As cost of living pressure rises across the UK, it’s grassroots groups plugging the gaps left by local services to support people experiencing big issues like homelessness.
Manchester has eight times more homeless people than any other city in the north-west. For eight years, the Manchester Homelessness Partnership (MHP) has been offering help with food, hygiene and shelter. Earlier this year, the charity bought a second-hand Ford Transit van. They equipped it with a shower, microwave, and sink, and created space for rough sleepers who may require transport to a shelter.
On a Thursday night, I join the team on their rounds. Laura
