The Northern Quota spring 2024 edition

Manchester’s best read newspaper

Cop 28: ‘we must act now’

EXCLUSIVE: Student digs refused Plus: Bobby Charlton honour

Sex offences in Piccadilly surge

n Shocking figures reveal extent of abuse women suffer in city centre

by Becky Mills

The New figures show alarming rates of sexual crimes in Piccadilly Gardens since 2021, raising significant concerns about women’s safety in Manchester city centre.

The figures, obtained by the Northern Quota under the Freedom of Information Act, showed nearly 300 recorded rapes and sexual assaults have taken place in Piccadilly Gardens from 2021 to 2023.

The statistics show that in 2021, there were 85 rapes and sexual assaults, whereas the number decreased to 65 in October 2023.

Despite a slight decrease, the figure is still extremely high.

Greater Manchester Police told the Northern Quota: “Greater Manchester Police is committed to continuing its efforts and working closely with partners to ensure the safety of women and girls across Manchester.”

“There are a number of proactive operations in Piccadilly Gardens and across Manchester, such as Operation Lioness and Operation Vulcan,” Police said.

These operations involve uniformed and plain-clothed officers who monitor the area for any signs of criminal activity or predatory behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police stated: “During these patrols, officers engage with door staff, taxi drivers, hotel receptionists, and licensees, encouraging staff to challenge or report any inappropriate behaviour or criminal activity.”

In addition, GMP raises awareness of topics such as signs of exploitation and drink spiking. Operation Lioness resulted in over 90 interventions against perpetrators, which included arrests for sexual crimes, breach of sexual offending orders, stop searches and intelligence submissions.

Spiking

Detective Superintendent Dave Meeney of GMP City Centre Neighbourhood Team said: “Greater Manchester Police is continually committed to improving its service and tackling violence against women and girls.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, and we will continue working tirelessly with partner agencies and local authorities to keep women and girls safe,” he said.

The Reclaim the Night march, which raises awareness of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, took place in Manchester

City Centre on November 29 2023.

Phoebe Boniface, 21, a student at BIMM University, said: “You can’t turn any more blind eyes; the figures speak for themselves.”

“I walk through Piccadilly Gardens every night from work, and it is the most terrifying part of my journey home,” she said.

Additionally, Phoebe stated: “Walking past all these big buildings, with loads of dark corners, and there is no security, police, or protection.”

A report by Office for National Statistics showed that police recorded 68,109 rapes between July 2022 and June 2023.

Yet, a Home Office Report found only 2.2% of rapes recorded by police in the year to June 2023 led to criminal charges.

Beth O’Rafferty, a University of Manchester student, said: “Those figures are shocking, and clearly there’s a huge issue with sexual assaults and anti-social behaviour around Piccadilly Gardens.

Protest: Reclaim the Night activist Phoebe Boniface

Manchester leading the way on FASD research

Manchester has been named as Britain’s leading city into FASD research, but the issue is still a problem, according to experts

by Raphael Boyd

FASD, which stands for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, is a name given to a group of conditions that can arise when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol. When consumed during pregnancy, alcohol crosses the placenta and interferes with the development of the fetus, particularly the developing brain which can have a significant impact on the executive brain function –responsible for organisation, self-regulation, working memory and flexible thinking.

The symptoms of FASD vary based on the severity of the alcohol exposure, timing and genetic factors ranging from complex behavioural and social issues such as delays in development, learning disabilities. It also has physical signs, such as low weight, distinct facial features and heart and kidney problems.

Current rates of FASD are estimated at between 3% and 4%. For reference, estimates for the frequency of diagnosed autism in the United Kingdom are currently between 1% and 2%, with many predicting that the rate of undiagnosed autism is over double that.

Many cases of which remain undiagnosed, with low awareness of the conditions being a key reason for this.

Undiagnosed FASD can lead to the child struggling with learning difficulties, issues with socialising and controlling emotions and other hurdles that will impact their youth without appropriate support.

Róisín Reynolds, a senior advisor for Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies on behalf of NHS Greater Manchester, has been working to drive awareness of FASD and the Chief Medical Officers advice that

A foetus can be affected by alcohol consumption at any point in the pregnancy

‘there is no safe time, no safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy’.

