will provide as many 4,000 meals, including staying open on Christmas Day. From Monday December 23 until December 27, including Christmas Day, the location at the Mosaic Wellbeing Centre at 2 Dale St, M1 1JW will be open from 7am to 7pm.

Over the weekend on December 28 and 29 it will be open between 7am and 9am. During these times a number of services will be available for anyone who needs them.

This includes three hot meals a day, showers, and clothing. There will also be support for health, and a heat bank.

Maxine Peake, a public spokesperson for the charity, will also join Lifeshare's volunteers over Christmas. Lifeshare has emphasised that anyone is welcome to attend for as many days as they need.

The Christmas plans come after a challenging year for Lifeshare during its 40th anniversary. However, a recent donation from The Moulding Foundation of £67,000 has helped the charity to continue operating until at least April 2025.

Judith Vickers, operational manager at Lifeshare, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, demand for our services is at an all-time high - especially during the festive season, when many of Manchester’s most vulnerable face increased financial