Manchester has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in specialist homelessness social work, proudly hosting a landmark event earlier this month in partnership with King’s College London and the Chief Social Worker for Adults in England.

Held at Mustard Tree, the event brought together people with lived experience, practitioners, researchers, and leaders from across the country – united in their commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing multiple disadvantage and homelessness. Manchester’s Local Care Organisation and Manchester City Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, Bernie Enright, and Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Joanna Midgley, joined the event and presented, highlighting the city’s ongoing dedication to leading change through compassion, innovation, and partnership. The day served as both a celebration and a call to action – showcasing what’s possible when people come together with shared values, courage, and care. It also reflected Manchester’s growing national influence in shaping compassionate, rights based approaches to homelessness and social work.

A Reflection from the Frontline

Ellie Atkins, Safeguarding Lead and Manager in Manchester Local Care Organisation’s Entrenched Rough Sleeper Social Work Team, shared her reflections on the day: “What once was an idea to bring a few people together around a brew and a few biscuits grew legs this week. The national event, Impact of Specialist Homelessness Social Work, was a reminder of what can happen when people come together with shared purpose and compassion. The room was filled with humility — the voices of lived experience, practitioners, researchers, and leaders acknowledging both the power and the limits of what we can do alone. What struck me most was the sense of belonging — that specialist homelessness social work is not a fringe effort but a vital, human one. It’s about standing alongside people facing multiple exclusion, not as experts fixing, but as allies walking with.” Atkins also expressed gratitude to all those who helped bring the event to life — including Sarah McClinton for her compassionate chairing, John Herring for his conviction and warmth, and Mustard Tree for providing a space that embodies dignity and hope.

Looking Ahead

The success of this event underscores Manchester’s leadership in specialist homelessness social work — creating opportunities for shared learning and inspiring a growing national movement grounded in inclusion, respect, and human rights. A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone involved for making this event such a success and for continuing to keep people at the heart of everything Manchester does.