Róisín says, ‘We want to mums-to-be to feel supported in going alcohol-free during pregnancy. For this to happen, we know that it’s important to get families, friends and support systems involved. #DRYMESTER provides useful support and advice, including resources for all family members to champion healthy pregnancies.

Although a landmark study conducted at the University of Salford in 2021 showed the extent of FASD in Greater Manchester, little has changed regarding how it is seen nationwide. Robyn McCarthy, a lecturer at Salford University and contributor to the 2021 study, feels that despite the frequency, most of Britain will ‘dismiss’ the findings until more research is carried out.

‘I was really pleased to see the changes that took place immediately after the study. But I think because it’s just a Greater Manchester based study,

it’s too easy for the rest of the country to dismiss the need for action. And I think it’s essential that we get more accurate data for the rest of the UK.’

New data around FASD comes about frequently, including a recent study which found that FASD could be caused not only by the mothers drinking habits, but also the fathers. A study published in the United States claims that male binge drinking can impact the foetus from conception, with a study conducted on mice finding that symptoms found in the infants were ‘worse the more the male parent drank’.

Despite having a long way to go on FASD’s road to recognition McCarthy claims she is still proud that Greater Manchester is at the forefront of the progress that has been made.

‘I’m really proud to be in Greater Manchester. And I think is, we’re ahead of the game on this one, we just need to keep the momentum going behind the push for action to try and reduce the amount of children who have FASD.’

Manchester has ‘long way to go’ towards treatment of Trans people

Despite being seen as a progressive city, Manchester’s trans community is still being let down say activists

by Raphael Boyd

Despite Manchester's reputation as a safe city for members of the LGBTQ+ community, many still feel that transgender people are still at a higher risk than anyone else. Manchester City Councillor Chris Northwood wishes to address this.

In a council meeting earlier in the month, Northwood questioned a Labour Party counterpart regarding their definition of allyship. When the councillor replied with the words dictionary definition, Northwood expressed doubt that she or her party were actually doing it, even shaking her head after sitting down. She claimed that the council have done too little to support the transgender community, stating ‘that's a concern I'm worried about when the council and when the council starts being scared, or not standing up to their transphobic groups, which is I believe, the reason behind why they decided not to make public statements’

Northwood justified her words in the council meeting, saying ‘we can't compromise with people who essentially don't believe us, that we exist to believe’.

‘There was a statement released a few years ago. And I think it's about restating that, making sure that that remains a consistent commitment, especially as you know, hostility toward trans people is increasing, and making sure that their actions follow that statement.’

Manchester is already well known for its thriving queer community, with the annual Manchester Pride being one of the largest pride events in the country and districts such as Piccadilly & Ancoats, Fallowfield Central and New Islington South & Bradford all being amongst the highest concentration of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in England.

According to a 2021 census carried out by the Office of National Statistics, when asked if they identified as a different gender to the one assigned at birth,

only 18 out of the 330 towns and cities included had more yes responses than the city of Manchester. This puts Manchester with one of the top 5% of confirmed trans people.

Another shows that Manchester's rate of 0.5% is over the 0.2% average of the rest of England.

With its large queer community also comes increased levels of discrimination. According to Statista, Greater Manchester was second only to London for the number of recorded transgender hate crimes in England and Wales between 2021 and 2023. The 333 recorded incidents put it second only

to London’s 412.

Manchester's place within Britain's queer community is unchallenged, the real challenge, Northwood feels, is finding the place of transgender people within that community, and the council's strength in standing by that.

‘It's not debate, we're here or exist, we exist, you can't deny our personhood, our identity and who we are, that isn't really up for debate.

“And I think it's about making clear that this is where the council stands, this is what it is doing and being consistent in its resolve’.

Sir Bobby was the final Munich survivor ‘He was a legend’ –Manchester United fans remember Sir Bobby Charlton

Manchester United fans came together to honour the life of Sir Bobby Charlton at the first home game since his passing.

The legendary player, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, was revered throughout the footballing world for his skill, class and scoring ability, and was considered one of the finest players of his generation.

For more than 40 years he held the records as the top scorer for both England and Manchester United.

He was a World Cup winner, earning his nation’s sole international honour alongside the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and his late brother Jack Charlton, and was the last living survivor of the 1958 Munich plane crash.

Charlton was one of only four Englishmen to win the Ballon D’or, football’s highest individual prize.

