Housing provider expanding with plans to add 200 more homes to portfolio

An award winning housing organisation that finds homes for vulnerable individuals is set to bolster its property portfolio from 500 to 700 over the next three years by partnering with landlords looking to make a real difference.

Bedspace was set up in Manchester in 1999 to transform the lives of vulnerable people. It works in partnership with landlords, local authorities and charities to provide tailored housing and support services to refugees, care leavers and families who are homeless.

The organisation operates from six locations in Manchester, Preston, Liverpool, Leeds, Hull and Sheffield, and has 500 properties under management in the surrounding areas. With enquiries for specialist housing increasing 25% in the past 12 months, Bedspace is now looking to partner with more UK landlords, and has plans to expand into Cumbria and the West Midlands.

Bedspace typically operates on a three to five year lease, and each landlord will have their portfolio managed by a housing professional that is responsible for property inspections, repairs and maintenance in line with its professional code of conduct.

The organisation was established more than two decades ago and is led by co-owners Nick Thornhill and Chris Wareing. In that time, Bedspace has helped in excess of 20,000 vulnerable people.

It now employs 208 staff, which includes a number of highly qualified support and outreach workers, along with bilingual specialists in asylum and Universal Credit.

Bedspace typically supports young people aged 16 to 18, and helps them on their living journey through to independence. It is currently looking to extend its capabilities to individuals up to the age of 25, as well as widening its support in children’s residential (aged 11-18) and helping those who suffer with mental health issues.

Nick Thornhill, managing director and co-owner at Bedspace, said: “It’s been an incredible journey over the last 22 years and we’ve always made it our mission to transform the lives of vulnerable people. We have expanded rapidly from our base in Manchester to other key locations, and are now looking to partner with more landlords that are committed to making a real difference.

“We have formed strong partnerships with local authorities and charities, which has enabled us to provide housing solutions and support packages to those who need it most.

“We believe that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilled life, and our specialist support workers have the skills and experience to care for some of the most vulnerable in our communities.”