We know asking for help isn’t always easy.

It can feel uncomfortable.

It can feel like you’ve failed.

It can feel like everyone else is coping – even when you’re barely getting by.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone.

And asking for support doesn’t make you any less of a parent.

It means you’re doing what you need to do – for your children.

When the Basics Become a Struggle

Every year, we meet families who never imagined they’d need help:

• Parents working two jobs but still coming up short.
• Grandparents raising children on a tight pension.
• Families suddenly facing illness, job loss or rising bills.

The cost of raising a child has risen dramatically – but support hasn’t kept pace.

In Manchester and Salford, more than one in three children live below the poverty line (End Child Poverty Coalition).

School uniforms, winter coats, PE kits, stationery, books – it all adds up.

For many local families, it’s simply unaffordable.

That’s where we come in.

Support Without Judgement

At Wood Street Mission, we offer practical help through our SmartStart , Books Forever, Christmas and Family Basics projects – free of charge and without judgement.

We don’t ask you to prove your worth.

We don’t tell you what you should have done differently.

We simply listen – and help where we can.

Whether it’s a pair of shoes, a schoolbag, or a warm duvet for winter, we’re here to make life a little lighter and a little less lonely.

You’re Not the Only One

Over the years, we’ve supported thousands of families – and many have told us:

“I didn’t think I deserved help.”

“I didn’t want to take from someone who needed it more.”

“I was embarrassed to ask.”

If you’ve felt this way too, please know:

• You are not alone.
• You do deserve support.

You deserve to feel less worried, less overwhelmed, and more able to focus on the little moments with your child – not just surviving the big ones.

We know reaching out can feel like a big step – and we want to make it as simple as possible.

You can’t refer yourself to Wood Street Mission, but a professional who already knows your family’s circumstances well can do this for you. This might be someone at your child’s school, a social worker, health visitor, midwife, or support worker.

They’ll just need to complete a short form, which they can find on our For Referrers page. You can also see there what happens next, so you know exactly what to expect.

All our services are completely free for your family to access.

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to provide this help. While we can’t promise a specific level of support every time, please know that we will always do everything we can to help you and your children.

And if you have any questions – or just need to talk things through – you can call us on 0161 834 3140 or email us on info@woodstreetmission.org.uk.  You’re not on your own.