Manchester’s Big Change campaign is urging individuals or organisations to ‘give differently’, by thinking about alternative approaches to helping people who are homeless

The Big Change Action Group work directly with people experiencing and lived experience of homelessness – and they want to help Manchester people to donate money, goods or their time in  ways which will genuinely help to transform lives.  

‘Give differently’ is the motto that all the partners working to combat homelessness in the city will be endorsing over the coming months, as they offer Manchester residents the opportunity to channel their goodwill into effective action that will help people to get off and, crucially, stay off the streets for the long-term.

The Big Change fund enables members of the public to donate directly to a fund to help homeless people. It is accessed by organisations and charities working directly with people who are homeless by allowing them to access funds which will support them to build a life away from the streets and to identify what they need to build a new life. This can be anything from education and training courses, clothes for interviews, deposits for a tenancy or even  furnishings for a new home.

But volunteering time or skills to support organisations working with people who are homeless is just as vital, particularly during the winter months – and donating items direct to charities who are working directly with people who need support allows the right items to be provided to those who need them most.  

Businesses are also encouraged to help through corporate fund-raising, or by offering work placements – which could ultimately offer people a stepping stone as they seek to gain confidence and experience in the job market, so that they can move on with their lives.

Eleanor Watts, Area Manager, Riverside who manages the Big Change fund  said: “Big Change has funded all types of items, such as shoes, bus tickets, furniture and tenancies.  The great part of the fund it is led by the need of the person.  This week there was a man begging for gas and nappies.  The fund paid for these items and he is no longer begging”

Councillor Paul Andrews, executive member for Adult Health and Wellbeing said: “As the nights draw in and the weather turns colder, we all think about those people who, for whatever reason, find themselves on the streets.  

“Through the Manchester Homelessness Charter and the Big Change campaign,  there are now lots of ways that people can offer their help and support to those who need it most.  Although donating money to the Big Change fund is important, we want to ensure that people  who want to make a difference in different ways have the opportunity to do so in a positive way.”

Campaign posters and digital screens in the city centre will signpost people to the Big Change website to find out how to Give Differently – www.bigchangemcr.co.uk

The Street Support Network website https://streetsupport.net provides more information about various charities and services supporting homeless people in Manchester and how individuals and businesses can get involved.