James tells us that true biblical faith will lead to good deeds like, among other things, feeding hungry people and caring for distressed people who have lost their husband or parents (James 1:27).  Here are a few things, locally, that you can get involved in to help relieve earthly suffering.

Barnabus
These guys do street outreach, prison ministry, run a drop-in centre, minister to Manchester’s 400-odd prostitutes in the Red-Light District, provide football activities for those on the streets, work with victims of domestic violence, as well as running a charity boutique in Withington to raise money for their other activities.  Above all, they seek to introduce people to Jesus through these things.  A few Platt people are already involved, and you could be too.

Mustard Tree 
Other Platt people are part of Mustard Tree, which aims ‘to improve and rebuild the lives of homeless and marginalised people in Manchester’, including asylum-seekers and refugees, those recovering from addictions and the long-term unemployed.  One of the main ways you can get involved is in their twice-weekly distribution of soup, sandwiches and hot drinks to those living on the street.