Throughout his 17 year career in Manchester, Charlton helped his side win three First Division championships and scored two goals in the final of the 1968 European Cup, cementing United’s place in history as the first English side to win it.

Outside of Old Trafford, the place where Charlton made so many memories, tributes were paid to the man some call the embodiment of the club.

Commemorative scarves and t-shirts were sold by buskers, and the stadium’s exterior was adorned with banners bearing the legend.

Fans circled round the statue of Charlton, Denis Law and George Best, known as the ‘United Trinity’, with many forming a line to lay flowers and scarves at the feet of the late legend.

One fan, Phil, said United had lost a legend: “He was a fabulous footballer. We saw him play lots of times, when he played with Georgie Best and Denis Law.”

He also felt that Charlton was one of the last of his kind and that with him gone “we’re running out of his type”.

The game against FC Copenhagen was preceded by a minute’s silence. United ended up beating the Danish side 1-0, with a goal from Harry Maguire and a last minute penalty saved by Andre Onana.

Following the game Maguire claimed that the victory was for Charlton, saying “we were meant to win the game, a magnificent save and a win dedicated to Sir Bobby and his family”.

The

Crowds lined up to pay tribute

Charlton was one of the United Trinity

Imminent XL bully ban coming

How will this affect pet owners?

By Anna Klekot

From the 31st of December the XL Bully ban will come into place and from 1st of February 2024 it will be illegal to own an unregistered XL bully unless you own a certificate of exemption.

The environment, food and rural affairs committee have discussed the legislation following its debate the day before after a petition appealing against the ban gained over 600 thousand signatures.

Despite the petition, the breed was added to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the committee met to discuss the financial details and the animal welfare aspect of this.

Dr Neil Hudson, who responded to the petition in the debate has also said: “Some people say we should be judging the animals on the deed not the breed. But, as far as I’m concerned - and many people as well, that once that deed is committed, it’s too late.”

On the financial side, Sir Robert Goodwill MP wanted to hear how the ban will work in practise, as he said: “there is a £200 compensation for people who euthanise their XL bullies” or the “cost of neutering, the public liability insurance and the £92.40 fee for a certificate.”

Lord Benyon responded saying: “Our evidence is most owners will want to keep their dog alive at all costs, and will want to stay within the law and will comply.”

However, pet owners are already experiencing the financial hardships that come with the ban. Aongola from Manchester is an owner of an XL bully cross, called Larri. He said: “I’ve been booking her into secure fields, where you have to pay to take your dog off-lead.”

“One of the criteria on the field for when we book her, is that if your dog is an XL bully, they have to arrive at the centre muzzled, have to have their lead, you have to have the certificate and exemption and

additional insurance. So, instantly, there’s a cost implication to literally anything we do.”

Sir Robert Goodwill asked for clarification on identifying the breed, “Are we clear, that we will be able to reassure people that dogs that don’t meet the definition, that they’re not going to fall fowl of the law?”

Mark Casale responded saying that the “One absolute requirement is the minimum height which is specified in the definition and if that minimum height is not met, then the dog is not an XL bully.”

Lord Benyon announced that “’Identify the breed’ is now posted on the gov.uk website, giving people an implication of whether or not they have a dog that fits the regulations.”

However, in practise, Aongola says the process has not been that easy.

“I think the most difficult thing is how vague, but also how final the initial criteria was, literally five bullet points, so almost impossible to categorise every larger dog into five bullet points.”

Professor Claire Parkinson is a Co-director of the Centre for Human Animal Studies at Edge Hill University, she shared her views on the addition of the breed to the list.

Professor Claire Parkinson said “Breed specific legislation doesn’t work. It is costly and ineffective to continue with a focus on breed bands which do not protect the public and which impact the welfare of dogs.”

She also spoke on how the guidelines can be confusing to make sense of by owners, she said, “the XL bully is a mixed breed dog therefore the ‘look’ of the dog has not been standardised in the UK.

“This makes it particularly difficult to devise an identification guide. As a dog does not fulfill all the characteristics in the government guidance to be considered an XL bully.”

Lord Benyon concluded by saying: “We don’t have the final answer, we think is the best way, and it’s a responsible action to take.”

