Viv leads on the functional and technical aspects of the website, strategic direction of the organisation, & supporting the team.
Viv worked in web development for many years with major brands and charities, including Oxfam and Amnesty International. After 9 years at Manchester agency Code Computerlove, she left in 2015 to support local social enterprises to use technology to make a difference. Street Support Network emerged from conversations with local homeless people and frontline organisations about where they needed help. The rest is history. More about Viv
Gary Dunstan - Co-Founder
Gary leads on building and maintaining relationships with our partnerships, with a focus on businesses and supporting other cities, alongside strategy.
Gary has spent many years helping individuals and businesses with their ideas. Viv and Gary met at a social enterpreneurs event, and soon realised they shared the same core values, and complimentary skills. More about Gary
Graham joined us in late 2017 through a work placement, and we were so impressed we asked him to stay. As well as a background in advertising and teaching, Graham has personal experience of homelessness, and also volunteers at The Booth Centre and Food4All.
Olie Martin - Network Support (GROW trainee)
Olie supports the network through independent peer-led research, managing site content, and writing articles.
Before experiencing homelessness, Olie studied Sociology & Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London. As a result of his studies, as well as experiencing other social difficulties, studying and gaining experience through work, training and volunteering, he developed a strong passion for social justice and is honoured to work for an organisation like Street Support Network which shares his visions for a better society. After volunteering for Barnabus (Manchester), he found about this job and applied as he has lived experience within the realm of homelessness, whether that be on the streets themselves, in night shelters and hostels.
Mark Jepson - MHP Community Engagement Co-Ordinator
Mark worked with the Shelter Inspiring Change Manchester project for several years before joining Street Support Network, and has supported many people in the transition from homelessness back into independent living. He has personal experience of homelessness and complex needs, and a passion for co-production of services.
Dee's career began overseas, working for international charities in programmes relating to equality, social enterprise, and poverty alleviation. She returned to Manchester in 2015, and has been involved with the homelessness sector ever since; volunteering and working with local charity Coffee4Craig. Dee brings experience in research and evaluation, and is focused on understanding and addressing causes in an inclusive way.
We also have help from some amazing digital experts as needed. Here are a few of the people that have helped us along the way...
Vince Lee - Lead Developer
Vince is an experienced full stack developer who has led the development of Street Support Network from the start. He is a safe pair of hands, always reliable and dedicated to social change.
Alex Atkinson - Designer
Alex is senior designer at McCann. He has generously given his time for free to design Street Support Network - we couldn't have done this without him!
Ben Marley - Junior Front End Developer
Ben is a self-taught junior front end web developer with a background in the Fine Art industry. He handles front end changes and testing for Street Support as well as ensuring information is accurate and up to date.
Phil Lennon - Front End Developer
Phil is an experienced developer, specialising in front end web and app development using the latest techniques and technology.
Jessie Blaynee - User Experience Designer
Jessie is an experienced UX designer, working with us to ensure everything we do is easy to understand and use.
Kim Foale - Researcher & Developer
Kim is a PhD researcher as well as a web developer. He conducted our initial research on the organisations and services available in Manchester, and helps ensure what we do is well thought through and considered.
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If you are in another location and would like to help us bring Street Support to your area, please get in touch.