The SPEARHEAD FOUNDATION based in the Manchester Heliport at Barton Aerodrome, have been making a real difference both in the local community and further afield in Ukraine during the ongoing invasion and war with Russia and early this year in Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquake. But now their attentions are currently focused on supporting the local communities and as well as their on-going work to transform a building at Barton, ‘The Tomato Shed Project’, into a well-being hub for the whole community. They are looking to make a real difference as the festive season fast approaches and need your help and support with the foundations 'Manchester Christmas Miracle' – Spearhead Founder and Managing Director Craig Monaghan said, “I am wondering if you can be of help, the foundation is launching a programme in the South Manchester Corridor, particularly in Eccles, Irlam, Trafford, and Wythenshawe. The programme hopes to engage the local community and emergency services, veterans and serving forces personnel, in a ‘Christmas drive’ to support those suffering with the cost of living or suffering in general with the run up to Christmas and the pressures surrounding the holiday period. Over the next few days, a contact form will appear on their website, this will be for those who need support in terms of presents for their children. It will be anonymous to an extent, but a parent can put a request in for a delivery by providing name of child and kids age and address, for example, Johnny Age 5 lives at 1 Barton Road M11 111. Then once we have it, we will stick together a package and, in the days, surrounding 22nd December we hope to get members of the foundation (emergency services/veterans/serving) to deliver these presents. Hopefully a selection box and a couple of gifts. Our vulnerable veterans will pack these on site at The Spearhead Foundation here at Barton. So, the important bit, prior to delivering these presents, we obviously need to find collection points, people who'd like to donate funds or presents etc. Can you help and make a difference to those in need this Christmas?” Craig added: “The Foundation is also looking for companies or sponsors to assist in our next Ukraine drive which is to deliver vital warm kit to evacuees (Children and Women) in the centres we work with in Ukraine, these are directly people we have helped and pulled out of the Donbas region and assisted that we continue to work with. We have over 2,000 items and are looking to raise around £600 to purchase jackets/blankets to get them out there before the second week in December. Craig Monaghan said in the Spearhead Foundations annual impact report: “From helping veterans and emergency workers with mental health. We helped tackle loneliness and transitional issues facing the military community. To funding CPR to be taught in primary schools to rescuing women and children from the Donbas frontline in Ukraine. It has been chaotic to say the least but as a foundation we can proudly enter 2024 knowing we have saved lives, helped families, and created opportunities for people after service.” Since the report has been produced, the foundation has been acknowledged by Ukraine President Zelensky by means of awarding bravery awards to two of the volunteers who conducted over four months in Ukraine last year. Between them they helped rescue a staggering 800 people from frontline villages under fire. The two volunteers are Darren and Craig. The Spearhead Foundation has also received an organisational award from Ukraine for its efforts in providing medical supplies, kits, and training to armed forces Ukraine. An incredible achievement which saw their work continue throughout 2023. The Spearhead Foundation is set to open the first Mental Health Wellness Hub in Manchester, with their ‘Tomato Shed’ Project in a disused building on our doorstep at Barton. This is a £500,000 project which is well on the way to being built as we speak and will house permanent trained counsellors, wellbeing case workers and daily events for people to engage with. This will also make way for a more permanent home for their mental health and veterans programmes which will see them deal with being able to double how many people they can support. (Craig is pictured earlier this year at the site that has now been totally cleared and ready for the next stage of the project at the Tomato Shed at Barton.) If you'd like to support the foundation in any way with the ‘Christmas Miracle’ Project or in any way going forward, whether personally or through business please get in touch. They have huge sponsorship opportunities available and are always looking for support. If you'd wish to just donate: www.thespearheadfoundation.com/donate or call the Spearhead Foundation on 0330 133 6403 with any support. For Mission Christmas the links are - www.thespearheadfoundation.com/mcm and www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ManchesterChristmasMiracle The Spearhead Foundation until the Tomato Shed Project is completed are based at the Manchester Heliport at Barton, they are not connected too and are not part of the Veterans Garage also based at Barton. GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT TODAY! LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS CHRISTMAS AND INTO THE NEW YEAR! Photos: Bill McLaughlin
