The power of partnerships to support the Caritas Salford mission
20.11.24 5 min read
Patrick O’Dowd, Director of Caritas Diocese of Salford, shares an insight into the essential work the organisation carries out, working alongside people from across Greater Manchester and Lancashire who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage, discrimination and homelessness, helping them to transform their lives with dignity.
The Caritas Salford mission
On Thursday, 10th October 2024, we observe World Homeless Day, a day to highlight the challenges faced by people without a home. Homelessness is not just about lacking a roof over one’s head; it’s about addressing systemic issues such as poverty, health inequalities, and social exclusion. For Caritas Diocese of Salford, this day is a powerful reminder that our mission goes far beyond providing shelter — it’s about transforming lives and fostering dignity, respect, and justice. Supporting people to change their lives both at a time of acute crisis, and beyond for the long-term too.
Caritas: Supporting vulnerable communities
At Caritas, we provide a range of services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, working to address the acute needs of adults, children and young people in society. But our work is not just about crisis intervention; it’s about long-term change. Every action we take is guided by our core values, which are rooted in Catholic Social Teaching:
– Respect: We believe in the inherent worth of every individual, treating each person with dignity, whether they are colleagues, volunteers, or members of the communities we serve.
– Integrity: We are committed to honesty and transparency in our actions, ensuring that we remain forthright and accountable.
– Ambition: We strive for positive change, not for personal gain, but to improve society for the common good.
– Collaboration: We work in partnership with others, recognising that mutual cooperation strengthens our impact while staying true to our mission.
The reality of poverty in Greater Manchester
In Greater Manchester and Lancashire, poverty remains a pressing issue, with 40.1% of children in our area living in poverty. This stark reality highlights the need for organisations like Caritas to step in and offer both immediate assistance and long-term solutions.
Our services range from acute crisis support, like homelessness assistance, to helping individuals build sustainable futures. We offer emergency food, washing facilities, temporary accommodation, and practical advice — all essential services for those in dire need. However, the true impact of our work lies in helping people regain their independence and hope for a better future.
Changing lives for the long term
At the heart of Caritas’ work is the belief that change must be sustainable. One of our flagship services is Morning Star, a venue offering supported accommodation for those referred by local councils. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a stepping stone for people experiencing homelessness, providing them with the care and support they need until they’re ready to live independently.
Morning Star offers more than just temporary housing. It fosters community through a range of activities and support sessions – from gardening to optician appointments, support with finances to counselling and advice.
The Caritas Lalley Centre, Community Pantry and Allotment in North Manchester gives local residents the opportunity to grow their own food and support each other. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to addressing not just the immediate crisis of homelessness but also the underlying issues of poverty and social isolation as we try to support those at threat of becoming homeless too.
Partnerships that make a difference
Collaboration is at the core of Caritas’ success. For example, we have partnered with Muse, whose commitment to our cause goes far beyond donations. They have provided pro-bono reviews of our estate, including the day centres where we deliver essential services like food, hygiene facilities, and advice. Their expertise has helped us to better utilise our resources, ensuring that our buildings not only serve the immediate needs of vulnerable people but are also environmentally sustainable.
Muse’s support extends to advising us on capital projects and how to make our charity sustainable — in every sense of the word. By reviewing our estate from both an environmental and social perspective, they help us to align our work with our broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ambitions.
Five ways Muse supports Caritas
Muse’s contribution to Caritas demonstrates depth and authenticity in their commitment to social good. Here are five key ways in which they’ve added value to our mission:
– Pro-bono estate reviews: Ensuring that our day centres and facilities are optimised for long-term sustainability.
– Capital project advice: Offering strategic input on new developments and how to make the most of our resources.
– Environmental impact: Helping us reduce our carbon footprint while improving the quality of our services.
– Community engagement: Strengthening the connection between Caritas and the communities we serve by fostering inclusivity.
– Supporting our ESG ambitions: Ensuring our mission remains aligned with broader social and environmental goals, now and for the future.
Vital services and health inequalities
Another essential part of Caritas’ mission is addressing health inequalities – something we have thrown a light on in our recently published Health Inequalities Report. Specifically, it explores the connection between health, space, and well-being, emphasising that homelessness and poverty have profound effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. By offering essential services through partnerships across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, we help tackle these inequalities head-on.
A message from those we work alongside
At Caritas, our work is made possible by the collaboration of volunteers, partners, and the voices of those we serve. As one service user put it:
“Without Caritas, I wouldn’t know where I’d be today. It’s not just about a place to sleep — it’s about feeling human again, about having someone believe in you when you can’t believe in yourself.”
This World Homeless Day, we invite you to reflect on the reality of homelessness and remember that the solution is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a society where every person is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in creating change
Whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, you can make a difference. This World Homeless Day, consider how you can support organisations like Caritas, which work tirelessly to create a more just and equal society for all.