Greater Manchester Housing First worker joins European training programme

A housing worker from Greater Manchester has joined a European training programme aimed at expanding expertise in tackling homelessness.

Nicola Wilson, who works for Rochdale based charity Petrus as Housing First team leader covering Bolton, Bury and Rochdale, has been selected for the Housing First Europe Hub Train the Trainer programme.

The programme brings together Housing First practitioners from across Europe to develop skills in delivering and expanding the model, which focuses on providing permanent housing alongside tailored support for people experiencing homelessness.

The latest cohort began in Brussels in March, with participants taking part in a series of sessions designed to share best practice and strengthen delivery across different regions.

Greater Manchester’s Housing First partnership, led by Great Places Housing Group, has been operating since 2019 and has supported around 450 people into stable housing after experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping.

Organisers say the training programme will allow participants to deepen their understanding of the model and support its growth internationally. Nicola’s involvement is expected to contribute to knowledge sharing between Greater Manchester and other European regions.

Once completed, the programme will result in Greater Manchester having a certified Housing First trainer within its workforce, supporting consistent delivery and training for new staff across the partnership.

Emily Cole, Greater Manchester Housing First programme lead, said “Nicola has been an integral part of the partnership for more than five years and is well positioned to share the incredible outcomes achieved by the Housing First programme in Greater Manchester.

“The fact that Nicola has been included in the programme not only highlights her commitment to further develop her understanding of the Housing First model but the importance of the partnership across Europe and within the Housing First community.

“We can’t wait to hear what she has learned and see that learning being cascaded out to our teams to help more people across the region.”

Nicola Wilson said “I’m really pleased to have been selected for the Train the Trainer programme. After working in Housing First for more than five years, I’ve seen first hand the difference it makes to people’s lives and what it means for our homeless community.

“Being able to represent Greater Manchester within the wider European Housing First network is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’m looking forward to learning from colleagues across Europe and bringing that knowledge back to strengthen the support we offer here at home.”