Award recognition and special visit shine a spotlight on The Docherty Project

The Docherty Project recently welcomed Anne Rhind, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, for a visit that coincided with another major milestone for the award-winning service.

Just days after being shortlisted for the Outstanding Partner Organisation award at this year’s Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Stars Awards, the project had the opportunity to showcase its impact to Anne and other partners attending the visit. The recognition follows last year’s success, when The Docherty Project won the same award, highlighting the strength of the partnership between Great Places and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Joined by Ciaran Lynch, Commissioner at Manchester City Council, Anne toured the scheme and heard directly from customers about the support they have received and the positive difference it has made to their lives.

Operated by Great Places and commissioned by Manchester City Council, The Docherty Project is one of the few specialist alcohol harm-reduction services of its kind in the country. The service supports adults experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependency, providing accommodation, personalised wellbeing plans and intensive support to help people move towards independent living.

During the visit, Shelby Tompkins, Housing and Wellbeing Manager at Great Places, and Andrew Gray, Director of Independence and Wellbeing, shared the story of the project, its achievements and plans for the future.

The visit highlighted the life-changing impact of the service and the importance of organisations working together to support some of Manchester’s most vulnerable residents.

Since January 2023, The Docherty Project has supported 68 people, helping 28 customers move into stable accommodation. Seven people currently supported by the scheme are abstinent from alcohol, while 18 are actively working with the team to reduce their alcohol consumption. Every customer has taken part in a personalised harm-reduction plan designed around their individual needs and goals.

Reflecting on the visit, Andrew Gray said:

“We were delighted to welcome Anne and our partners to The Docherty Project and share the incredible work being delivered by our team. The service demonstrates how a person-centred, harm-reduction approach can help people make lasting positive changes in their lives, while providing the stability and support needed to move beyond homelessness. We are extremely proud of the outcomes being achieved and the dedication shown by colleagues every day.”

The Docherty Project is one of just three finalists in the Outstanding Partner Organisation category at the GMMH Stars Awards, selected from a record 720 nominations. The service continues to gain recognition for its innovative approach and positive outcomes, having also won Supported/Sheltered Scheme of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards in 2025.

This latest recognition reflects the commitment of everyone involved in the project and the positive outcomes being achieved for customers as they improve their wellbeing, reduce harm and build brighter futures.

The winners of the GMMH Stars Awards will be announced at a ceremony on 30 October.