One little known problem that people experiencing homelessness face is a lack of activities to keep occupied. This can exacerbate other problems and affect mental well-being.
There are a range of free daytime activities available to stave off boredom, loneliness and lack of purpose. These activities can provide a great source of emotional and physical support to people who are vulnerable.
A number of organisations offer activities for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester. You can find a full list on Street Support under activities: streetsupport.net/find-help/activities/. Here are a few examples…
Back on Track
Back on track Manchester provides multiple week programmes to help build confidence and employability skills. These include starter courses in art, craft, drama, music, creative writing or catering. They also provide training programme programmes in areas of employment including health and social care, catering and hospitality. Programmes in reading, writing, maths, enterprise, practical and digital skills are also available
To find out more visit their drop-in sessions on Tuesdays between 1-3pm.
Contact:
4th Floor, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JW
Tel 0161 834 1661
View their timetable and follow them on Twitter.
Barnabus
Barnabus coordinates activities as well as support for those looking to settle into secure accommodation.
- Their weekly allotment project offers opportunity to grow vegetables to be shared among the homeless or to create meals at the drop-in centre on Bloom Street. Gardening experience is not essential but a love for the outdoors would help!
- For the more practically minded, the ReNu Up-cycling furniture project provides employability skills in furniture renovation delivered by an experienced interior designer
- The Street Soccer project develops individual fitness within a friendly team environment
Contact:
Barnabus, The Beacon, 45 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3LY
Tel 0161 237 3223
Email: admin@barnabusmanchester.co.uk
Check Barnabus out on Twitter.
The Booth Centre
The Booth Centre offers activities, advice and support to homeless people in Manchester. They provide a wide range of healthy, creative and practical activities with breakfast and lunch provided.
Interesting activities taking place in Autumn include football, swimming, drama, gardening and job club but there are many more. The programme changes regularly so it is recommended that interested people visit the centre and check the in-house notice board or speak to the team.
Contact:
The Booth Centre, Edward Holt House, Pimblett Street, Manchester, M3 1FU
Tel 0161 835 2499
Email admin@boothcentre.org.uk
Follow the Booth Centre on Twitter.
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery hosts a series of creative activities, tours and workshops on art, philosophy and mindfulness.
Contact:
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL
Tel: 0161 235 8888
Browse their list of activities and follow them on Twitter.
If you know of any centres/activities missing from this list then do please let us know via info@streetsupport.net so we can update accordingly.
Find more services and activities at streetsupport.net/find-help
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