Mum launches charity to support homeless in major cities

On a trip to Manchester for her son’s ninth birthday, Hertfordshire mum Lisa Patnick was so shocked by the level of homelessness that she decided she had to do something.

The result was the creation of a charity, Urban Angels, which has been providing warm clothes for the homeless in London and Manchester, distributed by teams of volunteers. A drop-in centre was also set up with the help of Manchester Reform Synagogue.

“We meet a homeless person, talk to them and give them cake,” the 37-year-old said.

“A piece of cake and a conversation goes a very long way when you are ignored by the masses.”