The Charlatans' Tim Burgess serves coffee to help homeless

Earlier this week, ahead of the group's Liverpool gig, Tim made an appearance at the city's Paper Cup Coffee café, which helps homeless people.

The coffee shop provides support for the homeless through a pay-it-forward scheme, where customers can buy an extra drink which can then be claimed by those in need.

And on Tuesday (December 5), Tim, who grew up in Northwich, popped down to the café to take on a barista shift making brews.

The 56-year-old, who connected with the Paper Cup Project charity – which set up the coffee shop – during lockdown, said: “I just thought it was a really wonderful thing.

"I wanted to get involved so I just said, I'm going to do a shift and Michelle [the founder] was like 'what are you talking about' but I brought a bit of publicity for her and I just said anytime I'm around I'll help out so here I am.

Tim with Paper Cup Project founder Michelle Langan (Image: Newsquest)

"The wonderful thing is that it's just a simple plan, you can go into the shop, buy yourself a coffee, and then pay for somebody else to have one.

"It may not be the number one priority on homeless people’s lists, but it’s the company more than anything."

The coffee shop was opened in February 2022 by Michelle Langan, the found of the charity which has been supporting the homeless community in Liverpool since 2015.

As well as offering drinks, the shop sells donated clothes, with proceeds going towards the pay-it-forward scheme, while saving donations of warm clothes to give out to those in need.

Tim during his barista shift at Paper Cup Coffee (Image: Newsquest)

Tim added: "A while back I noticed the work Michelle was doing, and everyone who works here at Paper Cup and it just struck a chord with me really – homelessness and being able to do something about it.

"She's pretty much single-handedly taking on homelessness in Liverpool.

"You have to get behind someone like Michelle who is doing that and that's what sticks with me: how one person can make a difference.

"She's one of the heroes of Liverpool for me and I think she's fantastic.”

Michelle, 50, said: "It’s a regular coffee shop but we also offer support to homeless people in Liverpool.

Tim preparing coffee during his shift (Image: Newsquest)

"We wanted it to be a place where homeless people can feel welcome and be treated with respect.

"Tim has such a kind heart and has been so supportive of our tiny charity."

The Charlatans superfan Anthony Fine went to the shop to meet Tim after finding out about the charity through Tim's post on social media.

Clothes being sold for £3.50 each at the shop (Image: Newsquest)

The 42-year-old said: “We came down to see him and brought a bag for the homeless with us as well.

"To be honest I only found out about it when Tim put it on X (Twitter) about the project, but it’s really nice.

"I’ve noticed over the last six months homelessness has got a lot worse, and it’s sad. In any weather, but in this weather specifically, it’s heart-breaking really.”

Not only did Tim spend time serving drinks, he also brought 10 free tickets for the band's Liverpool gig to be given out to customers who bought a pay-it-forward coffee – with Anthony and his son being two of the recipients.