Mayor backs new campaign to get homeless off street

ANEW campaign in Rochdale which is helping to get people off the streets has received the backing of the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Real Change Rochdale encourages people to donate money online, which can then be accessed to help homeless people with practical items, like flat deposits or clothes for a job interview.

Mayor Burnham said: “Campaigns like Real Change are a crucial part of the support we are trying to put in place to prevent and tackle homelessness across Greater Manchester.

“Its strength is that it offers direct and immediate support for practical things like bus tickets and clothing for a job interview. Just that little bit of support can be crucial to help get people out of homelessness.

“I would love to see people get behind Real Change. It will make a big difference to a lot of people in Rochdale borough.”

All cash donated to Real Change Rochdale is held in a central pot, which is administered by local homelessness charities. Local organisations which work directly with the homeless can then apply for funds when needed.

Over £4,000 has already been generated for Real Change Rochdale, with recent fund raising efforts by Brownhill Learning Community and Rochdale Sixth Form College boosting the coffers by more than £1,200.

Councillor Linda Robinson, who sits on the Joint Homelessness Forum, said around 95 per cent of the cash raised goes directly to helping homeless people, with the other 5 maintaining the website.

Rochdale sixth form college principal, Richard Ronskley, said: “Real Change Rochdale has had such a powerful and positive impact in the borough. It improves vulnerable peoples’ lives everyday. I look forward to building on our relationship to help Real Change continue to transform people’s lives.”

The funds have already helped a local pensioner who risked losing his home of 30 years when changes to his personal circumstances caused him to run up some rent arrears.

Andy King, from Brownhill Learning Community, said: “We really enjoyed meeting Andy Burnham. He was great with the students and took the time to answer their questions about homelessness. The students really understood the importance of raising money and the practical difference it will make.”

People can donate to Real Change at: realchangerochdale.co.uk ●●Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham with Rochdale Sixth Form College student, Chels Lester and principal Richard Ronskley with a cheque for their fund-raising efforts