Two familiar TV faces will be shining a light on homelessness at the Barnabus “Going for Gold” Gala Dinner this autumn. Emmerdale star Amelia Flanagan and Real Housewives of Cheshire favourite Lauren Simon are set to attend the fundraising evening in support of Barnabus, the Manchester-based charity that has been helping people rebuild their lives after homelessness for more than 30 years.
The black-tie event takes place on Friday 17 October at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, bringing together community leaders, supporters and businesses to raise vital funds for Barnabus’ frontline services. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, live entertainment and a charity auction, alongside inspiring stories from those who have benefitted from Barnabus’ support. All proceeds will go directly toward services including the charity’s Beacon Support Centre, healthcare access, outreach teams and pathways into safe accommodation and employment.
Amelia, 17, has been a much-loved cast member on Emmerdale since 2014, playing April Windsor. Earlier this year, she was at the centre of a moving storyline which saw April living on the streets after running away from home. The special one-off “filmic” episode depicted April navigating the brutal realities of homelessness, from begging for food and shelter to tragically losing a baby while alone in a public gym toilet.
The episode brought national attention to the struggles young people face without a safe place to live, and it resonated deeply with Amelia herself. After researching and portraying such a heart breaking story, she developed a strong connection to the real-life issues so many experience. “Barnabus is a fantastic charity that provides incredible support to the homeless in Manchester, offering services that can massively change people’s lives for the better,” Amelia said. “The work they do is extraordinary and goes beyond the basics of just providing food and shelter temporarily, instead working to help them as individuals to rebuild their lives and move on. After filming the episode focusing on April’s life on the streets and everything she encountered during those weeks, it became clear just what a huge issue homelessness is and highlighted the need for organisations such as Barnabus to support these people, who for whatever reason find themselves on the street. Sadly, unlike in April’s story, many of them aren’t able to return to a loving family and that’s where Barnabus is crucial in supporting these individuals. I’m delighted to be able to attend the ball to help bring attention to this fantastic organisation.”
Lauren Simon, known for her glamorous role on ITV’s The Real Housewives of Cheshire, will also be adding her voice to the cause. Her decision to support Barnabus reflects her belief in using her platform for good. “I feel incredibly honoured to be part of this special evening,” she said. “Homelessness isn’t just a statistic, it’s something happening in our communities every single day. If my voice can help even one person get the support they need, then it’s all worth it. Barnabus does incredible work and I’m proud to support them”.
Neil Cornthwaite, Barnabus’ Partnerships Manager, welcomed the involvement of both stars, saying: “We’re delighted to have Amelia joining us as a guest and helping us shine a light on the stories and struggles that are too often misjudged.”
Barnabus CEO Yvonne Hope added: “We’re so thankful to have Lauren’s support. Her involvement brings vital visibility to our mission. With the rising number of people facing homelessness, this event and Lauren’s advocacy will help us continue to walk alongside those in crisis, offering practical help and long-term hope”.
Homelessness in Manchester has risen sharply over the past decade, with rough sleeping figures climbing from just seven in 2010 to well over a hundred by 2019. Yet the true number is much higher when considering the hidden homeless in hostels, emergency accommodation or on friends’ sofas. At its Beacon Support Centre, Barnabus helps up to 30 people a day, offering not only essentials such as meals, showers and clothing, but also long-term support with housing, employment, recovery and wellbeing.
Through partnerships with local councils, churches, healthcare providers and the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, Barnabus continues to work towards practical solutions that offer lasting change. This year’s gala will play a crucial role in sustaining that mission, with Amelia and Lauren lending their voices to amplify its impact.
Tickets are available now, and Barnabus is inviting the public, businesses and supporters across Greater Manchester to join an evening that promises to be both meaningful and memorable.