But owners like Aongola don’t think that this is the right move. He said, “it now makes me double think about the other big breeds of dogs that I like, that may one day end up on some list just because they’re muscular bigger dogs.”

‘Stevenson Square shambles’ says Chair

New anti-terrorist blocks branded an eye-sore

By Anna Klekot

The long-awaited changes to Stevenson Square have been completed, however people are confused about the purpose of the colourful blocks that came with them.

The new colourful HVM (hostile vehicle mitigation) blocks have had a lot of negative feedback both online and in-person already since their instillation.

Some of the reasons behind this have been how different the square looks to what was originally advertised in plans.

The safety measures have been viewed as ‘chaotic’ as people believe they pose a risk for cyclists and visually impaired people.

It was confirmed in the summer that the square would undergo work lasting until the end of the year in efforts to encourage more walking and cycling.

Scott Robinson, current Chair of Manchester Green Party raised this issue in his newsletter for the Piccadilly area, calling the new area “Stevenson Square shambles” and “disappointing”.

“I was very excited to see the plans for Stevenson Square – but seeing them in action, seeing them nearly finished or finished just makes me think that we could’ve had so much better.”

Scott Robinson, Chair of Green Party

When asked about if people have responded to the newsletter with an opinion on the square, Scott said; “I’ve got at least one friend that said they never usually bother speaking to the council or the councillors but will be requesting a meeting”

He added: “Other people I’ve spoken to, and certainly in response to my newsletter, have agreed and don’t understand why it’s so bad.”

The main issues Scott flagged up was about the colourful blocks.

He said; “I don’t know why those big blocks have been placed next to the cycle lane inside the square.”

Scott said the blocks are “going to cause more conflict for cyclists trying to use it as intended.”

Cycle-friendly Northern Quarter

At the start of the year, the council has announced its new strategy of putting walking and cycling at the forefront of their transport policy in its efforts to make Manchester a zero-carbon city.

With this, new traffic signals have also been installed to make the square more cycle friendly alongside the new cycle lane. The cycle lane runs through Lever Street, connecting both sides of the square together.

For now it appears that the works have been completed. However, people are curious to see how the outdoor seating in the spring will cooperate with the mass amount of concrete blocks which have been scattered around.

Additional planting around the square is also still awaiting to happen.

Scott Robinson stated: “Having just an empty public square with no growth or no plants contributes to urban heating. More trees where we can place them is really important.”

The city council was approached for a comment.

‘Safer streets’ planters in

Withington

Residents split over low traffic neighborhood

It has now been three months since the implementation of the ‘safer streets’ scheme on Parsonage Road in Withington but residents are appealing for the removal of the scheme rather than supporting it.

The aim of the wooden planters which were placed on nine junctions in and around the neighbourhood was to minimize traffic, encourage cycling and walking and make the roads safer for locals, however, most believe that it has only created new issues.

Although residents are in support of the aim to make the streets in Withington safer, they believe that the execution of the scheme has been poor and have since appealed for the removal of road blocks in an online petition as well as a protest which occurred over the weekend.

Zakir, an owner of a local post office in Withington shared his concerns about the future of his business and his frustration as a resident of the area. He said that “People are angry”. Understanding the issue of speeding and safety in the area he said, “they need to understand there is a different way, there is a different solution to reduce the traffic, not by blocking the roads, [but by putting] speed cameras or speed bumps.”

Danish, an employee at the post office has also voiced his concerns for their loyal customers from the area, he said: “vulnerable people come here to collect their benefits, they are finding it difficult because what once was a four minute journey by car is now taking 15 to 20 minutes.”

The increased journeys are now costing people, “they are paying triple fares, because those taxi drivers now have to take a longer route to get to us.”

The longer journeys however have only contributed to the already congested Wilmslow road and traffic emissions, said Danish, “I feel like the pollution has gone up, if you go on the main road - Wilmslow road, you’ll see that there is traffic, all the time, so blocking one street in the name of safer streets and having a whole lot of trouble for other people is not making sense.”

Zakir has also expressed his concern over the business which hasn’t been taken into consideration. The planters have diverted the customers even further with some giving up and having to drive further in order to find the post office, ultimately choosing to go to a different area.

He said “sales have dropped, the numbers of customers coming in has dropped, it is definitely affecting the business.”

