Warm to church charity plea

WARMING up . . . Rev Neil Chappell

A BRIGHT idea to help those in need through pensioners who don’t require their winter fuel allowance has been sparked in Oldham.

Greenacres Congregational Church is urging over-60s who are fortunate enough not to need the Government benefit to consider giving it to charity to help those who will be left shivering this winter.

The church has set up an appeal so that people can donate all or part of the payment to the homeless charity Mustard Tree.

The charity is based in Oldham Road, Ancoats, and provides food, clothing, furniture and training for the homeless and vulnerable people across Greater Manchester, including Oldham.

Most people aged 60 and over will automatically receive a winter fuel payment of £200 per household to help with the heating bills, which it is not possible to refuse.

A parishioner from the church read about a similar scheme in Somerset, which was endorsed by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

He thought it was a brilliant idea and was impressed with the work of Mustard Tree after researching local charities which could benefit.

The scheme has been approved by the church and Rev Neil Chappell said: “We had heard about the work of the Mustard Tree before and we looked further into what they do.

“We decided it was a project we wanted to support as a church.

“We had somebody from the organisation to talk at a service and we supported them with our harvest.

“We just hope if people are looking to make a charitable donation then they would consider joining us in supporting the Mustard Tree.

“If we can raise a couple of hundred pounds for them then that will be great.”

One parishioner said: “Our visit to Mustard Tree was inspirational.

“There was such a positive atmosphere that it was impossible not to be moved.

“The charity exists with a minimum of administration and paid staff. Their philosophy is to ask someone to undertake a task and then leave that person to get on with it.”

Anyone who wants to support the scheme can send a cheque made payable to The Mustard Tree to Mustard Tree Appeal, c/o 25 Clarksfield Street, Clarksfield, Oldham, OL4 3AW.