A NEW partnership has been launched to tackle the issue of homelessness across Bury.

Council bosses and housing partners kickstarted Bury Homeless Partnership (BHP) to mark World Homeless Day.

Under the initiative A Bed Every Night, major in-roads have been made in addressing the problem.

But the council, housing providers, the emergency services and voluntary sector believe more can be done.

David Sutherland, BHP chair, said: “The Bury Homeless Partnership has been established to help all the various organisations with a desire for solving the issues of homeless, both visible and hidden work together.

“It’s our belief that only by involving statutory, voluntary, faith, corporate groups together with homeless people themselves can long-term relevant solutions be achieved.

“While Covid-19 has seen an increasing number of individuals and families becoming homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, one positive during this time has been the increasing partnership working from all sectors that has helped alleviate the mental, physical and emotional effects of homeless people through providing accommodation, food and support.”

Cllr Clare Cummins, Bury Council’s housing cabinet member, said: “These are unprecedented times, and it’s vital that we all work together.

"I’d like to thank all our hard-working staff and partners for achieving the best possible outcomes for homeless people in Bury.”

People can find out more about the project by going online to ww.bury.gov.uk/homelesspartnership