Mustard Tree was critical to the creation of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership; developed by groups working alongside people affected by homelessness, and coordinated by Jez Green, Mustard Tree’s Partnership Coordinator.

The Manchester Homelessness Partnership worked together to create the Manchester Homelessness Charter.

Launched in May 2016, the charter unites many people with personal experience of homelessness with organisations from different sectors, to co-produce solutions together. Over 90 people with lived experience have been involved so far, many of whom were involved in co-writing the charter.

Key Values

The partnership has two key values that flow through everything…

• Inclusive partnership – collaboration across the voluntary sector, the council, policing, health, community and faith groups, businesses, universities and concerned citizens.
• Co-production – meaningful involvement of people with lived experience of homelessness in every part of the work.

Action Groups

At the heart of the work of the partnership are the action groups. These groups have been set up to tackle key challenges that people experiencing homelessness regularly face, such as access to mental health support, emergency accommodation, and employment. Each group will include people who have experienced homelessness, including those who come for support here at Mustard Tree as well as those who have relevant skills or professional expertise.

Pledges

Another core part of how the charter aims are being met is through encouraging all organisations and individuals in the city to consider what they could do to support the aims of the charter. You can see existing pledges here.

Partnership board

There is also a partnership board that has been set up to provide stewardship, and to use its collective influence to remove systemic blockages. The board is a partnership between people with lived experience, public, voluntary and private sectors, and chaired by the Bishop of Manchester.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the Charter or Manchester Homelessness Partnership please give us a call on 0161 850 2282 or email information@mustardtree.org.uk