Two Greater Manchester MPs have praised the work of housing provider Jigsaw Homes Group in delivering high-quality supported housing to help residents rebuild their lives.
Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, visited Haven House on Vernon Street in Ashton, a supported housing scheme which opened in March 2023.
It offers 23 self-contained apartments for people who have experienced homelessness. The scheme also provides tailored support delivered by Jigsaw Support to help residents address challenges and build towards a more stable future.
Ms Rayner was given a tour of the facility and met with senior colleagues including Brian Moran, Chief Executive of Jigsaw Homes Group and Roli Barker, Chair of the Jigsaw Group Board, as well as residents.
One resident said: “When I first came here, I needed support with a lot of things, but I feel as if I have grown in confidence and don’t need as much now. Supported housing really works for people like me, especially the keyworkers and how much they care. They have really helped me overcome some of the issues that I have experienced and I’m now ready to move on to my own place.”
Ms Rayner said: “It was great to see and hear first-hand about the support that is available to help people lead independent and fulfilling lives, and to witness the life-changing impact that supported accommodation provides.”
Meanwhile, Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, visited Clover House, a new supported housing development under construction on Devonshire Street in Ardwick.
Due for completion in November, the scheme will provide 24 modern, purpose-built apartments for social rent, for individuals in need of support on their journey to independent living.
During his visit, Mr Khan toured the site and learned about the building’s design, as well as the ways in which Jigsaw Support works with tenants to help them gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive independently.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see such a thoughtful and high-quality development being created in Manchester, with the goal of helping people rebuild their lives. Support like this is essential in tackling homelessness and offering real, long-term solutions that help people regain their independence. I was really pleased to see the work being done here and the values behind it.”
Haven House received funded from the Government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) while Clover House has been part funded by the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP).
Jigsaw Homes Group Chief Executive Brian Moran added: “Clover House will be the fifth supported scheme we’ve delivered across Greater Manchester in two years. Making a real difference in people’s lives is what drives us, and that’s why this kind of work is such a priority. It’s about much more than just providing a roof over someone’s head – it’s giving people who are at risk of homelessness the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
The MPs visits coincide with the National Housing Federation’s Save Our Supported Housing campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the essential role supported housing plays in delivering safe, stable and compassionate accommodation for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
