Assistance from St. Vincent de Paul Manchester Council

The main programmes from the St. Vincent de Paul Manchester Council are all aimed at helping people living in poverty. Some of the assistance from the churches that are part of the council, such as food from St Joseph’s, are provided at no cost and other schemes, including the furniture programme, are available at a reduced price.

The schemes are run from several locations in the city and hundreds of vulnerable families will usually receive assistance each year. If the Society can’t meet the needs of the resident, then the volunteers that are part of the Manchester council will try to signpost the resident to other services.

The charity is involved in providing food parcels in the city. The churches serves as collection points for surplus groceries. Based on what is donated to them, volunteers will repackage the goods and offer a parcel to people that stop by with a voucher. Churches such as St. Joseph’s as well as Heywood are key members of this service.

The Saint Vincent de Paul Manchester Council also partners with both the Trussell Trust as well as independent foodbanks. They work together to feed residents that are in food poverty, and the way this is done is usually from the emergency parcel. Anyone can drop off food for the service at Heywood Magic Market, Morrisons, The Phoenix Centre, or the Heywood Library.

Meals may also be provided at some of the churches that are part of the Council. Families in food poverty or the homeless may be served. Also, at Christmas, a soup kitchen will serve special meals and provide parcels of holiday food items.

A Furniture Scheme is also provided from a centre at the Hollywood House. The post is Sudell Street, Collyhurst, M4 4JF, and if someone needs more information or to apply, they can ring 0161 832 0259. Based on what has been donated to this site, the items are then provided to the low income in Manchester.

There are dozens of volunteers that work at this Hollywood House location. Not only will they collect donations, such as beds, small appliances, utensils, and white goods, but the St. Vincent volunteers will even sometimes deliver the items to the vulnerable in the city of Manchester. The furniture is available from the schem for free to people in poverty that are eligible.

Community Shops in Manchester are open to residents. The Sv. Vincent De Paul locations provide low cost clothing and other goods. Not only that, but volunteers at the sites will listen to the clients needs. If at all possible, they will then signpost the individual to other assistance programmes in the region, including those listed above or from other charities.

These shops are located at several sites, and the main centres are below. Some will also have a food bank at the location. The posts are 1152 Rochdale Road, Blackley (telephone 0161 740 4316), 15 Copson Street, Withington, Manchester, M20 3HE (phone 0161 4349076) as well as 5 Mayfield Parade in Rochdale, phone 01706 347 279.