Street Meet is a unique 'happening' that isn't an organisation, nor a charity but a group of friends from Salford and beyond who not only provide essentials to the homeless but also provide company for those more used to facing hostilities.
"They just need someone to talk to" explains Paul Kelly of Street Meet "It's more about just being human and giving human contact because people are abused on the streets, completely marginalised by society, and we know that could be us one day."
Street Meet was set up a number of years ago with Adeeb Ahmed, who ran Saffron restaurant in Cheetham Hill. They used his facilities to make soup and sandwiches and then would be at All Saints Park every Wednesday from 7pm, handing out not just the food but clothes, sleeping bags, tents and more.
Many moons later, the friends are still at it, at the same place and time, every week, not taking a penny for themselves. Indeed, they buy the stuff themselves, added to donations of meat products and whatever else they can get.
"We don't wear hi-viz bibs; we don't look down on people; we don't take money as a job; and we don't take money out of it at all" Paul says "We're not like a top down organisation. All the money we get is for people who need food, drinks, clothing... whatever.
"It's not about money but we want to get money to help people who in the winter will be on the streets" he adds. This week's Love Raiser, at Night People in Manchester on Thursday 23rd August will hopefully help that aim, with an array of bands and musicians providing the entertainment.
"It's ?5 entrance if you've got the money to pay, if not you can come in anyway" says Paul "People can come down and give support and we're always looking for volunteers as well; it's not just about giving out food it's giving people human contact."
Paul is in no doubt that over the coming months, no matter the Government and council platitudes, the Street Meet is needed more than ever...
"It's like America in the 1970s and 80s because of the destruction of the welfare state by the Tories" he explains "It doesn't matter what Andy Burnham or anyone else says, there's going to be people on the streets of Manchester and they come to us for help. I think we've saved people's lives; in fact I know we have."
Love Raiser for Street Meet
Thursday 23rd August 7:30pm
Night People
105 Princess Street, Manchester M16 DD (next to Mechanics Arms)
?5/free
For more details on Night People see the Facebook page click here
Photo shows graffiti on huge empty building on Langworthy Road, Salford
Update: 31st August: The event raised £255.46 and Paul Kelly said "A big thank you to Luke and Jack Slater for promoting the fundraiser and thanks to all for your support..."
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