March 2022: Rev Ian Rutherford

Homelessness in Greater Manchester

In this talk Revd Rutherford will address many aspects of homelessness including the scale of the problem as shown by historical data including the annual rough sleeper count; the complexity of the problem involving economic factors, social issues, mental health and leaving care, hospital or prison; and having no resource to public funds. He will then discuss the Greater Manchester Rough-Sleeping Strategy involving tackling the causes of homelessness; providing safe places for people off the street; providing support to enhance people’s life skills and taking steps towards employment, training and education. Finally, Revd Rutherford will summarize the
Greater Manchester Homelessness Prevention Strategy and explain how it is to be implemented.
Before entering the ordained ministry Ian Rutherford was a commercial solicitor for over 25 years. His final role was as the legal lead for Gateshead Council’s major projects including Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Sage Gateshead, five new schools and an energy from waste plant. Ian is committed to civic engagement and social justice, which are reflected in positions he holds as Faith Sector Lead on Homelessness and Housing for Mayor Andy Burnham, Chair of the Greater Manchester Food Security Network, a Trustee of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, as well as being on the National Leadership Team of Citizens UK and on the Core Team of Movement for Recovery.