MSV Housing

The award was also given to Positive Futures as an inspiring example of how housing providers can play a crucial role in supporting access to learning and jobs. The service has transformed a simple community hub into an inclusive place for adult learning, wellbeing, and employment support. Since 2023, Positive Futures has supported over 500 people into training, volunteering or jobs, while also helping to prevent over 100 cases of homelessness. Alongside its learning provision, which includes First Aid courses, Level 5 teaching qualifications and digital inclusion, Positive Futures offers CV help, mock interviews, job coaching, mentoring, legal clinics, environmental awareness workshops, and health education. Residents find more than just courses at the Moss Side hub – they find connection, confidence, and purpose – and have described the service as a lifeline.

Representatives from MSV’s Positive Futures service attended the Get the Nation Learning Awards ceremony at the Barbican this week in London. The ceremony was held within Get the Nation Learning Week, the high point of the Get the Nation Learning campaign which spotlights the benefits of lifelong learning on society and the economy. The campaign has over 100 supporters on board, including Channel 4 and Make UK.

Charlie Norman, Chief Executive of MSV Housing and Chair of Greater Manchester Housing Providers, said:
“Everyone deserves a chance to learn new skills, develop and grow, it really comes down to having the right opportunity to access learning and finding a welcoming environment to do it. I’m so proud of the Positive Futures service MSV delivers from the heart of the Moss Side community at our Space Manchester Hub. MSV has been an anchor organisation in Moss Side for over 60 years and we are fully committed to working with the community to deliver life enhancing opportunities now, and long into the future. In the last year literally hundreds of people have accessed Positive Futures, and we look forward to welcoming many more.  We bring people together from all walks of life, to help build confidence, gain life changing skills and ultimately find the right path for them to go on to achieve and fulfil their ambitions.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute said:
“Learning has so many benefits, from helping people find routes into employment, to providing purpose, building confidence and fostering community. MSV Housing’s provision is inclusive and transformative, and is making a real difference to the lives of Manchester residents. They are fantastic example of the role housing providers play in supporting people from all backgrounds to access learning and skills provision. It is an honour to make them the winner of our ‘Talent is Everywhere Award’ this year.”

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said:
“Supporting individuals to overcome challenging circumstances is one of the vital roles that housing associations across the country play each day. MSV Housing’s Positive Futures service is a prime example of this, and demonstrates how access to adult learning is not only about job opportunities – it helps individuals to build their confidence and overcome a variety of challenges in their personal lives. I’m delighted that the incredible service that MSV Housing provide in Moss Side has been recognised with this award. National Housing Federation is a proud supporter of the Get the Nation Learning campaign.”

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council and GMCA portfolio lead for technical education and skills:
“Through trusted spaces in every neighbourhood in our city region, lifelong learning is helping residents build confidence, gain skills and take steps towards better health, housing and employment. This award reflects what can be achieved when we increase access to essential life and work skills, removing barriers and creating opportunities for people who’ve often been furthest from them.”