World Homeless Day photographs depict plight of rough sleepers in Manchester

Today is World Homeless Day, which came about in 2010 with the global aim of drawing attention to the needs of homeless people and provide the opportunity for communities to get involved and provide a helping hand to those who are on the street. 

The human hand is unique to each individual. In this collection of photographs the hands of the homeless people of Manchester have been photographed in an attempt to document and present the human cost behind this issue without being exploitative. The photos were curated by the subjects themselves.

What are the figures nationally?

• Nationally the number of people sleeping rough has doubled since 2010.
• Roughly 449 homeless deaths nationally in last year alone.
• The Average life expectancy of someone living on the street is 47 for men and 43 for female.
• When homeless people die they do not commonly die as a result of exposure or other direct effects of homelessness, they die of treatable medical problems.
• These figures have been attributed to factors such as poor access to health care, tri-morbidity (physical and mental health issues along with substance misuse) and a reliance on emergency care when their symptoms become severe.

How does Manchester fare?

• Manchester has had the 4th highest increase in people sleeping rough in the UK.
• Since 2010 the number of people approaching the council for help with homelessness has risen 155%.
• A 2018 report by The Manchester Evening News found at least one homeless person dies a month on the streets of Manchester with local charities suspecting this is actually higher.
• Roughly 500 people sleeping rough habitually across Greater Manchester.
• 5 in 1000 people in Manchester are in temporary accommodation.
• Experience of child poverty is closely linked to adult homelessness. Greater Manchester has some of the highest child poverty rates in the UK.
• 680,000 people living in areas of Greater Manchester are at more risk of becoming homeless due to living in some of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK.

What services are currently being done to help?

• Greater Manchester is currently spending £23.4 million on tackling homelessness.
• Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is leading efforts to tackle homelessness across the city with the introduction of the Social Impact Bond (SIB) and Housing First. 
• These initiatives aim to reduce rough sleeping by providing respite which leads to recovery for homeless people and reconnection with society.
• The creation and introduction of the 2018-2023 Homeless Strategy.
• Manchester has a dedicated Homeless General practice called the Urban Village Medical Practice which is based in Ancoats.
• The working together of multiple charitable organisations and enterprises.
• The Creation of the ‘A Bed Every Night Campaign’ which aims to stop anyone being on the streets this winter led by Mayor Andy Burnham.

What can you do to help?

Donating to the ‘A Bed Every Night Campaign’ is a great way to help tackle this issue within Greater Manchester.

Volunteer your time or donate for Big Change Manchester.