Festive cheer for homeless

TEAM effort . . . the group, including Leila Hughes (back row, centre)

A GROUP of kind-hearted Oldhamers spread Christmas cheer as they took to the freezing streets to help the homeless.

The "Helping the Homeless" group was only set up a month ago but wanted to ensure that dozens of homeless folk on the streets of Manchester felt some festive glow.

On Friday they embarked on a Santa-sized Christmas mission to deliver 150 shoe boxes to the needy containing food, toiletries, underwear and even dog treats.

Hathershaw mum-of-two Leila Hughes launched the project with her friends and volunteers to "make a little bit of change in people's lives."

She was already helping to make a difference through volunteering for several Oldham organisations.

Leila (31) who is studying for a degree in adult health and social care, said: "I set up an appeal for shoe boxes on Facebook but then I was contacted by the Manchester Homeless Christmas Shoebox Appeal who said they could let me have 150 so we'll be handing those out to the people we've met so far and any others who we can help.

"It's fantastic how this has grown over the last four weeks. I've been helping the homeless for a while giving out food but I noticed how big the issue now is and how much help is needed so I put something out on Facebook and I was inundated. I've now got over 800 followers and hundreds of people have messaged asking if they can come out with us on Friday nights.

"We've got a good support network around us too so say there's anyone under age we have a contact at Crisis we can call out and other charities who work with us.

"People have also donated so much from food to clothes, sleeping bags and tents. This has shown to me there are a lot of good hearts in Oldham.

"I don't do what I do for praise, and I don't really want to have to do this, but I'm seeing it as raising awareness for what's happening in the Manchester homeless community."

Leila and childhood friends Elizabeth and Helen Street and Stacey Cadie organise weekly trips of around 15 volunteers in a self-funded minibus into the city centre taking food and essentials and, more importantly, the time to chat.

With a background in counselling and psychology, Leila says she understands how complex the needs of the homeless can be.

"Some are very critical of the homeless and why they're on the streets but when you get chatting to them you begin to understand," said Leila who also volunteers for the Link Centre, Positive Steps and, in the near future, the mental health unit at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

"It's not just about feeding them, a lot need mental health support and consequently drug and alcohol addiction support which just isn't out there. We often stay out talking to them until the early hours of the morning.

"We want Manchester City Council to see there is an issue, yes they are working with organisations, but there is still an issue with homelessness that needs addressing more.

"It's very sad. We're just trying to do our bit and I'm lucky to have the support of some passionate friends and volunteers.

"I love helping others. It's everything I've ever stood for."

Leila is planning to take her sons and mum Joan ­- who initially contacted the Chronicle about her daughter's good deeds because, "I'm so proud of her" ­- to hand out shoe boxes between Christmas and new year.

"My mum has wanted to come with us for a while but works nights so we're planning to go during the day and then the kids can hand out some boxes as well," said Leila.

"I think it's important for them to see things aren't just handed out on a plate in life and there are people out there who have nothing."