Len Grant, a resident of Withington, has said, “planters and road closures have made the streets a lot quieter, and as a cyclist much more pleasant to use”. Noticing the impact on pedestrians and cyclists. Len added that “it would be interesting to know if there was another way of solving the problem that has less of an impact on everyone.” Some residents feel positive about the goal of the scheme but see its need for improvements for the neighbourhood. With the mixed response of the neighbourhood, there is no denying that a lot of people are dissatisfied with the council’s execution of the plan, so far the online petition has already accumulated over 1,000 signatures in support of prematurely ending the trial, originally scheduled for February 2024.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council has said: “The aim of the Parsonage Safer Streets project is to create a safer, more welcoming and more environmentally friendly neighbourhood where the health and safety of residents is prioritised over the usage of cars.” Adding that “it is important to note this is a trial and can be subject to change as more is understood about its impact.”

Larri’s owners now have to book a private field to let her off the lead following the ban /

Photo credit: Aongola

Cyclists are outraged over the strangely placed HVM blocks /Photo Credit:

Owners of local post office speak out on the low traffic neighborhood plan in Withington

Transgender hate crime increases in Manchester

New figures show rise in transgender hate crime

by Becky Mills

The Home Office released statics that showed transgender hate crimes in England have risen by 11% by March 2023. Since January 2023, authorities have reported over 500 transgender hate crimes in Manchester. Earlier this year, Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender teenager, was murdered by two 15-year-olds. Her body was found by members of the public just after 3 pm on Saturday, February 11. The trial for the two teenagers began on Monday, November 27, at Manchester Crown Court for the alleged murder of Brianna. The court heard that Brianna was stabbed 28 times on a path in Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington.Authorities arrested and charged two 15-year-olds from the local area with the murder of Brianna, a student at Birchwood High School in Warrington. The trial duration is anticipated to last between three and four weeks. However, the teenagers, currently 16 years old, both deny the murder charges against them.Due to their age, both the accused are referred to as girl X from Warrington and boy Y from Leigh in Greater Manchester. They cannot be named according to a court order. More needs to be done to protect transgender

Police were investigating whether Brianna Ghey’s murder was a hate crime.

Photo credit: Family handout/Cheshire

Police/PA Wire people, especially youths. LGBT Foundation, a charity which supports transgender individuals in diverse ways, told Northern Quota: “In the year since Brianna Ghey’s death, trans and non-binary people continue to experience discrimination and hate crime continues to rise.

But we have also seen the power and resilience of our community, expressed in the vigils held across the country celebrating Brianna’s life

and continued perseverance through adversity. Our deepest sympathy remains with Brianna’s family and friends.” Following Brianna’s death, thousands attended candlelit vigils across the UK and Ireland. A tribute described Brianna as “beautiful, witty, and hilarious.”

Her family remembered her as “strong, fearless, and one of a kind,” possessing a “larger-thanlife character.

Police attempt to tackle hate crime at protests

‘Worrying’ loopholes in anti- extremist laws

by Becky Mills

Greater Manchester Police ramp up efforts to reduce hate crime at recent Palestine and Israel protests.

Police fear that this conflict is fuelling online hate crime and radicalisation, particularly among young people. Police are worried that individuals attending protests may be unknowingly supporting extremist groups due to online misinformation and disinformation.

Calls to the anti-terrorist hotline have doubled, and there has been a 25% increase in intelligence through counterterrorism policing. Offences related to supporting or glorifying terrorism have hit unprecedented rates compared to the last decade.

Greater Manchester Police have worked closely with communities to restore the public’s confidence to report these instances. There were 1,013 recorded religiously motivated hate crimes across Greater Manchester in 2023. There were 137 religious hate crimes throughout Manchester in October 2023.

Of these, 83 were Antisemitic, which is an increase of 937% on the previous month, and 37 were Islamophobic, which is a 94% rise. Across the country, there have been over 600 arrests for faith-hate crimes.

Protests have escalated to target businesses and MPs’ homes. There have been 60 recorded crimes towards MPs since October 7th. The Home Affairs committee also discussed the overall robust police measures, which included using Facial recognition and CCTV at protests. Matt Jukes said:

The resources are under greater pressure at this moment than they have been for a number of years.” Metropolitan police had to draw other officers from other forces, like Greater Manchester Police, to help monitor protests.

