Our incredible Relief and Recover project has hit the half-way mark and we wanted to share some data on this incredible project. This is thanks to The National Lottery, Reaching Communities Funding. Hannah and Sam for their tireless dedication to the guests on the project and to all our supporters who provide the means for us to be able to work with these phenomenal people.

Relief and Recovery Project Update: May 2024–November 2025 (6 month report)

The Relief and Recovery Project, funded by the National Lottery, continues to provide vital, person-centred support to people experiencing street homelessness in Manchester. Since launching in May 2024, the project has made a significant, positive impact—helping individuals move forward into accommodation, employment, and greater stability, all while recognising the natural ebb and flow of our community.

Operating five days a week, with two dedicated drop-in sessions, the project offers truly bespoke support. Each participant leads their own journey, supported by their case worker—either Hannah or Sam—who walks alongside them every step of the way. We work to manage expectations, support positive change, and empower each individual’s growth.

Sometimes, this means attending a housing assessment together; other times, it’s simply sharing a coffee at a local cafe to help someone feel valued. Every step is progress, and every meeting is an opportunity to build trust.

Key Achievements

91 individuals accessed the project from May 2024 to November 2025
71 individuals signed up in Year 1 (May 2024–May 2025)
20 new individuals joined the project between June and November 2025
66 actively supported during May–December 2025, reflecting positive move-ons and natural disengagement
602 total face to face engagements with guests during May–December 2025
Consistent delivery of next-day appointments and rapid, tailored support
Expanded peer mentoring and current guest involvement
Monthly review of support packages for continuous improvement

Outcomes (May–December 2025)
Housing Assessments: 22 completed
Outreach Referrals: 45
Benefit Claims: 14 supported
Addictions Referrals: 9 facilitated
GP Registrations: 6 completed
Bank Accounts Opened: 11
Phones/Devices Supplied: 9
Charity Signposting - Warm Intro: 42
ID Assistance: 10

The National Lottery, Reaching Communities Fund

Infrastructure & Delivery

Venue and Costs as expected: The Meanwhile - Unit 5, 153 Great Ducie Street, Manchester

Rent & Utilities: 40% of rent costs + 20% of utilities

Equipment: Laptops, phones and access to equipment

Staffing: 2 full-time staff

Challenges & Learnings

Fluctuating guest numbers due to positive move-ons and natural disengagement - Monitored weekly

Sustaining funding and managing operational costs - Open dialogue between staff and CEO has supported the finance and spend agreement.

Importance of partnership working (Booth Centre, Mustard Tree, Barnabus, NHS, MCC, GMP, CGL, Probation Services etc) This can never be downplayed, the communication has been key in securing some of the most unlikely positive outcomes for the most challenging individual situations

Looking Ahead

Ongoing monthly reviews to refine support and measure impact

Ongoing weekly case management meetings

Ongoing quarterly service surveys for all participants

Maintaining focus on bespoke, trauma-informed care

Continued collaboration with partners to maximise positive outcomes

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