‘We treat all our guests as equals’
The Greater Together Manchester Night Shelter offers a safe place, meals and a bed for the night for rough sleepers around the city during the winter months. It also provides homeless people with clothing, healthcare checks and ongoing support, and has received grants totalling £5,000 from Bags of Help.
Homeless services manager and night shelter co-ordinator Craig Savage, 36, says, “Last winter we had one static shelter with 15 beds set up in a church hall near the city centre, plus a series of 12-bed rolling shelters that were like a pop-up operation, opening for one night only wherever we could find an available space.
“Some of the people who come to us are only with us for one night; others for several months. And we do more than just provide emergency accommodation. We offer hospitality and treat everybody as equals. Our guests and the 16-20 volunteers who run the shelters eat, chat and clear up together. They’re like a community. “We also liaise closely with other organisations to provide ongoing aftercare and support. Seeing people improve and get back on their feet is what makes my job truly fulfilling. “We have very limited funds and the grant from Bags of Help made a big difference in helping to meet the day-to-day costs of food, toiletries, bedding and clothing.
“Sadly, Covid restrictions have forced the suspension of the night shelters this winter, but we hope to reopen as soon as possible.”