Up and out bright and early at 6am most days, Steph from Reach Out to the Community (ROC) is doing outreach on the streets of South Manchester, engaging with rough sleepers and those experiencing homelessness.
The outreach being done by ROC enables people to access support needed and speak to a consistent and trusted person. Support can include help people to get off the streets, proving people with clothing, food and drink, raising awareness and signposting to other community provision, or a chat and a check in. ROC also run a charity shop and community hub, which people can use as a drop in to access their support. Clothes, toys and electric items donated to the shop are often delivered to hostels and other homelessness accommodations across the city.
The outreach being done would not have the impact it does without the partnership working involved. ‘We love partnership working and we don’t claim to know everything... that’s why it’s so important’. For instance, having a Social Worker there to provide guidance and advice on safeguarding has been invaluable, as it gives staff confidence to work with people living with multiple complex needs. Other partners involved with the work include Change Grow Live, Manchester Mental Health and Homeless Team, and donations from local businesses such as Quality Save and Morrissons.
ROC is a true community-based organisation. Originally starting out as a greengrocer, ROC then evolved into a charity shop, community hub and outreach organisation. The shop and fundraising alone allow ROC to do the brilliant work they do.
As the looming redevelopment of Chorlton precinct approaches, staff at ROC worry that this may have a negative impact on the number of shoppers and engagement with the charity shop. People can get involved to support ROC by popping into their shop (488 Wilbraham Road), fundraising for them, donating items to their shop or even volunteering with them.