We are doing everything we feel we can, says mayor Burnham

GREATER Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: “We know things are very tough for people and we are keeping all the work we do under close review.

“We are doing everything we feel we can, but we are always asking ourselves how we can go further and faster. Earlier this year all 10 Greater Manchester councils agreed to ensure emergency support is given as soon as temperatures drop to freezing, rather than the legallyrequired three days.

“My homelessness fund is giving donations to organisations and charities that will support rough sleepers.

“We’ve also commissioned a £1.8m project that will help to provide accommodation, intensive health support and improve the way homeless people are encouraged into education or work.

“These changes will make a real difference to people.

“We are giving hope that people can break out of the circumstances they are in. The partnership work being done across Greater Manchester will save lives.

“There is no quick fix to this problem, but we will not stop until we have ensured everyone has a safe and secure place to stay across Greater Manchester by 2020.”

For more information about the services available for homeless people in Manchester, including how you can help, visit streetsupport.net