The Olive Branch is a Christian charity serving and helping the socially disadvantaged in Lancaster.

It began as a voluntary group in 2004 by serving free meals to the homeless and developed in 2008 to open a support centre close to the city centre.

The centre is currently open 5 afternoons Mon - Fri 1-4 pm and is managed by a part time Project Manager supported by a team of volunteers and provides open access for adults where they can seek help, share their problems and receive advice and support.

Emergency food packs, tents and sleeping bags are available for those in difficult circumstances.

Since January 2009 enquiries now total 147. Problems dealt with are many and varied and range from debt, family issues, housing, addictions etc.

It networks with other organisations such as Help Direct, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Street Pastors and local churches.

New volunteers are always welcome and there is a need and desire to extend the current opening hours. For further information or to donate tins of food (see list below) please call in or phone us on 01524555715, 07960575279 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

When you go shopping please consider

buying one or two TINS of the items on this list:-

TUNA, CORNED BEEF, SAUSAGES

MINCED BEEF, STEWED STEAK, READY MEALS, TINNED VEG,

BAKED BEANS, SPAGHETTI, TOMATOES

POTATOES,

RICE PUDDING, COFFEE (4 ounce jars), TEA BAGS,

PACKETS OF PASTA, DRIED MASHED POTATO ETC.