The impact of policing these protests has a knock-

Police asked protesters to remove face coverings and signs with controversial phrases, but said the difficulty of monitoring large crowds. At a recent protest (January 20th), many protesters had their faces covered whilst carrying controversial signs. Photo

on effect on the police force and communities as all resources are going towards policing the protests.

The Home Affairs committee discussed the potential ban of weekend protests due to the disruption and fear they are causing. Signs and chants have included hate speech, and police have utilised social media, facial recognition, and CCTV to identify and arrest people in real time.

There are massive loopholes in current legislation, saying hateful extremists can operate freely as the glorification of terrorist groups is technically legal.

police as they may not cross the terrorist threshold.

Dame Sara Khan, who led the commission for countering extremism, said: “The government need to recognise hateful extremism is a distinct activity compared to hate crime and terrorism, and we do not have laws to tackle it.We do not have a robust, strong counter-extremism infrastructure; it’s poor, it’s weakly coordinated, and there are serious caps [in legislation].”

The key themes of the age-friendly strategy include being heard, age equality, age-friendly services, and age-friendly Image:

Peter Byrne/PA

Manchester city council launches new age-friendly strategy

Over 2 million pensioners in the UK live in poverty.

Manchester City Council discussed the city’s new 5-year strategy to promote an ‘Age Friendly’ Manchester in today’s (December 5th) meeting. The strategy, ‘Manchester: A City for Life 2023- 2028,’ builds from the age-friendly work that has been ongoing in the city for the last twenty years.

The Manchester City Council meeting raised concerns about the older generation and the cost of living crisis as winter approaches. Manchester City Council proposed preventative measures to support people over 50 in Manchester with the cost-of-living crisis. Manchester City Council has refreshed ‘The Making Manchester Fairer Antipoverty Strategy,’ which was a central focus of the meeting. This strategy aims to prevent, mitigate, and create pathways out of poverty through inclusive and effective methods. The strategy is crucial in ensuring that the cost-of-living crisis does not adversely impact cities over 50s and can access support and advice as required. One issue raised in the meeting was that eligible people were not receiving pension credits or benefits. Many people are unaware they are entitled to pension credits or certain benefits. Figures by AgeUK show eligible older households not receiving Pension Credit has increased to 800,000 in 2021/22 from 770,000 in 2019/20. The latest figures show that the average person missing out on Pension Credit loses over £2000 a year. This money could help reduce poverty levels and improve a person’s standard of living, like easing burdens when buying food or using heating. . The Age-Friendly strategy wants to improve the older population’s digital skills. This can help people access relevant information such as social clubs or pension credit. Over half of Manchester residents aged over 60 are digitally excluded, meaning they lack access, skills, and confidence to use digital technology that can benefit their daily lives. Manchester City Council and the Age-Friendly Manchester Assembly will revisit and update the initial 18-month delivery plan every 12 months.

Credit: Rebecca Mills

Brianna Ghey’s mother, Esther Ghey (left), and sister, Alisha Ghey, arriving at Manchester Crown Court. Photo credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Someone having a plaque praising Hamas actions causes issues for

Nearly half of people aged 65 and over struggled to pay their Council Tax over the last six months

Students to learn about rough living

Youth homelessness on the rise, says council

By Amber Brooks

There are increasing numbers of young people (18-25) accessing temporary accommodation, up by 57% over the previous five years, according to Manchester City Council.

The rising cost of living and the recent rental market are making it especially difficult for young people to live in the city. A plan by the council, in collaboration with local charities, is being put in place to offer specialist support and advice to young people in schools.

Many young people, and families with young children, struggle to afford rental prices. In a rental market report by Zoopla it was reported that rent prices have gone up by a staggering 14% in Manchester this year alone.

Vanda Lowe, from youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, said: “Because the cost of living crisis is causing rising inflation and costs, there is not enough affordable accommodation and this is becoming a huge crisis.”

As of September 2022, there has been new legislation brought in to cap rent at 3% for tenants currency renting properties, but this means if houses become vacant landlords can raise prices to match the market.

Tenants can be pushed out of accommodation and into highly competitive open markets where the demand for homes to rent is 20% higher than this time last year.

According to Zoopla rental cost rises have been in double digits for the last 18 months.

