Longton Businesses Unite to Provide Free Christmas Meals and Haircuts for the Community

Local businesses and community organisations are joining forces for a Community Christmas Dining Event at Longton Exchange on 14th December, offering hot meals, free haircuts and festive support to those who need it most.

This Christmas, a growing collaboration of businesses and community organisations is working to bring a little extra warmth, kindness and togetherness to people across Longton.

The Community Christmas Dining Event, taking place at Longton Exchange on Monday 14 December, aims to provide a welcoming space where people can enjoy a hot meal, refreshments and some company during what can be a particularly difficult time of year.

The event is being developed through the collaboration of Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, KadyCutz and The Salvation Army Charity Shop in Longton.

Building on the success of the free community haircuts initiative delivered by KadyCutz in collaboration with the Salvation Army Charity Shop in Longton, Kady will once again be offering free haircuts as part of the event.

Support for the event is already beginning to take shape, with local businesses pledging contributions.

Ali’s Kitchen Longton has pledged 100 curry and rice meals for the day, helping ensure that a substantial number of people can enjoy a hot meal.

Coffee House Longton has also pledged its support by providing sweet treats, adding a little extra festive enjoyment to the occasion.

From Longton & Proud CIC, the volunteer-led community organisation behind the Little Longton Book Exchange, is also supporting the initiative by providing hot drinks for the event, helping to create a warm and welcoming environment for those attending.

The event is intended to support older people, individuals experiencing homelessness, people who may be socially isolated, and individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. The organisers recognise that Christmas can be a challenging time for many, whether due to financial pressures, loneliness or a lack of access to support.

Alongside the sit-down dining experience, a takeaway meal option is also being explored to help make the event accessible to those who may prefer or need it.

The organisers are also hoping to provide winter essentials, including hats, gloves and scarves, alongside small Christmas gifts where possible.

A community effort, more support needed

While the initial pledges are a fantastic start, further support is still needed to help make the event a success.

With Ali’s Kitchen Longton already pledging 100 curry and rice meals, the organisers are particularly keen to secure additional hot food donations to ensure they can support as many people as possible.

Local restaurants, cafés, food businesses and other organisations are being encouraged to get involved, whether by providing hot meals, food donations, cakes, refreshments, takeaway containers, winter essentials, small Christmas gifts, equipment or practical support.

The organisers are keen to emphasise that no single business is expected to take on the whole responsibility. The aim is for lots of businesses and individuals to contribute what they can, creating a collective effort that demonstrates the strength and generosity of the Longton community.

Every additional meal donated could help reach someone who may otherwise go without, and every contribution will help make the day a little more special.

Businesses interested in supporting the event are encouraged to get in touch.

Definite commitments are being requested by Monday 30th November 2026 to allow the organisers to coordinate contributions and finalise arrangements.

Community voices

Roz Ryan, Communications Manager at Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, said:

“Through our work at Longton Exchange, we see every day the challenges that some members of our community face, and the importance of having places where people feel welcome, supported and connected. We already work closely with local organisations and businesses to provide support in a variety of ways, and this event is an opportunity to build on that work even further. By bringing people together and working collectively, we hope to make a positive difference to those who need it most, particularly at Christmas.”

Kerry, Store Manager at the Salvation Army Charity Shop in Longton and a Community Champion within the organisation, said:

“It's wonderful to see the community coming together to support those who need it most. Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and being able to offer a warm meal, kindness and a little festive cheer can make such a difference.”

Get involved

Businesses and individuals wishing to support the Community Christmas Dining Event can contact:

• Longton Exchange Shopping Centre
• The Salvation Army Charity Shop, Longton – Manager Kerry
• Kady Barber – KadyCutz

The organisers hope that, through the support of the local business community, the event will offer more than just a meal, providing a welcoming environment, an opportunity to connect with others and a reminder that nobody should feel forgotten at Christmas.

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