Our Pledges · Manchester Metropolitan University

Pledge 1: Engage in research-related activity guided by the priorities of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership

As a knowledge-based institution, the focus of our support is to provide research expertise and resource to the partnership.

We have funded a three-year PhD studentship to explore the unique qualities of the Manchester Homelessness Charter, which has brought together individuals from all areas of homelessness services to co-produce better services and outcomes.

Our Manchester Homelessness Charter research projects will explore the value of this co-production model, and how individual experiences of homelessness provide unique insights into this issue that workers, researchers and policy makers don’t always have access to. An example of this is how homelessness is commonly associated with rough sleeping at the expense of other situations. This is why shared working and listening to each other are vital if we are to build stronger communities.

Through participatory action research, which is deeply rooted in the principle of solidarity and giving a voice to groups of people who have been marginalised, we will identify how this approach is helping to bring about changes and embed new ways of working. Examples have included the development of a community bank in an economically deprived area and better health services developed by women for women.

More broadly, our researchers are united by a commitment to social justice and an absolute belief in the power of research and knowledge exchange to transform the lives of individuals and groups in wider society. Much of our research is focused on tackling some of the underlying social problems that can lead to homelessness.

Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange

Experts from Manchester Metropolitan University are working with partners from across the city to provide information into the impact of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as ‘Spice’, on the homeless community. Through rapid, early warning detection and insight this research is helping frontline agencies to better support the homeless community who may be affected by the drug’s adverse effects.

Spice is a psychoactive substance that is typically smoked, causing a series of harmful effects that includes psychosis, violence, addiction, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. It was banned as part of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 after previously been known as a ‘legal high’.

The University and partners at Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police continue to work together to provide support to ensure the city is well equipped to tackle Spice use among Manchester’s homeless community.

Manchester City Council and Manchester Metropolitan researchers are working with local treatment providers to develop new training for frontline staff and professionals, and are working with treatment providers to improve existing referral pathways and service delivery for psychoactive substance abuse.

Additionally, scientists at MANDRAKE - Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange - a licenced scientific resource at the University, are working in partnership with key stakeholders to facilitate rapid, robust and cost-effective chemical analysis for harm-reduction and intelligence sharing within the Greater Manchester Region.

Substance Use and Addictive Behaviours

Experts in Youth support applied research into vulnerable, often homeless, teenagers as well as investigating youth justice, gangs, the care system and the causes of unemployment amongst young people. Researchers in our Substance Use and Addictive Behaviours group provide a forum for expertise in a broad range of complex social issues around addiction. The group has developed legal high detectors, research into drugs and social exclusion and the first national framework for social workers to help support people with alcohol and drug problems.

Criminologists are trialling new approaches to the rehabilitation of offenders using personal budgets which can lead to better support networks and improved outcomes for vulnerable people.

Pledge 2: Raise awareness of the Charter and highlight the most effective ways for staff and students to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

We will ensure staff and students have clear information on the issues of homelessness and are aware of the most effective ways in which they can support an end to homelessness in Manchester.

We will keep this website updated with the latest information, including plans for forthcoming events and activities across the University, and in partnership with the Students’ Union. You can also keep up-to-date through the University Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Pledge 3: Promote opportunities for staff and students to engage in volunteering, fundraising and other potential projects in support of the Charter.

Staff and students are encouraged to download the Street Support App. The Street Support App provides live information about what is currently needed so that the kindness and resources in the city are directed to really making a difference. If there is nothing in the needs list that you can help with, you can sign up to volunteer with a number of organisations and charities who need help with a wide variety of tasks and services, from mentoring, DIY, skill share, or just someone to talk to.

We will be promoting the Manchester Homelessness Charter and Big Change fund through a number of awareness raising activities over the coming months. This includes a World Homeless Day event in October, which will be delivered in partnership with the Students’ Union and homeless charities. The event will focus on raising awareness of homelessness in the city and how students can get involved in supporting Big Change.

Staff and students also have the opportunity to take part in Big Change Ambassador training, which covers information about homelessness in Manchester as well as the steps the city and the University are taking to improve the lives of those affected by it. If you want to get involved, sign up today!

Pledge 4: Actively support the Big Change campaign - Manchester’s alternative giving campaign.

The University’s Conference & Events team has been donating £1 from every day delegate rate to the Big Change Fund. This is making a direct contribution to support people who are homeless to move away from the streets.

Head of Conference Services, Janet Scull said “We hope to make a small inroad to help raise funds and awareness and encourage others in the business events industry.

We formally began this initiative in June 2017, with the intention of making an end of Financial Year donation to the Big Change Fund. To date we have raised £3,467."

We also provide staff and students the opportunity to take part in Big Change Ambassador training, which covers information about homelessness in Manchester as well as the steps the city and the University are taking to improve the lives of those affected by it.

To find out more about the training, please take a look at our ‘Get Involved’ page or contact bigchange@mmu.ac.uk.