A snapshot of how Two Brews and the Coffee Hut turned a cold day into something meaningful.
By mid-afternoon on a rainy December day - St Peter’s Square in Manchester was already stirring. Gazebos were going up, volunteers moved quickly between tables, and people gathered, some chatting, others quietly waiting. This was Two Brews, a community led event bringing warmth, food, and connection to people experiencing homelessness in the heart of Manchester.
Among the stalls that afternoon was one run by The Coffee Hut team, led by Olivia Dixon. Their role was simple but essential, serving hot drinks to those attending the event.
“For anyone who couldn’t be there, it’s really about community,” Liv says. “Two Brews regularly go into Manchester and provide hot meals, drinks, and essentials. Around Christmas, it’s also about creating a bit of joy and social interaction.”
The event took place on 14 December between 3pm and 5pm. The location was chosen intentionally. St Peter’s Square is already a place where many people experiencing homelessness gather, meaning the event reached people naturally, without barriers or formalities.
“When we arrived, people were already there waiting,” Liv explains. “A lot of them knew each other. It felt like a community that already existed, and the event just fit into it.”
By the time the Coffee Hut team arrived, Two Brews already had the setup running smoothly. Gazebos lined the square, tables were arranged, and Mandy, who runs Two Brews, moved between volunteers coordinating everything, dressed as Santa and keeping the energy high. Guests were guided through food, snacks, water, and finally, hot drinks.
“We set ourselves up and got straight into it,” Liv says. “Hot water urns, coffee, hot chocolate. It was a quick turnaround.”
Despite the heavy rain, the atmosphere stayed warm. A choir sang nearby, people danced, and conversations carried on under umbrellas.
“The weather was awful,” Liv laughs, “but the vibe was genuinely really good.”
The Coffee Hut stall was supported by their coffee supplier, who donated products that could be passed directly to attendees. For Liv, taking part felt like a natural extension of The Coffee Hut’s values.
“We’re a charity organisation already, so giving back to the community just makes sense,” she says. “It also links closely to loneliness and social connection, which is something we really care about.”
Salford SU is actively aiming to tackle loneliness within our student community this year as their main strategic goal, so we are very proud of The Coffee Hut taking active steps to carry those values into our local community. Not every moment was easy though - Liv speaks openly about the challenges of being in an unpredictable environment, including a brief conflict that broke out between attendees.
“You kind of go in knowing things like that can happen,” she says. “Sometimes the hardest part is knowing the right thing to say. But you show up, you’re kind, and you make sure people feel welcome.”
Those moments, she explains, are also what make the experience meaningful. Being present challenged her own assumptions and reshaped how she views homelessness.
“A lot of people have really complex stories,” she says. “Some used to be in the army. Some couldn’t reintegrate back into society. You don’t realise that until you actually speak to people.”
One memory from a previous year still stands out. On one side of the street, people queued for hot drinks and essentials. On the other, the Christmas markets glowed with lights and shoppers.
“It really puts things into perspective,” Liv says.
For her, success is not measured in numbers, but in moments of connection.
“Even just talking to people in a completely different situation makes you more self-aware,” she explains. “You go home more grateful, and you see things differently.”
Looking ahead, Liv hopes this involvement will not be limited to Christmas. Two Brews runs outreach throughout the year, and she would like to support them more regularly, with the right resources and people in place.
Her message to readers is simple and grounded.
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” she says. “You never know someone’s story. And you don’t have to do anything big. Sometimes, something as small as a coffee can make a real difference.”