A Bed Every Night initiative launched in Manchester

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has urged the public to support the A Bed Every Night initiative to help end the need for rough sleeping in the city-region this winter and in the future.

Launched on 1 November, the campaign is part of Greater Manchester’s ambitious plan to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping and provides accommodation in every borough of the city. As well as a bed, the initiative will provide access to hot food, a hot shower and specialist support to enable those in accommodation to begin a sustainable journey away from life on the streets.

With roughly roughly 500 people habitually sleeping rough in Greater Manchester, the Mayor has called on the public to back the campaign with support and donations and to also download the new Street Support app, available on Apple and Android, where they can find information about what they can do if they see someone sleeping rough.

Burnham said: “The generosity of spirit in Greater Manchester is beyond debate. We are not the type to simply walk on by. But the time has come to channel this goodwill and the work already being done across our city-region behind a single, thought-through and concerted campaign to tackle rough sleeping over the course of this winter.

“Over the next few months we will pull together to help end the need for rough sleeping in Greater Manchester, starting now with the launch of A Bed Every Night. We need public support – please consider donating to the campaign rather than giving on the street. By donating you can be sure your money will go towards work that will really make a difference – your money will not fall into the wrong hands.

“A Bed Every Night is an important next step in our systematic approach to ending rough sleeping in Greater Manchester and giving people a supported journey away from the streets. We have already proved we can do this. I want to see other towns and cities across the North West and further afield emulate our model and redouble efforts nationwide to tackle this crisis. As a society we need to look after people properly. Whatever our challenges as a country, we are rich enough to put a roof over every head every night of the week.”