Street Engagement Hub
The Community Safety Partnership takes a partnership approach with people who may beg or cause antisocial behaviour.
Voluntary sector organisations work in partnership with Manchester Council and Greater Manchester Police at the Hub.
The CSP provided funding to Coffee4Craig, Riverside, Mustard Tree, St John Ambulance, and the Big Life Company for their involvement in the Street Engagement Hub.
The Hub provides practical support and advice around a range of issues for people who beg or engage in antisocial behaviour and may be homeless or sleep rough. This includes:
- Basic wound care.
- Mental health support.
- Alcohol and drug use.
- Support with applying for identification and bank accounts.
- Accommodation.
- Moving from begging to selling the Big Issue.
- Referral to other organisations.
- Money and debt advice.
- Providing a safe space.
The 'Everybody In' programme
The outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020 caused the Hub to focus on securing emergency accommodation and support for people who were sleeping rough. This was part of the 'Everybody In' programme.
Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police worked with partners - including GMCA and voluntary sector organisations - to engage with people on the street and support them into accommodation.
During this time, the complex needs of some people decreased due to the wrap-around support they received.
Residents reported that their physical health, mental health and wellbeing had improved. They also reported feeling safer, secure and protected, with positive thoughts of their future.
Support from the Mustard Tree
Since September 2020, the Mustard Tree has supported and hosted the Hub.
Concerns were raised about the number of people who weren't registered with a GP or who didn't have identification. In response, the service offer was reviewed and discussions are included in triage.
We continue to support and positively engage with vulnerable people in the city centre and in Manchester's neighbourhoods.
We support people to go to the Mustard Tree in person. Where possible, some Street Engagement Hub services are taken to closer to people in neighbourhoods.
Partnerships strengthened
The partnership between statutory and non-statutory services has become stronger over the past 18 months.
This is due to delivering services together in extremely challenging times for the benefit and support of people on the streets.