Salford launches special Christmas animations

With demand for its services supporting people experiencing poverty, homelessness and disadvantage continuing to grow, local charity Caritas Salford - which helps people from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire - is asking people to think differently about Christmas this year.

The charity has joined forces with Manchester's Doodledo to create a special animation featuring bee characters in a series of light-hearted spoof Christmas adverts - but with a very serious take-home message too.

Patrick O'Dowd, director of Caritas Salford which supports people from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, said: "Christmas is a time for celebration. It's when we spend time with those closest to us. We eat, drink and we're merry.

"We can all feel under pressure to buy more, spend more, consume more and respond to the never-ending call to accumulate things. But, sadly we see every day as people come to our services that many individuals and families don't even have the basics. No food for their baby, no warm clothes or heating; not even the security of a roof over their family's heads.

"The impact of the increased cost-of-living continues to cause crisis for people in our local communities, with many people forced into situations they never imagined would happen. People are facing forced evictions, having to choose between eating or staying warm, facing Christmas alone, or sleeping rough. And, sadly, this situation is not uncommon. There are more than 333,000 children in the area where we work in Greater Manchester and Lancashire living in poverty.

"These aren't just statistics, they are real people facing incredibly difficult times right now and that's why we've launched the #BeeThere campaign to urge people to help bring the true meaning back into Christmas. If we all pledged to help just one person this year, imagine the huge difference that could make in our communities. It could literally transform lives."

Alongside the animation, which is being shared on the Caritas Salford website and social media channels, the charity has created a range of free resources for schools, local community groups, individuals and others to access via the website: www.caritassalford.org.uk/BeeThere

They have also developed a special virtual gift catalogue: www.caritassalford.org.uk/virtualgift - of items that donations to the appeal could allow them to purchase to help local people - from bedding and warm clothes for people experiencing homelessness, to food and essentials for a family this Christmas.

You can find out more or make a donation on the website here: www.caritassalford.org.uk/donate

Patrick added: "Experiencing poverty or homelessness unexpectedly isn't just something that happens to other people. It could happen to any of us, at any time. It could be happening right now to your neighbour, your friend, your colleague, or someone in your child's football team.

"As a charity, we feel pressures of the cost-of-living crisis too. We need to make sure we can continue to provide a warm space for people to come for support. We need to buy food, clothing, and resources to ensure they have what they need to help them as they transform their lives with dignity. With costs rising, and demand increasing, we're asking for the support of local people, however they can help us this Christmas to help support as many individuals and families as we can.

"So, let's not just make this time of year about the tinsel, the parties and the supermarket queues this year."

Caritas Salford supports people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire who are experiencing poverty, homelessness or disadvantage via a wide range of community and outreach services. You can find out more about its services or get support for you or someone you know here: www.caritassalford.org.uk/how-we-help/

To view the film, access the free resources and activities or make a donation, visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk/BeeThere

Watch the animation here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNs2kjvfbnU&t=4s