Christmas campaign launched to help fund 1,000 emergency beds for people rough sleeping

'1,000 Beds for Christmas' has been launched by the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity which will help fund one night's accommodation for a thousand rough sleepers within the flagship ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme across the region

'1,000 Beds for Christmas' has been launched by the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity which will help fund one night's accommodation for a thousand rough sleepers within the flagship ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme across the region.

A Bed Every Night was launched in 2018 by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and provides emergency beds for anyone rough sleeping across the city region, as well as vital personal support.

Since 2019 the scheme has helped over 3,400 people and reduced rough sleeping by 57%.

However there is a rising need and this winter the charity is concerned that more people may end up at risk due to the ban on evictions, Universal Credit uplift and the furlough scheme coming to end.

For many people, these schemes have been a lifeline in keeping a roof over their heads during a time of economic instability caused by the pandemic.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Here in Greater Manchester our ground-breaking approach to rough sleeping and homelessness is working, and making a real difference. The number of people sleeping on our streets is at its lowest since 2013. But we will not rest until we have eradicated the need for rough sleeping from our region.

“Please donate what you can to A Bed Every Night and help us raise £30,000 to provide 1,000 places of safety this Christmas.”

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity has played a fundamental role in funding frontline charities, including supporting the A Bed Every Night scheme.

The charity has launched a public appeal to help raise £30,000 – funding 1,000 beds this Christmas and have urged people to pledge whatever they can to help.

Vanessa Haworth, head of the charity commented: “We want to ensure that homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester. We have a responsibility to support those who are in need right now and are calling on the generosity of the Greater Manchester public to help us raise funds. £30 will help fund a bed for the night, but please donate whatever you can to help.”

Those wishing to support should pledge via the JustGiving page.