Sleeping Bags Save Lives: Why Greater Manchester – Needs Your Help This Winter

As temperatures drop and the nights grow longer, the streets of Stockport and Manchester become colder, harder, and more dangerous for those without shelter. For many, a sleeping bag isn’t just a comfort, it’s the difference between surviving the night or succumbing to the cold.

The Reality on the Ground

Across Greater Manchester, frontline teams are working tirelessly to support individuals facing homelessness. But even with their heroic efforts, the demand for basic survival items especially sleeping bags far outstrips supply. Individuals sleeping rough face freezing conditions with nothing but thin blankets or damp clothing. It’s not enough.

Sleeping bags offer:

• Insulation from the cold and wet ground
• A sense of dignity and privacy
• A portable, immediate solution for those not yet in accommodation

And right now, we’re desperate. The need is urgent, and the supply is dangerously low.

Who’s Affected?

It’s not just the stereotypical image of homelessness. In Stockport and Cheetham Hill, we’re seeing:

• Young people sofa-surfing and ending up on the streets
• Women fleeing domestic violence without safe housing
• Individuals discharged from hospital or prison with nowhere to go

These are our neighbours. Our community. And they deserve better.

What You Can Do

We share donations across multiple agencies working in Manchester and Stockport. Every sleeping bag donated helps someone survive the night.

Drop-off points (Monday to Friday, 8am–3pm):

• The Wellspring, 1 Harvey Street, Stockport, SK1 1YD
• The Arc, Robert Street, 33 Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M3 1EX

Ways to help:

• Donate funds to Wrap Someone in Safety to support bulk buys of insulated, waterproof sleeping bags & additional needed winter kits
• Organise a drive through your school, workplace, or faith group
• Share the message, awareness is half the battle

Why Now?

Because winter doesn’t wait. And neither should we.

Sleeping bags are not a long-term solution, but they are a lifeline. Until we have enough safe, trauma-informed accommodation, we need to protect people from the cold. It’s that simple.