Birmingham-born, award-winning actor Adrian Lester returned to his home city today to back Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness gift campaign.

Known for his roles in Trigger Point, Riviera, Mary Queen of Scots and The Day After Tomorrow, Lester visited Social Bite’s Tree of Kindness at New Street Station, outside All Bar One, encouraging people across Birmingham to donate gifts, essential items, toys and hot meals for those who need them most this festive season.

Social Bite has launched its Festival of Kindness in Birmingham for the first time, aiming to collect 300,000 donations of toys, warm clothing, toiletries, and contributions towards hot Christmas meals for vulnerable individuals and families during the winter months.

Adrian Lester said: “It was great to see Social Bite's Festival of Kindness in place in Birmingham for the first time. It’s a brilliant, and easy, way for locals to make a huge difference to people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness this winter here in Birmingham. Simply bring a gift, or donate a hot meal or warm and safe place to sleep for a night here at the Tree of Kindness at New Street Station and make someone’s Christmas!"

Working closely with people and organisations it supports, Social Bite has created a wish list of items that make the biggest difference, including warm gloves, hot water bottles, torches, good quality socks, and toys or winter clothing for children to open on Christmas morning.

Donations can be made in person at the Tree of Kindness or online via Social Bite’s website. For £28, supporters can fund a hot Christmas meal, a gift, essential items and a safe place to sleep for someone experiencing homelessness. Specific items can also be purchased, such as warm gloves for £10 or children’s toys and clothing for £100.

Social Bite is known for its innovative programmes, including the Social Bite Villages and Jobs First, which provide housing and employment opportunities to people affected by homelessness. The charity has social business coffee shops across the UK, including London, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow, which offer jobs and free food services for people who are experiencing homelessness. On average, Social Bite gives out 140,000 free food items each year.

Social Bite, which started as a coffee shop in Edinburgh, has gained international acclaim with its industry-leading efforts to achieve its mission to end homelessness. In 2019 it held the world’s biggest ‘Sleep Out’ across 50 cities worldwide including in Times Square, New York. The events were attended by celebrities including Will Smith and Dame Helen Mirren, with the funds raised resulting in first of their kind initiatives, such as Housing First and the Social Bite Village. Social Bite’s work has gained royal approval from the Duchess of Cambridge who visited the Aberdeen shop in 2020, and has also received praise from the likes of George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Sir Bob Geldof.

To donate virtually or find out more, visit: Social-Bite.co.uk/Festival-Of-Kindness