The Brick Multibank, a flagship initiative led by Wigan and Leigh charity The Brick, has reached an extraordinary milestone this December: three million essential household items distributed to families, children and vulnerable individuals across Greater Manchester.
But instead of celebrating, the charity is using this moment to shine a light on the intensifying hardship facing local people as the winter chill deepens and Christmas draws near.
Across schools, family hubs and frontline support services, workers describe the Multibank as “invaluable,” “a lifeline,” and “the reason families feel able to ask for help.” With rising costs, freezing temperatures and increasing instability pushing more households into crisis, the Multibank has become a trusted source of dignity and relief, often called upon like an emergency service when families are at their most vulnerable.
Partners report increasing numbers of parents fleeing domestic abuse, young mums without basics for their children, households without warm bedding or winter clothing, and families experiencing homelessness arriving with nothing but immediate needs.
One partner shared: “The number of items we’ve been able to give families is unreal. We’ve furnished homes for parents escaping abuse, supported very young mums, and ensured children had birthday gifts. The support is truly invaluable.”
The emotional impact of these items is profound. Children who receive warm bedding, clothing or toys often show an immediate lift in confidence and wellbeing.
As one worker explained: “Parents tell us they feel respected, not judged. That dignity matters.”
For many families, a package from the Multibank becomes the first moment they feel seen and supported. Several schools and support services have witnessed breakthroughs: parents who previously felt too anxious or ashamed to engage start attending appointments, meetings or parents’ evenings after receiving help. Practical support is opening the door to deeper, long-term change.
Christmas Pressure Is Growing and Families Are Struggling More Than Ever.
As Christmas approaches, frontline teams report mounting pressure on families already stretched beyond their limits. Many parents are worried about affording even the basics, never mind gifts or festive essentials. Workers have seen the relief, and tears, when parents realise their children will still have something to open on Christmas morning.
One family hub worker said: “Parents have been relieved to know they can still give their children presents on Christmas Day without going into debt. It’s the difference between crisis and stability.”
For families experiencing homelessness, the Multibank has been able to provide bedding, toiletries, cooking equipment and clothing, often within hours, offering comfort and dignity at a moment of acute vulnerability.
Every one of the three million items distributed represents a moment of hope, relief and stability. As one partner summed it up: “Being able to respond instantly to urgent situations helps families trust us, and it helps us understand what they’re facing.”
Reflecting on the milestone, Keely Dalfen, CEO of The Brick, said: “Reaching three million items is a powerful reminder of both the scale of need in Greater Manchester and the strength of our community when we come together. The Multibank isn’t an emergency service, but for many families it functions like one. This winter, our message is simple: no family should face hardship alone. We are here, and with the support of partners and the public, we will continue to stand alongside them.”
While the milestone shows what community action can achieve, the reality is clear: demand is rising faster than ever, and the Multibank needs urgent support to keep up.
This Christmas, The Brick is calling on the public, partners and businesses to help ensure no family faces the festive season, or the cold months that follow, without essentials.
Your Donation Could Be the Difference Between:
- A child waking up to joy instead of disappointment on Christmas morning
- A parent finding refuge after fleeing violence
- A family experiencing homelessness receiving warmth and stability
- A household staying warm through the harshest winter nights
Every pound becomes warmth, safety and hope for a family who needs it.
Donate today and help us support even more families this Christmas: www.thebrick.org.uk/donate
