Greater Manchester is encouraged to dig deep to help support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness as the winter weather sets in.
The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s pioneering ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’ fundraiser is back for the third year running – and the team is on a mission to smash last year’s total.
It’s hoped that around £30,000 will be raised help fund 1,000 nights of accommodation for the those at risk of homelessness and rough sleeping.
It’s all part of their overarching A Bed Every Night, an ongoing programme to provide emergency wrap-around support to those rough sleeping, offering guaranteed food and shelter, as well as continued support to help them get back on their feet and onto more stable accommodation.
This year, the team is once again partnering with Together, the property finance specialist, which is pledging to match every donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Financial pressures
With the ongoing cost of living crisis alongside the ever increasing demand for housing and spiralling housing costs, the financial pressure on families and individuals has rarely been higher, putting them at risk of losing their homes and a night on the streets.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor said: “As the cold winter nights approach it is vital that we can offer a bed to anyone sleeping rough that needs one. And with the cost-of-living crisis set to continue, more people could find themselves facing incredible difficulty to make ends meet. That means the safety net that A Bed Every Night gives, with its wraparound support to everyone who needs it, is as important as it ever has been.
“The impact of A Bed Every Night has had is remarkable, and so much of that is down to the generosity and spirit of the people of Greater Manchester. If you can, please help us fund 1,000 beds this Christmas, and help the most vulnerable this winter get back on their feet. With the public’s support we can offer a crucial place of safety to all who need it.”
Immense success
The ‘1000 beds for Christmas’ campaign enjoyed immense success last year, raising £47,954 through public donations and through the generosity of Together’s matched funding.
It helped fund more than 1,500 nights of accommodation and overall support from the scheme over the festive period.
But, the current financial crisis is seeing the region face increasing tough challenges. In 2022, rough sleeping increase by 9% in Greater Manchester, though this was against a steeper increase of 26% nationally. The charity remains resolute that it can address the challenges against increasing adversity.
Support
Sarah Nield, group chief compliances officer at Together said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who do not have a safe place to call home. A Bed Every Night is such a worthwhile initiative, helping those who face exclusion from existing services.
“Supporting at the heart of the community is embedded in everything we do here. I am proud that Together is match funding this campaign for a second year and working with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity in its mission to end the need for rough sleeping and tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester.”
Every contribution, large or small, helps make a huge difference in tackling one of the region’s most pressing challenges.
If you’d like to support the campaign, donate here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/1000beds2023
Image credit to Fuzzy Duck
