Starts at Home Day 2025: supporting people, together | News

Every year, Starts at Home Day celebrates the life-changing impact of supported housing. Led by the National Housing Federation, the campaign highlights how housing providers across the country help people live safely, confidently, and independently.

Supported housing refers to homes that come with tailored support - whether that’s help with daily living, access to care services, or guidance through difficult circumstances. It provides a stable base for people who might otherwise struggle to live independently, including those facing health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, or experiencing homelessness.

As part of the Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP) partnership, we work with 23 other housing organisations to provide these vital services. Together, we provide additional supportto tens of thousands of households across the region - ranging from extra care housing to specialist services for people with disabilities and those facing complex or urgent situations.

For this year’s Starts at Home Day (Friday 29 August 2025), we’re re sharing real stories from people we’ve supported – stories that show how a safe, secure home can be the first step toward a better future.

Eleanor’s story: preparing for motherhood and a new home

At 25 and 18 weeks pregnant, Eleanor* was told to leave the family home. With nowhere to go and no belongings, she was placed in temporary accommodation, then moved into an empty flat. The rooms were bare, and the silence made everything feel more uncertain. Facing motherhood and a tenancy for the first time, she didn’t know where to begin.

One of our team members worked with Eleanor to put together a plan that suited her needs. She was helped to apply for financial support, collect furniture and baby items, and set up her bills. She also got help registering with healthcare services, attending antenatal appointments, and preparing for her baby’s arrival.

Eleanor gave birth to a healthy baby boy. She now feels confident managing her home and proud of the space she’s created for her new family.

*Name changed.

Grace’s story: finding safety after years of abuse

Grace* had spent years living in fear of her son, whose behaviour had become abusive. She felt trapped in her own home, often retreating to her bedroom and going without heating or hot water. The house had fallen into disrepair, and Grace’s health and wellbeing were suffering.

With gentle encouragement from our Sanctuary Plus Officer, Grace felt able to speak out. Her son was removed from the property, and safeguarding measures were put in place to protect her. We also worked to carry out repairs, clear the garden, and arrange counselling to help Grace begin to recover.

She’s now preparing to move into a safer home that better suits her needs and has started reconnecting with loved ones. Grace describes herself as feeling much more positive and independent again.

*Name changed.

Holly’s story: finding stability in a difficult time

Holly*, a single parent, was struggling to keep up with rent and bills. With arrears growing and food running low, her tenancy was at risk, and the pressure was affecting her wellbeing.

She began receiving weekly support from one of our team members. Together, they worked through her finances, helped her apply for housing support, and set up direct payments to manage bills. Holly was also helped to get essential furniture and appliances through local welfare schemes, and food support was arranged when things were tight. She received help with safety concerns around a neighbour and was supported with her mental health.

Today, Holly manages her tenancy independently. Her home is secure, her child is settled, and she feels more confident about the future.

*Name changed.

Tom and Laura’s story: a young family finding their feet

Tom and Laura*, a young couple with learning difficulties, were facing homelessness after losing their private tenancy. With a baby to care for and little family support, they felt vulnerable and unsure of what to do next.

Our Family Intervention Team stepped in to help. We supported the couple in finding a two-bedroom flat and helped them get the furniture and baby items they needed to settle in. The team also worked with them to set up bills, build routines, and connect with parenting groups and counselling services.

Now, Tom and Laura feel secure in their home. Their baby is thriving, and both parents are growing in confidence as they build a stable life together.

*Names changed.

Liz’s story: making home safe for her children

Liz* was living in an overcrowded flat with her two children. Her younger child’s behaviour was putting his sibling at risk, and the pressure of rent arrears, missed school, and antisocial behaviour was growing. The home no longer felt safe or manageable.

Our Family Intervention Team worked with Liz to create a plan that addressed the family’s needs. They helped her set up a repayment plan for rent, supported her with budgeting, and worked with housing services to find a larger, more suitable home. Each child received tailored support - one with education planning, the other with bedroom needs linked to disability - and safeguarding measures were put in place.

Now, the family is settled in a three-bedroom home. Liz feels more confident managing her tenancy, and her children are safe, supported, and able to focus on their development.

*Name changed.

Why Starts at Home matters

Starts at Home Day is a reminder that supported housing is about far more than providing a roof over someone’s head. It’s about creating safety, stability, and opportunity - especially when life becomes difficult.

The stories shared here show the strength of individuals and families, and the quiet but powerful role of housing teams working alongside them. These are everyday moments of support that help people feel safe, build confidence, and move forward.

We’re proud to work in partnership with others across Greater Manchester and beyond to protect and promote supported housing. Starts at Home Day is a moment to celebrate the homes, services, and people that make a lasting difference - but it’s also a call to secure their future. That’s why we’re backing the national campaign for long-term funding and political support, so that everyone who needs it can have a safe, supported place to call home.

#StartsAtHome #SaveOurSupportedHousing