As Manchester Homelessness Partnership, we’ve taken collaboration to a whole new level in March 2026— delivering real, tangible impact for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and destitution. This is building on the amazing daily work of our Partnership members that takes place year on year throughout the Manchester weather!

A huge thank you to Simplyhealth OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and partners, including Vision Express for creating an inclusive opportunity that provided free eye tests and free prescription glasses to those who needed them the most.

📊 The impact:
103 people seen at Central Hall, Methodist Church (Oldham Street)
Prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses distributed
3 cataract referrals identified
22 specialised glasses being made up, to be delivered through the Partnership
83 incredible volunteers from across Europe and the UK supporting clinics across four full days

Special thanks to Cracking Good Food for keeping all the volunteers fuelled, and to the amazing team at Methodist Church Central Hall — Tim, Sam and Julie — for their constant support throughout.
Unused catering from throughout the week was shared with Coffee4Craig and Lifeshare ensuring nothing went to waste and extending the impact even further.

This week had been about more than just eye care — it was about connection, compassion and collective action. So many inspiring individuals and partners, all committed to using their time, administrative and clinical skills, social value and corporate social responsibility to tackle health inequalities and create meaningful change. It was incredibly moving to see people at the end of their journey, hearing firsthand how something as simple as a pair of glasses will make a real difference in their lives. There was plenty of heartfelt moments — and more than a few hugs along the way as well.

👓 Glasses change lives — and this week proved it.

Val Bayliss-Brideaux, Network and Communications Worker, Manchester Homelessness Partnership