Principal Partners Scheme
Greater Manchester Poverty Action (GMPA) exists because of the support of like-minded organisations and individuals across Greater Manchester, and beyond, who share GMPA’s desire to see an end to poverty in our city region. Organisations can join GMPA’s Principal Partners Scheme through which they can support GMPA with larger pledges of funding. Principal Partners agree to support GMPA for at least three years and, along with others, form our advisory group. If you or your organisation is interested in becoming a Principal Partner please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Organisations who sign up as Principal Partners will be listed on our website and will be sent a “Greater Manchester Poverty Action Principal Partner” image for use in their own publicity.
We are delighted that the following organisations signed up as Principal Partners for 2020. The quotes illustrate the value they believe GMPA brings to the fight against poverty across the city region.
Principal Partner statements
“It’s often said that Greater Manchester is a thriving and exciting place to be. If you’re doing well, that’s true. But it is not true for everyone. We have not eliminated poverty. There are still massive differences in the opportunities, wealth and life expectancy of people who live and work here. Macc is a supporter of GMPA because we want to call attention to these issues, the factors which cause them and build a movement for change.”
Mike Wild, Chief Executive of Macc
“Tackling poverty and inequality, wherever we find it, is the central mission of Oxfam, including in the UK, so we are very pleased to support the work of GMPA as a lead and convener, working in partnership to challenge policy and practice and make Greater Manchester a fairer place for all, placing the views and experiences of people in poverty at it’s heart”
Anela Anwar, Head of Programme Development – UK Programme – Oxfam GB
“As one of the delivery partners behind the Greater Manchester Poverty Commission, the Diocese of Manchester is pleased to support the objectives and ongoing work of Greater Manchester Poverty Action. We welcome the opportunity to listen to the voices of those whose lives are most affected by poverty, to share with others the task of addressing issues across the sub-region, and together to build a better future for our people and communities.”
The Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester
“Trafford Housing Trust is proud to be involved with initiatives to address poverty. Our work directly addresses the causes of poverty and reduces its impact. We collaborate with others with the aim of making the NW a region where no one is marginalised or discriminated against due to their financial circumstances and everyone has the chance of a decent and secure life. We want everyone to be able to heat their home; pay their rent; pay for essential food and clothing for themselves and their family; meet their household bills and transport costs and to be able to participate in social and cultural activities. We recognise the leadership GMPA provides on poverty-related matters and support its work as it closely aligns to our vision of a society transformed, free from poverty, inequality and injustice”
Fay Jackson, Community Investment Manager, Trafford Housing Trust
“The TUC in the North west recognises that Great Jobs are the best way to tackle poverty. Employment is no longer a path out of poverty as jobs have become low paid and insecure, so we need to restore this route out for those desperate to escape the poverty trap. That’s why we will be working with GMPA to make sure good work and decent wages are at the heart of their campaign”
Lynn Collins, Regional Secretary, TUC North West
“Addressing global inequalities is a key priority for researchers at The University of Manchester. Being a Principal Partner of Greater Manchester Poverty Action helps to build on our many collaborations to-date, ensuring our research impacts on policies and practices to reduce poverty and achieve more inclusive growth across our city region.”
Dr Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility, the University of Manchester
“Our One Manchester vision commits us to using our skills and resources to build “Resilient Thriving Communities”. To achieve this it is essential that we work in partnership to address the effects of poverty, and it’s root causes. We provide money and debt advice in our communities, and support a range of projects that create opportunities to develop peoples potential. One Manchester supports Greater Manchester Poverty Action because we believe that it is only through working together and collective action that we can realise our ambitions.“
Dave Power, Group Chief Executive
“The University of Salford is proud to support the work of GMPA through the Principal Partners Scheme. We strongly believe in evidence based policy making, and want to ensure that our research is able to make a difference to the Greater Manchester anti-poverty agenda“
Dr Lisa Scullion, Professor of Social Policy and Co-Director, Sustainable Housing & Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU), University of Salford
“Great Places is proud to act as a Principal Partner for GMPA and support the excellent work the group is doing in Manchester. As a housing association with social value at its core, we strive to improve the lives of those living in our communities – whether that’s through financial advice, training and skills support, or helping our customers into employment. We believe that by working together, we can do more – collaboration is key to building a better future for those living in poverty across our city.”
Matt Harrison, Chief Executive – Great Places Housing Group
“WCHG is proud to be supporting GMPA in the fight against poverty and inequality. We want to see poverty eradicated through strong and resilient communities. We provide quality homes to over 20,000 people in South Manchester and are a living wage employer. Over 50% of our workforce is from the local area, however we know that many of our residents live with the daily reality of poverty. Partnership working is key to addressing the causes of poverty and making a real difference to people’s lives”
Jacque Allen, Executive Director of Housing – Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
“Kellogg’s has a long history of investing in the community so as a food company based in Greater Manchester since 1938, we are proud to support the work of GMPA through becoming a Principal Partner. Our focus is to help address food insecurity by providing food to people in need and supporting breakfast programmes for children. We welcome the work GMPA is doing to coordinate the GM Food Poverty Alliance and support the long term aim of eradicating food poverty in the region.”
Kate Prince, CSR Manager, Kellogg’s UK
“Salford City Council is proud to support the great work of Greater Manchester Poverty Action, as we share concern at the extent of poverty and inequality that continues to exist in our society. Tackling Poverty is at the heart of our vision for a better and fairer Salford and we are certain that if we work together we can make a real difference to the lives of people in Greater Manchester. We want our work to become a beacon of best practice in the fight against poverty. And this is our opportunity to drive positive change and inspire even more people and organisations to do the same.”
Cllr Paula Boshell, Statutory Deputy Mayor, Salford City Council
Irwell Valley Homes is proud to be a principal partner for GMPA and support the fantastic work the group is doing to fight against poverty in Greater Manchester. At Irwell Valley Homes we aim to improve the lives of those living in our communities and create opportunities for our customers to enjoy life and realise their potential. We are concerned at the degree of poverty that exists in Greater Manchester, with poverty being an everyday reality for many of our customers. We believe that the GMPA shares our values and ambitions in making a real difference in people’s lives and will drive positive change in Greater Manchester.
Kate Gascoigne – Executive Director Customer Experience