Frequently Asked Questions

Families in need

I can't afford to pay for new clothing for my children. How do I get help from you?

If you live in Manchester or Salford you should speak to your worker, (Health Visitor or Social Worker) and ask them to refer you to Wood Street Mission for help. We will then contact you by letter when we have items available for you.

I don't have a Health Visitor or Social Worker. Who else can refer me?

We will accept referrals from the person who is working most closely with you and your family during your time of need. This could be a Housing Support Worker, Education Welfare Officer, Probation Officer or Link Worker. You may be receiving help from other voluntary services such as Homestart, Refugee and Asylum Support Teams or Tenancy Support Services. We would be happy to accept a referral for your family from any of these agencies, as long they are able to confirm the circumstances for you requiring our help.

How often can I visit for help?

You will be given a reminder slip when you visit which will invite you to contact us to arrange another appointment every six months, assuming you still require help. In addition we can offer the family Easter Eggs at Eastertime and toy and food parcels at Christmas. Dates are listed on the slip when you can book visits for these.

Referrers

How long will a family have to wait for their parcels?

Families are in the vast majority of cases invited to collect their parcels within 2 weeks of us receiving their application. Items of baby equipment can take longer as demand for these items usually outweighs supply, but the families will still be invited to collect clothing and bedding straight away and will be contacted at a later date when the requested baby equipment items become available. Please contact the office direct if you have an emergency case and we will do our best to try and accommodate it.

When do you stop taking clothing referrals?

Clothing appointments stop in mid November each year. This is to enable us to focus on the Christmas Toy and Food Project. However if you have an emergency request for a specific item you should ring the office to ask for further advice.

Why do you not provide toys for children aged 14 and over at Christmas time?

Unfortunately we are unable to secure enough funding to buy presents for this age group. Gifts for 14 years and over would greatly exceed our budget. We do hope however that the help we can offer for the younger children within the family will give the parent(s) some relief so they can perhaps focus on their elder children when trying to provide presents themselves.

Donors and Supporters

I have some children's clothing and toys to donate. How do I get these items to you?

You can either drop off donations at our offices on Wood Street at any time on Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. Alternatively we have a van that collects throughout Manchester, Salford, parts of Cheshire and parts of Lancashire. Contact the office to book on one of the collections in your area. To view details and a map of the collection areas click here.

What's the best way I can support Wood Street Mission?

As well as welcoming donations of good quality children's clothing, toys, baby equipment and small household items, we are always in need of financial donations to meet our general costs, including salaries, volunteer expenses and the costs of running our building. Donations can be made by cheque, Charity Vouchers or cash, or alternatively you can donate a regular amount through a standing order donation. See Financial Donations for more information. And remember if you are a tax payer please complete a Gift Aid form so we can claim the tax back on your donation.

I have a table and chairs I would like to donate. I know you don't take furniture but can you give me a number of an organisation who does?

Although we know a few agencies that collect items throughout the region it is always better you look up agencies under "charities" in either the Yellow Pages or your local phone directories, where the most up to date details are listed. Alternatively charities sometimes make appeals through local newspapers or through leaflets posted through your doors.