This year the Manchester Evening News is supporting Mustard Tree for our Christmas Appeal. Jo Walby, who heads the charity, which supports people to find jobs and homes, explains why their work is vital.
Last year, I wrote a ‘New Year’s Message’ for this legendary newspaper and described how challenging it had been in terms of financial hardship and homelessness. Unfortunately 2025 has not been much better– with floods last winter, stagnant economy and little progress in managing the difficulties around migration.
We may not be able to solve issues with migration, fix the housing crisis or help every person facing financial hardship BUT we will do everything we can to try.
We believe everyone needs a home, a chance to earn an income and every one of us will face trouble at some point in our lives. Mustard Tree helps everyone and anyone who comes through our doors.
People like Queen – a mum who struggled with eviction and debt, who used Mustard Tree’s food club, then accessed our 121 support and gained stability, began re-training, and is now working towards a career in nursing.
Like Tom who was 22 when he joined Mustard Tree’s Training Café after a period of isolation and depression. He said: “Before I joined, I’d stay in bed and wasn’t motivated to do anything”. Volunteering in our Training café helped Tom discover purpose and the confidence to find work.
Like Badar who became homeless earlier this year and ended up in the tents next to the Town Hall in Manchester. Badar first came to Mustard Tree for clothing and breakfast and then 121 support. We helped Badar find a shared house in Stretford, and he now attends college three times a week to study English and Maths.
And Terry who was 77 when his wife died, got behind with his rent and faced eviction. Terry had a small pension, but his wife paid all the bills, and he struggled without her. Terry came into our Hub in Ancoats and told us about his eviction notice and we worked with him and the landlord to agree a plan. We also helped Terry access pension credits and access debt support. Terry now attends our art class every week, has his lunch with us and credits Mustard Tree with ‘Saving my life’.
This year we have launched a new campaign called ‘Show Me Hope’ inspired by and featuring the poem and music by Mike Garry and The Cassia String Quartet. This poem reflects on the words of JFK – ‘Ask not what your city can do for you, Ask what you can do for your city…Don’t show me pity, show me hope’.
And in Manchester there is hope. Condé Nast Traveller Awards chose Manchester as the 2nd best city in the UK, beating London! We are starting to see the building of more affordable housing schemes and just recently, our Andy Burnham announced £1B of investment coming into the Manchester region.
And our biggest hope is the support we get from people like you.
Anything you can give to help stock our food clubs, help fund rent deposits, help pay for our support staff, or give warmth to those sleeping outside is hugely appreciated.
Thank you and we love you Manchester. Here’s to a Happy and prosperous 2026 – for all!
