Many of us are aware that 10 October is World Mental Health Day, but did you know it’s also World Homeless Day today too?
The festive season is not far off now, and that means the temperatures will soon start to drop.
But as we head into some of the coldest months of the year, an increasing number of people will sadly be without a roof over their heads or a secure place of shelter in Greater Manchester this winter – with recent statistics published by Shelter back in January sadly revealing that our region has some of the highest levels of homelessness in the UK.
Manchester itself ranks as third-highest in the country for homelessness per capita, with around 7,407 people – which is equivalent to one in 74 people – experiencing homelessness.
Those who find themselves without a permanent or fixed abode will often face a series of complications on a daily basis, but the winter is known to bring with it an additional set of challenges, which is why many of us will look to see how we can lend a hand at this time of year.
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Shelter, CentrePoint, and Barnabus Manchester are among the national and Greater Manchester-based homelessness charities that not only continue to provide essential services to those who need them most, but also provide information and advice to those interested in helping out where possible.
Here’s six ways you can help homeless people across our region this autumn and winter.
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1. Ask if there’s anything they need
Should you feel concerned about the welfare of someone during adverse temperatures or weather conditions, then taking a moment to stop and ask if there’s anything you can provide for them could be a life-saving action.
This could include offering food, drink, thermals, bedding, a travelcard, Vaseline, a reusable water bottle, and more.
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Whilst it’s true that long-term help for homeless people makes the biggest difference, having a conversation over a cup of tea can also be really important.
2. Refer them to StreetLink
StreetLink allows members of the public to connect people sleeping rough with the local services and homeless charities that can support them, and it’s one of the easiest ways to find immediate support for people out on the streets in cold weather.
You can download the StreetLink app from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store, or you can also call the 24-hour helpline on 0300 500 0914, and visit the website here.
When you send an alert, you should include:
A specific location where the person is sleeping.
The time you saw the person at this location.
Any information about the person that will help outreach workers find them (for example – gender, age, what the person looks like, what they’re wearing)
If you can, it’s probably best to let the person know you’re referring them as they may not want their details shared with other agencies, but you can also ask them if they’re happy to pass on their mobile number so it’s easier for outreach workers to contact them.
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Credit: Giving Compass
3. Ask your local council about SWEP
SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) provides emergency support for rough sleepers when the temperatures drop drastically.
During SWEP, councils will usually open extra beds in night shelters, as well as other services, but this is dependent on guidelines, so it’s worth checking with your council to see if SWEP is in operation during cold weather in your local area, and how those sleeping rough can access it.
You can find contact details for your local council here.
4. Refer them to day centres and night shelters
Day centres offer those sleeping rough practical help by providing services such as a hot meal and access to showers and laundry facilities, and you can find your nearest day centre by using Homeless Link’s directory, or calling the CentrePoint Helpline on 0808 800 0661.
Night shelters, on the other hand, offer a free and basic ‘shared space’ to stay for anyone who would otherwise be on the streets – with many providing an evening meal or breakfast at no cost / for a small charge, and often require rough sleepers to arrive by a set time in the evening and leave in the morning.
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Manchester City Council says its representatives are “out on the streets seven days a week connecting people who are sleeping rough to the housing, food, and healthcare they can get”.
Think someone’s been missed though? You can contact the Council here.
The CentrePoint helpline is there help anyone in England aged 16-25 who is homeless or at risk of being so, and operators will listen, advise and connect homeless young people to the right services.
You can call for free on 0808 800 0661 (Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm).
Shelter offers free confidential expert advice via its website, Housing Aid Centres, helpline and email services, and you can call the helpline on 0808 800 4444.
The Customer Service Centre and Homelessness Reception at Manchester City Council are open on an appointment-only basis, but you can call 0161 234 4692 between 9am-4.30pm on Monday to Friday for help and support.
For help when the office is closed, you can phone 0161 234 5001.
You can call the Manchester Homeless Advice and Assessment Service on 0161 234 5001.
Only in the instance that someone sleeping rough appears to be unwell or in immediate danger should you call the emergency services on 999.
Featured Image – Flickr
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Breakaway competition R360 issues statement after rubgy unions warn players of sanctions
Danny Jones
Prospective breakaway competition R360 have issued a response to the joint statement from multiple countries’ rugby unions, which has warned players of sanctions should they choose to join the new league.
While the vast majority seemingly remain opposed to the new concept, backing from certain key figures has resulted in the likes of the UK and Irish rugby unions, along with other key nations, sharing their unified stance against the potential rival.
Put in the simplest terms, the R360 model is rugby’s equivalent of what the proposed European ‘Super League’ was for football just a few years ago, with similar questions being raised around how it could jeopardise existing contests, player wellbeing and more.
Now, though, the new format – which has been largely backed and developed by former World Cup winner with England, Mike Tindall – delivered its own reply on Wednesday, 8 October.
Shared publicly to the press, the alternative tournament wrote: “It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential for any sport to grow. So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick off next year.
“Player welfare is one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally. We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men’s and women’s teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts. Our philosophy is clear – if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?
“We look forward to submitting to the World Rugby Council for sanctioning next summer as planned.”
At present, R360 is due to hold its inagural season this time next year, with eight new male teams and four women’s sides expected to get underway from October 2026 onwards.
In addition to more lucrative contracts like those promised in the IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket, LIV Golf and the aforementioned albeit failed Super League, R360 is also set to offer a reduced playing schedule but one that would still tempt athletes away from their current teams to new franchises.
The national rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy have released the following statement on the proposed R360 competition ⬇️#IrishRugby
Although they have assured player care is an utmost priority, their health and fitness is one of my concerns put forward by the total eight rubgy unions who have urged current pros to stay away from the breakaway competition.
In case you haven’t seen the statement release by England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it begins by “urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.”
Assuring that they welcome “investment and innovation in rugby”, they feel this particular idea won’t improve the sport but could instead “fragment or weaken it.”
Having assessed the proposals supposed value/addition to the “rugby’s global ecosystem”, it seems the fear is that the outcome will be a “net negative to the game”, with little to no detail as to how it can run alongside existing fixtures, assure proper management of player welfare and more.
As for Wales, despite opting not to put their name to the open letter itself, they have stated publicly: “The Welsh Rugby Union supports this statement, and we’re considering changes we may need to make to qualification rules in Wales as part of ongoing analysis following our recent consultation process.”
The statement continues: “The R360 model, as outlined publicly, rather appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out the investment that national unions and existing leagues make in community rugby, player development, and participation pathways.”
It seems there is deep concern for how it could affect grassroots and the international rugby too, not just league and union, and have failed to full explain or help key organisations “better understand their business and operating model.”
Most notably, they sign off by adding: “Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men’s and women’s players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”
What do you make of the whole debate – do you like the current schedule/format as it is, or do you think there’s room for a new chapter in the rugby world?
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Emily Sergeant -
10th October 2023 
