The charity ‘Loaves and Fishes’ in Pendleton which has a communal space and lounge area is currently open and offering many services for people in need this festive season.

The free café is located on Paddington Close and is open to all vulnerable members of the public where they can have a free hot meal inside as temperatures drop below freezing this month.

The centre also gives access to various other services such as a dental surgery, GP practice, citizens advice and support clinic and a community alcohol team.

The café is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12.30 pm and is open in the afternoon for appointments and activity sessions.

Activities include pool, bingo, gardening, arts and crafts, quizzes and regular outings for all ages 0-100.

It started as the Salford Cathedral Drop-in Centre before ‘Loaves and Fishes’ was formed to carry on looking after homeless and vulnerable people.

They also supply clothing and toiletries from the donations they receive from generous members of the public.

Support system worker Casey Lauren Smith, who works at the Awakening Recovery rehabilitation centre, is a regular visitor as she takes her residents to the café.

She says “There is a great sense of community and the staff are really friendly and supportive.”

She adds that many of her residents look forward to visiting the centre and that the hot meals and atmosphere inside “makes a lot of their days”.

The cafe is currently experiencing high demand in the lead-up to Christmas. Smith says that the cafe is “busier than ever” and that the staff are working overtime to cater for the extra people coming in over the winter months.

The website states that supporters can help in many ways this Winter by joining the ‘committed and enthusiastic team of volunteers’ or simply donating where they can.

To find out more information about Loaves and Fishes or see how to help people in need this winter, contact them on

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