Manchester City Council has committed to offering support to “anyone struggling” in the city region over the festive period.
While Christmas may only be just over a week away now, and the spirit of the season is really starting to set in for many, it’s sadly not always ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for everyone – especially with the rising cost of living crisis unfortunately continuing to make its impact felt across Greater Manchester and throughout the UK.
Here in Manchester, Council figures show that more than 100,000 households have been put at risk in some way due to the cost of living crisis, whether that be accessing food, paying bills, or slipping into financial trouble.
This is why Manchester City Council is setting out to offer as much support as it can over Christmas.
Councillors say that the difficulties thousands of Mancunians have faced on a daily basis have been “plain to see” over the last few years.
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But in spite of what it has referred to as “the failings” from the UK central Government in delivering “tangible and lasting support” for those who need it most, the Council says it has has “resolved to ensure that people can turn to us”.
So, what support is available to Manchester residents this winter then? Here’s everything you need to know.
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Cost of Living Advice Line
Back in 2022, the Council started Cost of Living Advice Line, which provides Manchester residents with a number to call if they are struggling with a range of issues such as paying bills, debt advice, access to services, food support, and more.
That number is still live and can be reached on 0800 023 2692, with operators remaining on the line to support anyone who needs help or advice.
Listen to how Manchester pharmacies are connecting people with our cost of living advice line – literally giving help on prescription. 👂
Warm Welcome Spaces are places where people can go to take shelter in a warm and judgement free location.
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This year, all of Manchester’s libraries are open to those in need, for as long as they need them, with a range of other businesses and organisations across the Greater Manchester region having also put themselves forward for the scheme too.
More than 15,000 ‘Helping Hands’ Advice Guides – which detail the support available for people during the winter – have been produced and will be available across the city in locations such as libraries, Sure Start Centres, and Early Help Hubs.
‘Winter Warmth’ advice leaflets are also being made available, which inform people how they can access support if they need help paying their heating bills, where they can go to stay warm for free in Manchester, and how to stay healthy during the cold weather.
Social Tariffs
‘Social Tariffs’ are also available for people who are in receipt of Universal Credit or Pension Credit, which allow them to access reduced-price internet or mobile phone rates.
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The Holiday Activity Fund Programme
Additional support has also been made available by the Council for families who struggle when schools are out via The Holiday Activity Fund Programme.
Running throughout the school Christmas holiday period, this scheme provides free activities and shared experiences for children aged five to 16, with free meals provided throughout the day to “fill a gap” which would normally be provided via a free school meal.
The Council has outlined its festive season support options just a week after it was revealed that the city has secured £5.2 million in funding to build new ‘supported accommodation’ designed to house rough sleepers, and also comes after it published its plan back in November to get rough sleepers off the streets of Manchester and into temporary accommodation this winter.
There’s a farm in Greater Manchester where you can meet Lilo and Stitch
Thomas Melia
Any fans of the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch are in luck because there’s a farm in Greater Manchester which is hosting a special meet and greet event.
Who doesn’t love a sci-fi comedy drama film, especially one where the lead character’s sidekick is none other than the adorable little blue experiment with a voice we still imitate to this day?
Originally released in 2002, the Lilo and Stitch film is receiving a live-action version in 2025 and we’re sure to fall in love with Lilo and her little blue fur ball pal over again, 23 years later.
Ahead of the new live adaptation, Cockfields Farm in Greater Manchester is hosting a meet and greet event dedicated to this huge Disney film.
This is the perfect opportunity for little ones and grown-ups alike to come and meet two of their favourite Disney characters while also getting a chance to venture around the farmland as well.
As the event is taking place at a farm, this means that the Lilo and Stitch experience won’t be the only event guests will be able to take part in; there’s also a handful of fun farm-based activities to try your hand at too.
There are tractor rides, a giant bouncy pillow and a carousel running all throughout the day for any kids looking to let off some steam.
And those after a quieter and less energetic itinerary can head on over to the cuddling corner, feed meerkats and handle some reptiles too, this farm is catering for all.
With the meet and greet experience occurring during May, meaning more chance of that gorgeous sunshine, anyone attending is also advised to come dressed in their ‘Hawaiian best’.
Lilo and Stitch are coming for a special meet and greet at Cockfields Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne on 17 and 18 May, with tickets already live HERE.
Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run
Danny Jones
One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.
Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.
We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.
HUGE NEWS incoming… 👀🔥
We’re super excited to announce that Olympic champion @keelyhodgkinson will be the official race starter for this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run! 🏃♀️💥👏🐝 pic.twitter.com/aHHxeaMQ9p
Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”
Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.
Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.
Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.
2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…
Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?
Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.
There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.
You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
18th December 2023 
