As we welcome the New Year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the winter period at The Wellspring, a time marked by extraordinary generosity, increased demand, and the continued commitment of our community, staff and volunteers.
Winter can be an incredibly challenging time for many people, and while Christmas is a season of celebration for some, we recognise that this is not the case for everyone. Throughout the colder months, our focus remained on ensuring people felt supported, welcomed and able to access the help they needed, when they needed it.
Christmas 2025: A Community Effort
The response to our Christmas appeals was nothing short of remarkable. Donations of food, clothing, rough sleeping provisions and festive treats flowed through our doors, enabling us to support people not only during Christmas itself but well into the New Year.
We were grateful to receive donated wreaths from Cheshire Christmas Trees, which formed part of our outdoor display, a space to remember those we have lost. Inside, the building was filled with life and kindness: children fundraising or donating their pocket money, community groups, businesses, individuals, and even a couple who visited every day of Advent to drop off baked goods. It was a powerful reminder of the compassion that exists across Stockport and beyond.
In the lead-up to Christmas, we on Stockport Homes, enabling us to support families and individuals living in temporary accommodation.
Together, we provided over 200 presents, helping to ensure people could experience some joy during the festive period.
Christmas Eve: Festive dinners and presents were delivered to 40 households who would otherwise have gone without.
Christmas Day: Over 80 people joined us at The Wellspring for a full breakfast, hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, and a Christmas Dinner complete with crackers and presents. Throughout the festive period: The Wellspring remained open, thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers who ensured everyone accessing our services felt supported.
All of this was made possible by the generosity of our supporters and the tireless efforts of those who gave their time.
Cold Weather Response: Start of 2026
As 2026 began, Stockport experienced a severe cold snap, with temperatures dropping to -7°C. The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated, and our team worked closely with colleagues at Stockport Homes to ensure everyone known to us as rough sleeping was offered somewhere warm and safe away from the freezing conditions.
October - December at a Glance
360 people supported 3,040 support contacts
87 people accessed our support for the first time
17 people supported into accommodation 2,900 breakfast visits
Who We Support
People accessing The Wellspring are in a wide range of housing situations, reflecting the ongoing challenges around homelessness and housing insecurity.
23% of people reported sleeping rough
12% were sofa surfing or staying temporarily with others
Nearly 2% were sleeping in vehicles
Alongside this:
20% were living in council tenancies
6% in housing association accommodation
4% in private rented housing, many at risk of losing their home
Almost 7% were living in hostels
Others were placed in B&Bs, temporary accommodation or out-of-area placements
We also supported people who were in prison, hospital or refuge settings, those with uncertain housing situations, and three people who were home owners.
This snapshot shows that while some people we support have accommodation, many are without a safe or secure place to live, or are at real risk of homelessness. Our support is shaped around these varied circumstances, working closely with partner organisations to help people move towards greater stability and security. Lasting change is only possible through a joined-up approach.
How We Support
Twice-daily food provision, led by our incredible volunteers
Showers, clothes cupboard & rucksack project
On-site healthcare with Mastercall (5 days a week)
Podiatry, drug & alcohol support, opticians and other regular drop-ins
Housing & homelessness support
Benefits, finance & digital access
ID support, advocacy & liaison
Outreach, home visits & regular check-ins
⚽ Physical activity, including weekly football sessions
Employment & volunteering support
Everyone’s Journey is Different
Not everyone who uses our food provision is ready to engage in wider support, and not everyone accessing support will use our food services. We respect where people are in their journey and continue to offer support when they feel ready.
Dates For Your Diary 2026
Mark your calendars for some of our exciting 2026 events, including:
The Wellspring Factor: Our annual quiz at Stockport Grammar School, a fun evening of trivia and community spirit. Friday 13th February 2025 | 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Great Manchester Run: Join Team Wellspring at the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run 2026. Sunday 31st May | 8:00am5:00pm
Open Day at The Wellspring. 27 June | 3pm - 6pm th
Harvest Campaign: Supported by schools and churches collecting food donations at a time of increased demand. 1st September - 31st October
Golf Day: Taking place in September, this addition to our event calendar is perfect for golf enthusiasts. 18th September | 9:30am - 2:30pm
The Sleepout: Taking place in October. A signature event raising awareness and funds. 10th October | 6:30pm - 8:00am
If you're interested in joining us for any of these events, please contact janet@thewellspring.co.uk.
We are celebrating 35 Years!
We are celebrating 35 Years of The Wellspring! From our humble beginnings as a volunteer-led soup kitchen to the well-established drop-in support hub we are today, The Wellspring has continued to adapt to the changing needs of people experiencing homelessness. This has only been possible because of the community of Stockport and beyond. We remain a predominantly communityfunded project, supported through regular donations, fundraising efforts and the gift of time.
Together, we can continue to build futures beyond homelessness. We look forward to all that we can achieve together in 2026.
