Published: October 2025

The clocks go back, the evenings draw in earlier, and there's a distinct chill in the Manchester air. For most of us, that means digging out our winter coats, turning the heating on, and settling in for cosy nights indoors. But for the people we work with, winter isn't cosy – it's dangerous.

Winter on the Streets: The Harsh Reality

When temperatures drop, homelessness becomes a matter of life and death. Hypothermia, trench foot, chest infections, and pneumonia are very real threats to those sleeping outside. The cold doesn't just make people uncomfortable – it kills.

Over the winter period, our evening drop-in becomes more than a place for a hot meal – it becomes a lifeline. A few hours of warmth, a hot shower, dry socks, and a winter coat can literally be the difference between life and death.

This year, we're bracing ourselves for another cold winter. The cost of living crisis continues to bite, pushing more people to the margins. Our services have never been more vital.

What Winter Means for us

As the temperature drops, our costs rise and demand increases:

Increased Footfall

More guests seeking warmth each evening
Longer queues and greater need

Higher Operational Costs

More meals to prepare and serve
Increased heating bills
Greater demand for winter clothing (coats, sleeping bags, thermal layers, waterproof boots)

Urgent Health Needs

More medical incidents and crisis interventions
Increased referrals to healthcare services
Greater demand for our shower facilities (essential for preventing skin infections, warming up and maintaining dignity)

Emotional Demands

Increase in support required for the staff/volunteers
Higher requirement for resilience

Your Support in Action This Winter

Every donation, every volunteer shift, every share on social media helps us keep our doors open and our centre warm. Here's what your support provides:

£5 – A hot, nutritious meal, pudding and hot drinks that warm someone from the inside out
£10 – As above + A hot shower and change of clothes
£25 – Winter essentials: thermal socks, gloves, hat, and scarf
£50 – A waterproof winter coat and sleeping bag
£100 – Towards our increased heating costs

But it's not just about the physical items. It's about the warmth of human connection, the dignity of being treated with respect, and the hope that comes from knowing someone cares.

We Can't Do This Without You

Our annual costs run to £300,000, and we're currently facing an increase in operational costs due to higher energy bills, higher HMRC costs and higher cost of living that affects things like, food bills. But it’s not all bad… We are still here, we continue to fight for the rights of the people we work with and we will not stop until everyone has a safe place to call home.

You can help too

Donate – Every pound goes directly to delivering the best service possible
Volunteer – We need extra hands during our busiest season
Donate Winter Items – Sleeping bags, thermals, waterproof boots
Spread the Word – Share our posts, tell your friends, help us reach new supporters
Corporate Support – Does your workplace have an ESG or CSR budget? We'd love to partner with you, Contact Risha

A Warm Welcome Awaits

We open our doors at Unit 5, Great Ducie Street. The kettle's on, the heating's up, and there's always a friendly face ready to welcome anyone who needs us. No one should have to face a Manchester winter alone on the streets. With your support, they won't have to.

How You Can Help Right Now:

💷 Donate: Click here
👋 Volunteer: office@coffee4craig.co.uk
📦 Donate Items: Contact us about winter clothing donations
📱 Follow Us: Stay updated on Facebook and Instagram

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for caring. Together, we'll get through this winter.

With gratitude,
Hendrix Lancaster
CEO & Co-Founder, Coffee4Craig