The Mustard Tree has been working with people affected by poverty and homelessness in Manchester since 2000. Based on Oldham Road in Ancoats, they take a practical approach – not just providing immediate help but building routes out of crisis through employment, training, and community.
Their Freedom Project offers paid work placements and skills training to help people move towards stable employment. The charity runs a furniture and homeware shop selling donated goods at affordable prices, which also provides work experience for participants. There’s a cafe on site too. Beyond that, they offer a drop-in service with food, clothing, showers, and advice, plus an art room and various activities designed to reduce isolation.
Mustard Tree relies heavily on volunteers across all their services – in the shop, the cafe, the warehouse, and the drop-in. If you want to help, check their website for current volunteering opportunities. They also accept donations of furniture, clothing, and household goods.
You’ll find them at 100 Oldham Road, Ancoats, M4 5BD. The drop-in runs on weekdays and the shop is open Monday to Saturday. They’re a straightforward, effective organisation doing unglamorous but essential work in Manchester.
