Partnership with LandAid to tackle Youth Homelessness

Greater Manchester youth homelessness prevention partnership receives £20,000 in funding from LandAid in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity for ‘Keep Snug Scheme’

LandAid and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity funding package to Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership will be targeted at combatting rising youth homelessness in Greater Manchester, via its 'Keep Snug Scheme’.

Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership (“GMBOP”) announced the award of £20,000 in grant funding from LandAid- the property industry charity which is working to end youth homelessness in the UK – and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

GMBOP’s ‘Keep Snug Scheme’, in which this funding package is integrated, is an emergency response to the cost-of-living crisis hitting young people across the region. Through the scheme, young people at risk of homelessness are able to access small grants to help cover winter fuel bills and sudden rent increases, making sure they stay warm and housed.

Rachel O’Connor, Programme Manager at Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership, said: “The Pathfinder programme is currently working with over 450 young people across Greater Manchester and we are seeing referral numbers continue to increase as the cost-of-living crisis continues. GMBOP’s vital work is making a transformational impact on so many individuals who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness – providing tailored support to enable them to move forward and achieve their aspirations. We can’t thank LandAid enough for this grant funding which will help us to improve even more lives.”

Based in Greater Manchester, GMBOP is a partnership formed of a group of charities including Depaul UK, Early Break, Calico, The Brick, AKT and 42nd Street, who work in tandem to deliver The Pathfinder programme to young adults who are at risk of becoming homeless. The programme supports individuals to secure and sustain suitable, safe accommodation, engage in meaningful activities, and improve their overall wellbeing – helping them improve their lives and achieve their potential.

Fran Darlington-Pollock, Head of Strategic Development at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said: “We were delighted to join with LandAid to support this vital initiative. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard, and the tailored support provided by the Pathfinder programme is a real life line to young people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness in Greater Manchester.

LandAid’s funding, in partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, will enable the Pathfinder programme to support a greater number of young people to combat the increasing pressures they face as a result of escalating bills. The funding was put in place at the close of 2022 and has already been able to provide food, warm clothing, and kitchen equipment for those most in need.

Kevin Hunter, Head of Programmes & Impact at Land Aid said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with our partners in Greater Manchester to make this emergency funding available immediately to young people facing homelessness and debt, alongside similar funds in the West Midlands and London. 16–25-year-olds are particularly affected by the current cost-of-living crisis; they’re more likely to be in rental accommodation and already living on tight margins. Hopefully this will make the winter somewhat easier for some at least.”

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