We’re pleased to announce that Riverside, alongside our partners Great Places and Jigsaw, have been selected by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver the second phase of the GM Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP).

RSAP came about in response to the activities surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on those experiencing rough sleeping.

Many people were provided with safe accommodation, and RSAP aims to provide move-on accommodation to people who would otherwise be at risk of rough sleeping and the ongoing Covid-19 risk with national property assets created for the next 10 years.

Already Great Places and Jigsaw are delivering the first phase of the programme, having supported around 44 people across Greater Manchester since 2021.

Now the partnership can continue to build upon the progress made across the region, as this extended second phase means that together we can help deliver the programme to more than 60 people until 2025.

Each keyworker will support between 10 and 12 people, working to ensure they have access to the services they need.

Lee Buss-Blair, our Director of Operations at Riverside, said: “We have seen first-hand in places such as Liverpool and Hull, where we already deliver RSAP-funded services, the hugely positive impact that they have made to people experiencing homelessness, so we are delighted to be working with Great Places and Jigsaw in Greater Manchester, contributing to extending the great work they have already delivered here.”

Emily Cole, Programme Lead Great Places’, commented: “The RSAP programme is an important part of the regional response to homelessness across Greater Manchester and is helping to support people who have experienced rough sleeping or at risk of doing so on their recovery journeys providing move-on accommodation and support.

“We welcome the opportunity to help more people out of homelessness and to realise their hopes and ambitions.”

Kerrie Pryde, Operations Director, Jigsaw Support, added: “Jigsaw Support is delighted to be working with partners to deliver the next phase of the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme, helping people who have experienced rough sleeping to rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter future.”

To find out more about how Riverside supports over 12,000 people affected by homelessness each year, click here