Southport photographer’s festive focus on helping the homeless 

A Southport photographer is focusing on helping homeless people in the town this Christmas.

Birkdale-based Matthew Rycraft is appealing for help in collecting a range of items that will help to improve the lives of people in need over the festive season.

Working in partnership with the Tea Rooms Birkdale, McGuire Estate Agents and On The Spot News Southport, the award-winning wedding photographer plans to make up gift bags and boxes that will be distributed via Southport Soup Kitchen and Southport Food Bank.

Collection points where Southport residents can make donations have been set up at the Tea Rooms in Birkdale and at the McDonald’s restaurant at Ocean Plaza, Southport Beach front.

Matthew is now hoping that kind-hearted local people will donate gloves, scarves, hats and warm clothing, as well as food, snacks and sweet items – anything that will help to brighten up what might otherwise be a grim Christmas for the resort’s homeless.

Matthew explained: “The Yuletide season is the worst time of year to be in need and I want to do my bit to help as many homeless people as I can this Christmas.

“Festive fundraising is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but this year I decided I would just go for it.

“With the support of the organisations that are working with me, and the help of local residents, I feel sure that we can make a real difference to the lives of people in Southport who are in very difficult circumstances at this special time of year, “ added Matthew.

“I will certainly be out and about over Christmas handing out the parcels and making
sure they go to the people who need them most.”

* For more information on Matthew’s Christmas campaign, or to get involved, email matt@matthewrycraft.co.uk