For the third year, a Christmas campaign to help fund emergency beds for people rough sleeping in Greater Manchester, has been launched by Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity. The ‘1,000 Beds for Christmas’ campaign will help fund 1,000 nights of accommodation with wraparound support, as part of the flagship A Bed Every Night scheme – and the team are on a mission to smash last year’s amount raised.
A Bed Every Night was launched in 2018 by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and provides emergency accommodation for anyone rough sleeping across the city-region, regardless of status. It costs around £30 per night to fund emergency accommodation, supplying people with guaranteed shelter, food and wrap-around support to help move people into more permanent accommodation.
The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity hoping to raise around £30,000 to help fund 1,000 nights of accommodation for the those at risks of homelessness and rough sleeping. This year, the team are once again partnering with Together, the property finance specialists, who are supporting the campaign by generously pledging to match every donation for the first £20,000 raised.
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. In 2022, rough sleeping increased by 9% in Greater Manchester, though this was against a steeper increase of 26% nationally. The charity remain resolute that they can address the challenges against increasing adversity.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester 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.”
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.”
The ‘1000 beds’ winter campaign saw great 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.
Since 2020, the charity has helped nearly 6,000 people, with 2,910 people supported in the last year alone. Currently, there are 658 people in A Bed Every Night who would otherwise be at risk of rough sleeping. Those wishing to support ‘1,000 Beds for Christmas’ can do so via the campaign’s official JustGiving page here.