Urgent Appeal as Newcastle Homeless Christmas Meal Struggles with Donations – Donations this Year Falling Below Half!
A vital Christmas appeal to provide warm meals and support for people experiencing homelessness and hardship in the North East is facing a worrying shortfall, with donations currently under half of what they were at the same point last year.
The Homeless Christmas Meal, held annually at Newcastle Cathedral (Café 16) in partnership with homelessness charity Changing Lives, provides a safe, welcoming space where vulnerable individuals can enjoy a hot Christmas meal, warmth, companionship, and access to vital support services.
However, organisers are warning that without an urgent increase in donations, the appeal risks falling short of its goal — potentially impacting the charity’s ability to support people throughout the harsh winter months and into 2026.
Alice Fisher from Changing Lives said: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, but we’re still behind where we were this time last year. That means we risk falling short of reaching the people who need us most, not just at Christmas, but throughout the winter period and into 2026.”
The Christmas meal is often a lifeline for people who would otherwise spend the day alone, cold, and hungry. For many, it may be their only hot meal, their only human connection, and their first point of contact with support services that can help them move forward.
Rising living costs, increased demand for homelessness services, and reduced charitable giving have all contributed to the current funding gap. Organisers are now appealing directly to the public, businesses, and community groups across the North East to help ensure no one goes without a warm meal this Christmas.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps cover essential costs such as food, staffing, volunteers, and follow-on support that extends well beyond Christmas Day.
Those behind the appeal stress that time is critical.
Chris from North East Updates said: “We know people are generous, especially in the North East, but right now, we need that generosity more than ever. A donation today could be the difference between someone having a hot meal, a warm space, and hope — or going without this winter period.”
“We know that not everyone is in a position to donate but simply sharing the campaign can have a HUGE impact in reaching as many people as possible who can donate.”
Donate a warm Christmas meal for just a fiver 👉 https://donate.changing-lives.org.uk/donate
Stephen Bell OBE, Chief Executive of Changing Lives, said: “Christmas should be a time of warmth, hope, and belonging, but for too many people across the North East it can feel lonely, cold and uncertain. By donating just £5, you can make sure someone has a hot meal and a welcoming place to be this Christmas. Together with our incredible partners, we’re asking the people of the North East to come together and share the spirit of Christmas.”
Donations can be made now to support the Homeless Christmas Meal Appeal and help ensure the event goes ahead and reaches everyone who needs it most this winter.
