Concern as Rochdale’s rough sleepers “continue to rise”

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The number of rough sleepers on the streets of Rochdale has risen by 20% - with a “week on week” increase noticed by outreach workers.

Figures released from homelessness charity Petrus recorded 130 engagements with vulnerable people through their Town Centre Outreach support service in Rochdale between 1 January 2024 and the end of March 2024.

The North-West has the highest number of rough sleepers, experiencing a 49% increase on the previous year. In Greater Manchester the annual rough sleeping snapshot count increased to 149 people, despite falls in Trafford, Manchester, and Oldham.

The single-night survey results, published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, found 149 people sleeping rough in Greater Manchester, up from 102 people in 2022.

The number of people seen sleeping rough in Greater Manchester on a single night remains 44% below the peak in 2017, thanks to continued investment in efforts to end the need for rough sleeping.

However in Rochdale, the same snapshot shows a rise of 20% - a “very concerning” number which has caused concern for charities and outreach workers.

Alan Curran, an outreach worker in Rochdale for homeless charity Petrus told Rochdale Online how he is out on the streets a few times a day, trying to offer a helping hand and giving out food vouchers.

He said: “No one wants to be homeless, whatever the cause you can be sure that person has gone through something really difficult.

“Because of this, supporting a homeless person is not as simple as saying, ‘come here and we’ll help you.’ 

“My job as an outreach worker is to be where they are in Rochdale town centre and build trusting relationships so they know they can come to us for support.

He added: “I’m out two or three times a day, checking in with people, giving out food bank vouchers, and connecting people to support if they’re ready.

“It’s a tough but rewarding job, and unfortunately the need continues to rise. Week on week, I can feel the increasing numbers of people on the street."

Sonia Denham, Petrus charity director spoke of how demand for their services continues to rise. She said: “We are very concerned by the increase in rough sleeping across Greater Manchester. Everyone should have a home, and a place where they feel safe.

“Demand for our services continues to rise, and this winter we have given out more food parcels than ever before. 

“In partnership with the local authority, we’ve been able to open our hub for homeless people on Saturdays, providing an additional day of support, comfort, and shelter from the harsh realities of winter on the streets.” 

Against the backdrop of these figures, the work of Petrus and other homeless charities has never been more necessary. Meeting the demand for support is challenging, especially as much of the work relies on donations and fundraising.

Please donate to Petrus to help support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from its hub in Rochdale.

• £5 could provide a hot breakfast for someone in need every day for a week
• £10 could provide a hot shower, with toiletries, laundry facilities and clean underwear
• £20 could provide a mobile phone to maintain contact with support services and family members
• £50 could provide all-weather clothing for two people to join nature-based wellbeing activities

To send a donation, or to find out more about Petrus, visit: petruscommunity.enthuse.com

• The figure of 130 people engaged and supported represents Petrus’ total interactions with people who are currently or are at risk of becoming homeless, so is not a measure of the number of people rough sleeping in the area). These 130 interactions may also include people who have accessed support on multiple occasions, so do not necessarily indicate that 130 people have accessed support. Some individuals will have had several interactions with the service.