Tameside homeless charity awarded £500 by Northern

A Tameside-based homeless charity has been awarded a £500 grant after being nominated by Northern Trains staff.

Street Treats helps feed and clothe around 100 homeless people in Manchester city centre each week, as well as running a Tuesday food bank in Hyde where it formed in 2013. 

The rail operator – which has been under fire for its lack of Sunday services since the summer – donated the funds from a £10,000 pot made available to charities and community groups. 

“We are just waiting to receive it, but we will not have much worry over spending it,” said Street Treat founder, Daryl Pollitt. “We have for 11 years been feeding homeless by way of a soup kitchen every Thursday.  

“We take clothing, sleeping bags and footwear, as well as food, drinks and other supplies. Some are donated, some we purchase. 

“We also did a GoFundMe page five years ago to purchase a van to help us with our work, so we have insurance and maintenance to find. 

“If anyone would like to help, donate – or even upgrade the van – then contact us via our Facebook page.” 

In total, 21 organisations have received amounts ranging from £150 to the full £500. 

“These grants were all about supporting local causes across the North of England,” said Carolyn Watson, Northern’s Director of Stakeholder and Community Engagement.  

“And who better to advise us on the groups and projects that can really make a difference than our own employees, who live and work right across the length and breadth of our network.” 

This follows on from a combined £100,000 awarded to 11 projects in September 2024 as part of its Customer & Community Improvement Fund.