Mancunians urged to 'buy a bed' as dozens set to sleep on streets this Christmas

Dozens of people sleep rough in Greater Manchester every night. Across the city-region, around 13,500 homeless people - most of whom are children - will spend the festive period in emergency accommodation, according to homelessness charity Shelter.

But for those without families, it's often much harder to find somewhere to sleep when they don't have a place to call home. In Greater Manchester, mayor Andy Burnham's A Bed Every Night programme has been providing people with shelter since 2018.

This is funded by the mayor's office, but also requires donations to make sure everyone in the city-region who needs it can be accommodated. Last month, the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity launched an appeal to fund 1,000 beds for Christmas.

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Now, the charity is asking people to consider giving 'the greatest gift' this Christmas and 'buy a bed'. For just £30, people can sponsor a night of shelter, food, and full wrap-around support for someone who would otherwise face a night on the streets.

Mr Burnham said: "As the cold winter nights approach it is vital that we can offer a bed to anyone sleeping rough that needs one. And with the cost-of-living crisis set to continue, more people could find themselves facing incredible difficulty to make ends meet.

"That means the safety net that A Bed Every Night gives, with its wraparound support to everyone who needs it, is as important as it ever has been. The impact of A Bed Every Night has had is remarkable, and so much of that is down to the generosity and spirit of the people of Greater Manchester.

"If you can,