In July the Volunteering and Community Engagement team at the University put a call-out for donations for the women’s refuges they work with on a regular basis.

The response was overwhelming and between July – September they collected five full car loads of donations of toiletries, clothes, food, craft and baby items which have now been distributed across two shelters.

The pandemic has made things very difficult for vulnerable women in Manchester and for those in temporary accommodation it has meant additional activities such as social time, leisure activities and visitors have all been limited. The donations have been particularly appreciated at this difficult time.

A staff member working at one of the shelters told us: “The residents are so chuffed with all the stuff. I put all the treats in the kitchen and it’s made them so happy. It’s so nice to see. These things really make a big difference here.”

A huge thanks goes to everyone who donated to or shared the appeal.