New partnership launches CONNECT Manchester service

Social justice charity, Nacro, Sanctuary Supported Living, Riverside and The Salvation Army, have all joined forces with Manchester City Council to end homelessness, through the new CONNECT Manchester service.
CONNECT Manchester, funded by Manchester City Council, will provide 163 units of shared and self contained accommodation to adults aged 18 and over that are homeless, experiencing housing related crisis or are in need of temporary housing and support in and around the Manchester area.

Local people with various vulnerabilities including those with substance misuse issues, mental health concerns, those leaving prison, or facing repeat homelessness and sleeping rough, can access support from the CONNECT Manchester service through an online assessment and referral gateway run by Manchester City Council. The new gateway, launched this month, marks a new and innovative way of working across the Manchester area.

CONNECT Manchester aims to prevent and reduce the number of times people experience homelessness by securing stable accommodation and equipping people with skills and support to enable them to live independently.

Councillor Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:

“The new CONNECT Manchester service that we have commissioned will support some of the city’s most vulnerable adults to develop independent living skills and move on from homelessness. By working in partnership the organisations delivering this service combine their vast knowledge and expertise in the field to ensure that people are getting the right support at the right time as well as making sure that individuals are at the centre of their care and support.”

Pamela Dodoo, Nacro Area Manager North West; Stephanie Brooks, Sanctuary Supported Living Area Services Manager; Janet Muldowny, Riverside Area Manager and Rob Long, Regional Manager at The Salvation Army said:

“We are delighted to join forces. Together, we can harness greater knowledge, reach and experience across the city. This will help us to deliver an effective and co-ordinated response to meet the needs of local homeless people, dramatically reducing their risk of future homelessness once and for all.”

To find out more and to contact the service, go to: CONNECT Manchester.

For further information, please contact the Nacro press office on 020 7902 5443 or via email at media@nacro.org.uk.