helping combat poverty in greater manchester
our partnership with mustard tree
As friendly neighbourhood builders, we’re always looking for ways to invest in our local community. This is one reason why we have been monthly donors to Mustard Tree for seven years, making us the charity’s longest-standing partner.
The life-changing work by Mustard Tree helps combat poverty, inequality, and homelessness. The three hubs located in Ancoats, Little Hulton and Eccles provide vital help across Greater Manchester.
Mustard Tree creates opportunities for people by providing practical support, connections into employment, and improvements to health and wellbeing. With a person-centred approach in a safe and welcoming space, the charity helps turn people’s lives around when they are struggling.
Unlike other charities, Mustard Tree tackles the causes as well as the consequences of poverty. The team work to provide long-term solutions for people with the aim of preventing the fall back into a cycle of deprivation. Providing skills lessons, CV writing assistance, work placements, English lessons and creative sessions, the staff at Mustard Tree assist people’s development so that they can become self-sufficient in the long term. The whole team at Mustard Tree, from volunteers to paid staff, have such a committed and caring approach to everyone that they help.
Existing as Mustard Tree’s longest-standing contributors, we have a fantastic relationship with staff and great admiration for the work that they do across Greater Manchester. We have been on a journey with the team, helping them through the rebuilding of the Ancoats hub in 2018 and supporting them through COVID-19. Our help, along with donations from other businesses and individuals, enabled the Mustard Tree workers and volunteers to continue their amazing work, providing food and support to those hardest hit by the pandemic. Since Mustard Tree’s ‘Life After Lockdown’ roadmap was implemented, it is now supporting more people than ever before. Over 10,000 people visit the three Mustard Tree sites every month, with over 250 people involved in vocational training and creative classes.
Jo Walby, CEO of Mustard Tree, said: “Watson Homes has been one of Mustard Tree’s longest-standing corporate partners. Since beginning to support our charity in 2017, they have contributed over £155,000 towards our mission of combatting poverty and preventing homelessness. These donations over time have not only allowed us to redevelop our hubs, but also invest in our support and training services, expand our team, and provide thousands of meals through our Food Clubs and training kitchen. The ongoing commitment of Watson Homes remains central to our success – and we are ever thankful for their support at a time when our charity is needed more than ever before”.
With the current environment making times even harder for those less fortunate, donations are becoming increasingly valuable. To donate to Mustard Tree or volunteer, please visit the website: https://mustardtree.org.uk/
