Manchester-based community interest company The Hope Revolution has launched a new initiative to deliver ‘Hope Boxes’ to some of the most vulnerable and homeless people in the region.
The ‘Manchester Hope Box Appeal’ aims to bring a shining light of hope this winter.
As the brainchild of The Hope Revolution – formed in 2019 to help the growing numbers of homeless and disadvantaged people living on the streets of Greater Manchester – the ‘Manchester Hope Box Appeal’ is a winter initiative designed to provide support by delivering boxes of new and essential items to those who need it most.
And in the year of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s a service more vital than ever before.
“Charity donations are at the heart of what we do,” explains John James, founder of The Hope Revolution, “Over the last 12 months, we have been working closely with many charities and organisations in Greater Manchester who do great work supporting vulnerable and homeless people.
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“We asked them what items they want to help and support the people in need this winter.”
Twelve Manchester charities are taking part in the appeal this year and have requested everything from pairs of socks, to lifesaving emergency survival bags.
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The charities set to be supported are – Audacious Foundation, Barnabus, Big Issue North, The Boaz Trust, Coffee4Craig, GTMHS, Lifeshare, Mustard Tree, Reach Out to the Community, Shelter, Supporting People in Need, and WHAG.
John continues: “The ‘Manchester Hope Box Appeal’ shop contains all the essential items that will make a difference [and] once purchased, the Hope Boxes are delivered straight to the charity for them to distribute directly to where the items are most needed.
“There’s no minimum number of items required to fill your Hope Box as every donation will make a real difference this winter.”
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And it couldn’t be easier to get involved either.
People wishing to lend a hand to the homeless and most vulnerable most across Greater Manchester this winter are asked to head on over to The Hope Revolution website shop, where boxes will be filled with items and then delivered straight to those in need.
100% of what someone pays for their Hope Box is spent on buying and delivering those exact items to the charities.
The Hope Revolution does not make any money from the sale of items.
The Hope Revolution prides itself on providing different ways of donating.
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Since launching just over a year ago, the charity is growing fast and now covers 11 cities to support over 50 charities across the UK in the following sectors:
Housing & Homelessness
Children & Family
Care & Aged
Animals
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Visit The Hope Revolution website here to get started on your ‘Hope Box’.
And make sure to follow the group on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up to date with all the hard work it’s carrying out to make it a Christmas to remember for so many.
News
Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United
Danny Jones
Ruben Amorim has officially been sacked by Manchester United.
The Portuguese head coach managed more than a year in charge of the Red Devils, but following a bad record overall, not to mention a blockbuster interview over the weekend, they have now parted ways.
Now fully confirmed by the club itself, Amorim’s 14-month stint as Man United boss is over, and an interim manager has already been put in place.
Writing in an official statement, MUFC said: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
For many supporters, it was abundantly clear that an ultimatum was likely, if not already imminent, after his visibly frustrated post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw against Leeds.
There were already reports of growing friction between Amorim and the director of football, Jason Wilcox, and his bombshell quotes on Sunday, 4 December, only added fuel to the fire.
In case you haven’t seen it, you can see the clip in question down below.
United have also confirmed that former player Darren Fletcher will be leading out the squad (which includes his twin sons, Jack and Tyler) in their next game against Burnley this Wednesday, 7 January.
As for who could be installed next, the recently resigned Enzo Maresca has already been linked with the manager’s position, and plenty are already speculating as to which sidelined/loaned-out players could return to the club following his exit.
Regardless of a wealth of initial backing by the INEOS Sports board members, in the summer transfer window, as well as from the majority of players and countless fans, Amorim exits the club with one of the worst win percentages in their history and just 15 victories to his name in nearly half a century of games.
How would you sum up the 40-year-old’s time at Old Trafford, Reds?
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner
Danny Jones
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.
The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.
An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.
With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.
Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.
As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.
In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.
Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.
Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.
Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.
You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.
As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”
Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.
Emily Sergeant -
11th December 2020 
