As Christmas draws nearer, it is very tempting to get excited about the plans for parties and pantomimes, shopping and singing carols, making a list and checking it twice…   

But, this Advent, will you #BeeThere for local adults, children and families experiencing poverty, homelessness and disadvantage by shining a spotlight on what’s really important?   

In the area we work within across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, according to latest statistics from June 2025:

• 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 individuals 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. 

With your continued support, together we can ensure that no one is left behind and shine a spotlight on the true meaning of Christmas, helping people like Christopher (name has been changed)…      

He came to us when he became homeless following an accident that meant his leg was amputated. We helped him via our range of services and he is now spending Christmas in a safe, secure home of his own, thanks to the kind donations of people like you.

View our virtual gift catalogue

Other ways you can ‘Bee There’ this Christmas

As well as making a donation, there are lots of other ways you can support people in your community…

• Download our resources at the bottom of this page – from school resources and activity sheets to social media graphics we’ve something for everyone.
• Use your talents to shine a spotlight on what’s important at Christmas…perhaps you could hold a talent show and raise money for the appeal?  Or, come up with a sponsored activity where you come up with ideas for other bee related stars that might join Lewis Capalbee, the BeeGees, Benson Bee and Abbbba (with four bees).  You could even write your own song and share it on social media!
• Take a look at the services we provide and signpost people in your area who may benefit from our support.
• Share our posts and this page on social media to help raise awareness and encourage others to take action. You can even download a graphic from the resources listed below to share on your social to show your support too!
• If you’re part of a business, school or community group, why not pledge to support #BeeThere by replacing Secret Santa with a donation to the appeal, or perhaps ask people attending your Christmas party to donate the cost of a drink? Get in touch with our fundraising team who’d be buzzing to support you!
• Volunteer with our teams to help people in your community.

And please…do get in touch if you have any more ideas about how you could support the campaign and Bee There this festive season.

Finally, remember to tag us in any social media posts and use the hashtag #BeeThere…