Join SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN NEED in making a difference

---

Supporting People In Need (SPIN) began in 2015 as a grassroots initiative by a group of friends in Manchester who were deeply concerned by the rising number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the city. Initially, their approach was simple: walking the streets to hand out food and essential supplies to those in need. However, they quickly realised that whilst their efforts provided immediate relief, it was not addressing the root cause of the issue. By offering food directly to people in their usual spots, they unintentionally encouraged them to stay in place, potentially missing out on encouraging them to actively seek opportunities to improve their situation for the long term.

This insight led to the establishment of a more impactful solution: a street kitchen. Where, SPIN offered fully home-cooked meals and "grab bags" filled with essentials that people could take with them, encouraging mobility and engagement with other services. Over time, it became clear that even this was not enough—many of the individuals they served required more than just food; they needed short/medium/long-term support, access to essential services, and a safe, stable environment to rebuild their lives.

What began as a small act of kindness soon grew into a larger mission. SPIN recognised that addressing homelessness required more comprehensive assistance, including housing, emotional support, and opportunities for personal growth. This realisation paved the way for SPIN’s evolution into a full-scale charity dedicated to supporting people on their journey out of homelessness and into a brighter future.

One day, a local pastor approached the group with a generous offer. The pastor was responsible for a derelict, rundown church building that had fallen into disuse, and he envisioned it being repurposed to benefit the community. It was a bold offer and one that the group knew could make a significant difference. After much deliberation and planning, they decided to take on the challenge of transforming the church into a functional space for housing people in need.

The road to making the church habitable was anything but easy. The building was in a severe state of disrepair, requiring a complete overhaul. The group poured in months of challenging work, fundraising, and personal dedication—what many would later call a labour of love. With their combined efforts, they eventually transformed the old church into a safe, secure, and welcoming hostel that could accommodate up to 36 men experiencing homelessness. SPIN was born.

In the early years, SPIN became a refuge for many, providing not only food, clothing, medical care, and emotional support, but also desperately needed shelter. The team, which grew to include social workers, support staff, and volunteers, worked tirelessly to create a supportive environment that helped residents move toward stability and independence.

However, the challenges were far from over. In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a new set of obstacles. The local council approached SPIN with a difficult ultimatum: the hostel would either need to convert to single-occupancy rooms or face closure due to the new guidelines. This was a daunting request, as it required significant building modifications, including a complete electrical rewire and a reduction in resident capacity from 36 to 20. The renovations came at a cost, of over £100,000, depleting the organisation’s “rainy day” funds. Despite the financial strain, the team at SPIN persevered, ensuring that the hostel could remain open and continue serving the vulnerable gentlemen and surrounding community who depended on it for shelter and food parcels.

As of today, SPIN provides housing for 20 NRPF gentlemen, following the necessary changes required during the pandemic. While the reduction in capacity was a setback, the core mission of the organisation remains stronger than ever. SPIN not only offers residents a roof over their heads but also serves as a vital support network. We collaborate closely with other local charities, community groups, and services to address the various challenges our residents face, including mental health issues, addiction recovery, legal support for immigration, and reintegration into society.

The need for SPIN’s services continues to grow, and the organisation is looking toward the future with hope and determination. In June 2025, SPIN will celebrate its 10th anniversary, and we are embarking on a major fundraising campaign that will begin to take place in December 2024 and run until June 2025 to raise a minimum of £33,000. This sum will allow us to secure our long-term future and replace the building’s flat roof with an expanded structure. Our ultimate goal is to increase our capacity, providing even more people with a safe place to call home.

Looking forward, SPIN’s vision is not just to provide immediate relief but to foster long-term solutions that empower individuals to break the cycle of homelessness. By expanding our facilities, we will be able to house more residents and continue offering comprehensive services that go beyond the services they provide now. Our team remains committed to giving every resident the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

What started as a small initiative by a group of friends has now grown into a vital community resource. SPIN’s journey has been marked by resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping those in need. We are proud of what we have accomplished and excited for the future, as we continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the homeless community in Manchester.

Over the years, SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN NEED has helped hundreds of people get back on their feet and rebuild their lives. Our success stories are a testament to the power of community and the impact we can have when we work together.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to hear from you!