A charity supporting vulnerable people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire is calling for donations this Lent as demand for its services reaches record levels.
Caritas Salford provides support for people experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination, working with individuals, families, children and young people across the region.
As the official charity of the Catholic Diocese of Salford, Caritas Salford supports people of all faiths and none.
Lent, traditionally a time of prayer, fasting and charitable giving, marks one of the charity’s key fundraising periods through the St Joseph’s Penny Appeal, an initiative that has been running in the Diocese of Salford for more than 100 years.
Claire Briscoe, Communications Manager at Caritas Salford, said demand for support is increasing.
“People tend to support Caritas in various ways at Lent and all year round too. We’re really grateful, as demand for our services is greater than ever, with local people coming to us for urgent support, often at times of crisis,” she said.
The St Joseph’s Penny Appeal was originally established to encourage children to collect pennies in special boxes to raise funds for people experiencing hardship.
More than a century later, the tradition continues across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, with schools, parishes and community groups collecting coins or donating online.
The charity is also sharing memories from supporters who took part in the appeal as children and are now encouraging their own children and grandchildren to get involved.
Caritas Salford provides practical crisis support, including food at homeless day centres, accommodation for people who have been sleeping rough and access to community pantry services. Specialist social workers, counsellors and therapists also work in local schools.
In addition, wellbeing initiatives such as GP drop-in sessions, friendship groups, cookery classes for young parents, and accessible community walks aim to reduce isolation and build confidence.
The charity says the appeal remains rooted in the same values it was founded on more than a century ago, encouraging small acts of generosity to make a lasting difference to people facing hardship.
