New initiative aims to bring the gift of reading to rough sleepers in Manchester

A new initiative being organised in conjunction with homeless charity Coffee4Craig is hoping to bring the gift of reading to Manchester’s rough sleepers this Christmas.

Book lovers are invited to donate a new or used copy of their favourite novel to a rough sleeper, together with a personal message explaining why they love the book and some warm wishes.

The ‘Word on the Street’ initiative aims to collect 500 books – one for each of the estimated number of rough sleepers in Manchester.

The books will be delivered to the homeless in time for Christmas via Coffee4Craig’s drop-in centre at Centre Point North on Oldham Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

The initiative is being organised by Sarah Glynn, marketing manager for Manchester law firm Kuits, which has supported Coffee4Craig as one of its house charities for a number of years.

Sarah Glynn said: “The idea behind the appeal is that books can provide an escape from addiction and the everyday realities of life on the streets, even for a short period of time.

“Books have always been an important part of my life and the privilege of being able to afford to buy and enjoy the latest bestseller is something many of us take for granted.

“In asking people to donate their favourite book and in doing so impart something of themselves, we hope that the appeal will create a sense of shared experience, providing rough sleepers with that essential connection to others that is so often absent from their daily experience on the streets.”

“We still of course need to be providing the homeless with shelter, food and warm clothing this winter, and there is great work being carried out across Manchester to help with this. However, we hope the gift of a book will provide an additional source of warmth.”

Risha Lancaster, founder of Coffee4Craig, said: “People who are rough sleeping and homeless often feel hopeless and forgotten. Receiving new books with personal messages will help people feel connected to the community and help them realise that people actually do care about them. Having the freedom to choose a book they may like to read gives them an element of choice and will hopefully help them to reconnect.”

For more information or to donate a book, please email [email protected]