It is difficult to look at the picture of housing supply in the UK and not feel concern.
GM Community Led Homes, often called “the Hub,” is part of a national movement that aims to do housing differently. We believe that the best housing includes meaningful community engagement throughout the process of design and construction. We encourage community groups to take a long term formal role in the creation and management of neighbourhoods, and we work with stakeholders across Greater Manchester to drive growth in the community-led sector.
Our advice and support is available to individuals, to community groups and organisations such as local authorities, registered providers of affordable housing, developers, and landowners at all stages of project development.
There are simply not enough homes to meet demand, and prices are unaffordable to many people. Most developer-led housing projects prioritise profitability, and are not always aligned with what a local community wants or needs. Very few projects prioritise social outcomes and community-building in the way that housing estates are designed.
We are funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), which itself is comprised of all 10 local councils across the city region. GM Community Led Homes is member-led, which means that anyone who joins as a member has a vote at meetings.
Key People
Rachel Summerscales
CEO
Rachel has worked in the community sector for many years and was previously our Project Officer. Along with her family, she now lives in a house they built as part of a community self-build scheme in Oldham.
Steve Goslyn
Board Chair
Steve is a retired housing professional with 35 years’ experience. He is a founding board member of the Chorlton Community Land Trust and a director and member of the MICO cohousing group.
Julie Ralph
Board Member
Julie has lived in co-op housing for over 30 years and works professionally within the housing sector. She is accredited by the Confederation of Co-Operative Housing as an advisor and specialises in issues relating to governance.
Sian Richards
Board Member & Secretary
Sian is a retired software engineer. She is a board member of Chorlton Community Land Trust, a director and active member of MUCH and an active member of MICO, two established cohousing groups in Manchester.
Hannah Dixon
Board Member
Hannah is an architect and certified Passivhaus designer. She is director at architectural firm Progress in Practice, and a founding member of an intergenerational cohousing group in Manchester.
Cat Chrimes
Board Member & Treasurer
Cat brings over a decade of experience in providing investment to the community led housing sector and has worked with voluntary organisations around Greater Manchester. She is also our treasurer.
Mike Simpson
Board Member
Mike is a retired housing and regeneration professional with 35 years’ experience working in local authorities, housing associations, and third sector organisations in Greater Manchester.
Guy Parker
Board Member
Guy is an experienced policy professional working across local and national government, as well as private and third sectors. He has published research about the housing industry and written local place strategies.
Jake Maxwell Watts
Board Member
Jake is a psychologist and former journalist with an interest in the relationship between mental health and housing. He is an active member of a cohousing group in South Manchester.
Daniel Mountford
Board Member
Daniel has worked in social housing for more than 20 years with a focus on community investment and fundraising options. He has experience working with local authorities, third sector organisations and other stakeholders.
Sofia Vrioni
Board Member
Sofia was one of our first members and has first hand experience of the self-build sector, having established a group in Bury. She has experience of grassroots campaigning and community group organisation.
Sarah Renshaw
Board Member
Sarah is an architect with experience leading housing, regeneration and place-shaping projects that put community voice at the centre. She also lectures in architecture, exploring inclusive design and collaborative approaches.
Greater Manchester Community Led Homes 