Why bee-ing there this Christmas matters so much
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Hive you heard…?
This year our Caritas bees are buzzing with excitement to have their moment in the spotlight on a very special new TV show…
Here, Patrick O’Dowd, our director, explains more about our latest campaign and asks if you can help us #BeeThere for local people facing acute crisis this Christmas…
If you haven’t seen it yet, we’ve created a very special campaign this Advent to help shine a spotlight on what’s really important.
We’re always so grateful to everyone who gets behind our annual appeal each Christmas, donating and taking tangible, life-changing action that really does make a difference to the thousands of children, families and adults we support every year.
There are so many people facing acute crisis right now in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Many never imagined they would be in the situations they are facing, often triggered by disability, accidents, relationship breakdowns, no-fault evictions, or the continued rising cost-of-living.
As Christmas draws nearer, it is very tempting to get excited about the TV specials, the plans for parties and pantomimes, shopping and singing carols, making a list and checking it twice…
But, we’re hoping that our latest #BeeThere campaign will help local adults, children and families experiencing poverty, homelessness and disadvantage by shining a spotlight on what’s really important – at this time of year, and always.
In England, latest statistics taken on 30 June 2025 show record numbers of households in temporary accommodation – up 7.6 per cent compared with the previous year.
In the area we work within across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, there are 8,928 children living in temporary accommodation. This is a staggering increase of 11 per cent compared with the same time last year.
Numbers of people rough sleeping locally have risen too, with the latest figures showing 481 people living on the streets with no safe, secure place to call home.
More than one in three children are living in poverty and going to school with empty tummies, many not knowing whether they’ll have a meal or presents on Christmas Day.
Teams across our services are seeing increased demand as many come to us at a time of crisis.
It is heartbreaking that in 2025 so many people are still experiencing such difficult circumstances. But, it’s especially difficult at Christmas.
We’re really proud to work alongside thousands of people every year to help them at that time of acute need and also to support them as they transform their lives for the long-term too.
Will you please help us?
Perhaps you can use your gifts and talents to raise money or take action in your community to help local children, families and adults who are facing acute crisis right now?
Please make a donation if you’re able or visit our Bee There website page to find out other ways you can take action and help.
However big or small, your contribution could literally change lives this Christmas.
Thank you for your continued support.
To make a donation to Bee There this Christmas, click here now.