A plan to get rough sleepers off the streets of Manchester and into temporary accommodation this winter has been published.
Manchester City Council has confirmed it will be working with local partners and health services to set-out an action plan that makes sure no one experiencing street homelessness Greater Manchester is left out in the cold this winter.
While there is year-round provision at Etrop Grange Hotel in Wythenshawe – which is funded by the Council, with support from Greater Manchester Combined Authority(GMCA) – that’s dedicated to moving homeless people off the streets and into accommodation, with teams routinely walking around and connecting those in need with help, the winter brings increased challenges.
So, as the nights draw in, and the temperatures plummet, the Council has revealed that efforts will be “stepped-up even further” to encourage people sleeping rough to “come inside and access the wider support available”.
During periods of severe cold, the Council’s outreach team, together with Manchester Homelessness Partnership members, will be out and about from midnight to 4am, on top of their routine daytime outreach.
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The Council has published a plan to get Manchester’s rough sleepers off the streets this winter / Credit: Ethel Red (via Flickr)
Councils across the UK are known to put cold weather plans in place each year, with the national benchmark for them to come into force being when temperatures are forecast to drop to zero or below for three or more consecutive nights – but here in Manchester, the temperature only needs to be forecast to drop below freezing for a single night for the plans to be activated.
When this is the case, emergency accommodation and assistance will be provided for anyone who is found sleeping rough on our city’s streets.
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As mentioned, accommodation for will predominantly be at Etrop Grange – a 74-space facility that can accommodate dogs, which a key consideration for some people sleeping rough.
Several agencies will be on-hand at the facility tp provide drop-in services for those staying there, including specialist mental health support from Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, and support with drugs and alcohol issues from Change Grow Live, while Urban Medical Village will, once again, provide flu and COVID vaccinations for those who need and want them.
Manchester ranks as third-highest in the country for homelessness per capita / Credit: Flickr | Giving Compass
The publishing of the Council’s rough sleeping winter plan comes after recent data has revealed that Manchester sadly ranks as third-highest in the country for homelessness per capita – with around 7,407 people experiencing homelessness.
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This is believed to be equivalent to one in 74 people.
Cllr Joanna Midgley, who is the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, admitted that the Counil has taken “learning lessons from previous years” while devising and setting-out its rough sleeping winter plan this year, adding that volunteers will be seeking out people “where they are bedded down rather than asking them to report to day centres or other provision”.
She continued: “It’s important to stress that we are working all year round to help people get off the streets and access support to help them build a future for themselves.
“But we know that during periods of particularly cold weather, some people sleeping rough who might normally be reluctant to accept help are more receptive to it – and this is an important opportunity to reach them.”
Featured Image – Giving Compass
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Manchester Storm pays tribute to ‘cherished member’ of club family
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm and its supporters are paying tribute to team physiotherapist Cherry Woodhams, who has sadly died over the festive period.
Having become a recognisable face around the club and around the Storm Shelter at Planet Ice Altrincham, plenty of fans are now honouring and sharing stories about her.
Confirming the news on social media last weekend, MCR Storm wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Details around the Sale-based physio’s death remain private, but there has nevertheless been an outpouring of love and support following the announcement.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Through her skill, care, and unwavering dedication, she supported muscle recovery, reduced stress, and helped prevent injury – always ensuring our players were ready to perform at their best. More than her expertise, Cherry’s warmth is what made her so special.
“She was trusted, respected, and deeply loved by all who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts are with Cherry’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting impact she leaves on our club and our hearts. Rest peacefully, Cherry. You will always be part of the Storm family.”
Storm supporters and ice hockey heads, in general, have been sending thoughts to the club, along with her friends and family.
As well as fellow British side Guilford Flames sending their condolences, others, such as the fitness and sports rehabilitation centre she worked with, commented: “The most wonderful person… we will miss her immensely in Apex Gym.”
Former Storm player Callum Fryer added, “Cherry helped me out tremendously while I was playing for the Storm. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace, Cherry.”
Even people who “had the pleasure of playing on the ice with her” themselves in the past took the time to pay their respects to the “lovely soul.”
We have no doubt those in and around the club will find a way to honour her properly at their next home game against Sheffield Steelers on New Year’s Day (5:30pm, 1 Jan 2026).
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Manchester Storm family, as well as all those who knew and loved Cherry. RIP.
Train ticket prices slashed by more than 50% as huge rail sale returns across UK
Emily Sergeant
The Great British Rail Sale is returning in the new year, and train ticket prices will be slashed by up to 50% or more.
Millions of discounted train tickets for half term activities, weekend getaways, and even commuting will be up for grabs next week, as the week-long rail sale – which is set to run from 6 to 12 January 2026 – will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.
The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026.
Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the entire country.
For example, those who may be planning a quick getaway abroad over the next couple of months will be able to save quite a few pennies, as journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport will cost just £1.20, down from £2.90.
You can get up to 50% off train tickets next week / Credit: Northern | Transpennine Express
This is the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, with last year’s sale selling more than one million tickets and saving passengers around £8 per journey, as well as generating £9 million in ticket sale revenue for the industry.
“The Rail Sale is back,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. “And that means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in three decades to help ease the cost of living.
“We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions.”
This year’s sale comes as the Government aims to ‘ease the cost of living’ for hard-working people by freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
If you weren’t aware, the Government is also in the process of bringing in major reform to Britain’s rail services by establishing Great British Railways (GBR) – which is the new, nationalised organisation to run the railway uniting together 17 different organisations under a single directing mind.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd November 2023 
