Andy Burnham thanked by Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity after eight years helping tackle and prevent homelessness
Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity has paid tribute to its Founding Patron, Andy Burnham, following his election as Member of Parliament for Makerfield.
Andy Burnham helped establish the charity in 2017 bringing together business and civic leaders from across Greater Manchester, around a shared ambition: that homelessness has no place in our city-region. He has served as the Founding Patron throughout his time as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Since launching, the charity has brought together businesses, communities and individuals from across the city-region to raise vital funds to tackle homelessness. Through numerous initiatives, including the flagship scheme A Bed Every Night and a wide range of prevention, intervention and community-based projects, the charity has supported thousands of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
As Founding Patron, Andy has consistently championed the charity’s mission and used his platform to raise awareness of homelessness and the importance of collective action in addressing it. From the outset, he committed to donating part of his Mayoral salary to help establish and grow the charity – a commitment he maintained throughout his time as Mayor.
Since then, the charity has raised more than £4.7 million to tackle homelessness and inequality across Greater Manchester, awarding £3.78 million in grants to more than 170 frontline organisations. Together, we've helped fund more than 87,400 nights of accommodation through A Bed Every Night, supporting Greater Manchester's wider efforts to reduce rough sleeping and prevent homelessness.
Reflecting on Andy Burnham's contribution, Tim Heatley, Chair of Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, said:
"Firstly, I would like to congratulate Andy on his election as Member of Parliament for Makerfield. Public service has always been at the heart of everything he does, and I know he will bring the same energy and compassion to Parliament that he has brought to Greater Manchester over the last eight years.
On behalf of the Charity, our Board of Trustees, our supporters, partners and the people we have been privileged to help, I would like to thank Andy for his encouragement, guidance and unwavering dedication. While his role in public life may evolve, his connection to the charity will not. As our Founding Patron, he continues to be a passionate supporter of our work, and we look forward to working with him in the years ahead and to building a strong relationship with the next Mayor of Greater Manchester, as we continue our mission to tackle homelessness and inequality."
Anne Rhind, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, said:
"As our Founder, Andy has been a passionate supporter of this charity from the very beginning. He understands that tackling and preventing homelessness requires businesses, philanthropists, communities, charities and public services to come together around a shared ambition. We are incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved during the last eight years and grateful to everyone who has helped make that possible. We now have an opportunity to build on those strong foundations, bringing even more people and organisations together as we continue working towards our vision that homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester."
Looking ahead
As we enter our next chapter, we will continue building on the strong foundations established since 2017, investing in emergency support while increasing our focus on prevention, partnership and community-led solutions that help people thrive long before crisis occurs. This includes our growing role in initiatives such as the Live Well Communities Fund, working alongside partners across Greater Manchester to invest in stronger communities and earlier intervention.
Working alongside partners across Greater Manchester, we will continue championing collaboration, recognising that lasting change happens when organisations come together around a shared ambition. Together, we will continue working towards a future where homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Get involved
Ending and preventing homelessness is something none of us can achieve alone. Whether you'd like to support, partner with or be supported by the charity, there are many ways to get involved:
You can:
Make a donation and help fund life-changing support.
Become a corporate partner and invest in communities across Greater Manchester.
Apply for funding if you're a charity or community organisation delivering work that aligns with our mission.
Take part in one of our fundraising events or challenges and help raise vital funds.
Fundraise your way with friends, your workplace or local community.
Get in touch to explore how you, your business or organisation can support our work.
However you'd like to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester.
About Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity
Established in 2017, Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity brings together businesses, philanthropists, charities, public services and communities to tackle and prevent homelessness across Greater Manchester.
Through fundraising, partnerships and grant-making, we invest in emergency support, prevention and community-led initiatives, including A Bed Every Night, helping people move towards secure, independent and fulfilling lives while creating a fairer, healthier and more inclusive Greater Manchester.
We're proud to work alongside hundreds of organisations across Greater Manchester, including businesses, charities, community groups and public sector partners, all working towards a shared ambition that homelessness has no place in our city-region.