Former Labour MP Andy Burnham was declared the elected mayor of Manchester in May 2017. Arguably the most important metropolitan hub in the north of England, one of Burnham’s first pledges upon taking office was to tackle head-on the problem of homelessness plaguing the region. After visiting those sleeping on Manchester’s streets and consequently announcing that 15% of his salary would be donated to the Mayor’s Homelessness Fund, Burnham made the issue a political, and regional, priority.

However, the mayor’s office is far from the only Manchester-based organisation working towards establishing housing solutions in the city. The Manchester branch of the Dentsu Aegis Network, a global media group specialising in digital media and creative communications, has developed a communications strategy for leading Manchester-based homelessness alleviation charity, Street Support Network.

Initially, Dentsu Aegis Network focused on raising money for the Street Support Network. Over 100 employees of Dentsu Aegis Network, along with friends, family and media owner partners, ran the 2017 Great Manchester Run, raising over £9,500.

Yet the business also recognised the value in Street Support Network developing similar links with Manchester-based firms. As a result, Dentsu Aegis Network’s innov8 team began work on developing a new, pro-bono communications strategy for the charity which aims to raise the charity’s profile among local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The innov8 team also hope to encourage other local businesses to devote funds and time in helping alleviate Manchester’s homelessness issue.

Viv Slack, co-founder of Street Support Network, says, "We were blown away by the depth of understanding, insight and clarity of the presentation from the innov8 team. Not only was there a well thought out strategy but a plan for delivery. We are a very small team with a big vision around making it easier for people experiencing homelessness across Greater Manchester to get help - working with Dentsu Aegis Network we have felt supported and safe. It is a real relief to be in such capable hands."

Elliot Muscant, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network North, says, “Dentsu Aegis Network Manchester is part of a global business with a keen focus on local communities. Supporting Street Support allows us to bring the passion and ingenuity of our business to help combat one of the most distressing social issues of our time.”

In strengthening the charity’s proposition, Dentsu Aegis Network hopes to consolidate Street Support Network’s branding across digital platforms and traditional marketing materials. It aims to use a mixture of PR and paid media to communicate Street Support’s aim across Manchester, and the wider region.

Street Support is a core part of the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, which was launched in May 2016. The partnership works with people with lived experience of homelessness. It includes over 50 local charities and grassroots groups, public services, businesses and the community.