Young people can struggle to find landlords who are willing to take the risk of taking them on as a tenant in comparison to an older person who has a history of paying rent.

There are also young people who leave home for personal reasons, such as family disputes. Short term pastoral care may be needed, including in-house or specialist accommodation may be needed.

In a recent report by the council, it says 240 bed spaces have been commissioned for young people to support them until they become ‘tenancy ready’.

For young people in education, the homeless service is developing a new strategy to improve its relationship with schools across the city. For pupils, this includes attending parents evenings and talking to pupils directly in class.

Key personnel in schools will also get a training package on how to advise families on issues related to housing. This new system is being trialed in schools in Moss Side and Wythenshawe who requested similar support.

Victoria Kell, from Manchester City Council, says young people often do not contact homeless prevention authorities until it becomes a crisis.

“Contacting the council can be nerve-wracking. We can do our best to support young people, but coming in early can really help the situation,” she said.

‘Hand up not help out’ for city’s homeless

Council rallies to for healthcare on the streets

by Amber Brooks

Manchester City Council leads the conversation on homelessness prevention by addressing areas for support within the healthcare network, as the increasing demand of ill physical and mental health puts strains on the current system.

At the Health Scrutiny Committee, representatives from non-statutory organisations and the NHS came together to provide an overview of the work carried out to prevent homelessness within Greater Manchester.

The demand for a look into homeless healthcare, which includes support with mental health and addiction, comes shortly before the Manchester Homeless Partnership’s publication of new strategy, outlining how the council will tackle homelessness in the next five years (2024-2027). This report calls for more structure for those with physical support needs because the demand has increased by 103% since 2018. This is a concern for the council as people with poor mental and physical health are more likely to become homeless or end up in unstable accommodation settings.

GP Shaun Jackson from Urban Village Medical Practice outlines how important the collaboration of cross-sector organisations are to the NHS. “Homeless people have the worst health inequalities of any population in the UK.

“And so it needs a proportionate response. So it’s not merely the NHS that has to deliver health care to homeless people, it has to be very clear about how it does that in a proportionate fashion.”

“So many people think of homelessness as a problem of lack of accommodation and lack of a roof. But homelessness has, if you are homeless, you will have an early death. And homeless people don’t die from a lack of accommodation, they die of untreated medical problems, or unmet medical need.”

A good connection between the NHS and organisations is key to supporting homeless people on the ground level.

Non-statutory services are key to the success of the system provided by the council.

Mustard

Non-statutory services are key to the success of the system provided by the council. Jo Walby, CEO of poverty aid charity Mustard Tree explains: “Currently, it’s very difficult to access telephone appointments for support, because you can’t hang on the phone line for two hours.

“If you haven’t got anywhere to live, you don’t want to disclose your embarrassing health issue if you’re doing it in a hospital somewhere. And then it’s about case managing very complex people that are waiting for appointments, or waiting for some sort of intervention.

“But they can’t live from appointment to appointment. So what they do during the day, and how they operate when their mood might be worsening, or their health might be worsening.”

Mustard Tree’s strength lies in giving dignity and understanding for those in need. The organization believes that teaching people invaluable workplace skills is key to provide a positive mindset and create opportunity, offering ‘a hand up not hand out’.

Working with Urban Village, who are less than a mile away from Mustard Tree’s Ancoats location, provides some of the necessary healthcare for their over 10,000 monthly footfall, in-

An MBE for services to education and skills

An MBE has been awarded to Manchester Metropolitan University’s apprenticeships director for services to education and skills in the New Year’s honours list.

Liz Gorb is nationally recognised for her groundbreaking approach to higher education.

In 2015 she was part of the team that pioneered degree apprenticeships, after some employers who went to Downing Street were concerned with higher skill level shortages, especially in digital, engineering, health and science.

Manchester Metropolitan University now has over 2700 apprentices from all different levels including degree and masters level. According to the ‘Force For Change’ report from 2021, 40% of these apprentices are the first generation in their family to go to university and 36% of students have come from the most deprived areas.

In 2015, the first cohort of degree apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan University managed to recruit 60 people from 22 companies including Lloyd’s, Barclays and AstraZeneca.

Liz said: “Well, what about degree apprenticeships, or higher level apprenticeships? We started that and were one of the first universities to get that underway.”

Liz now works with a team of over 100 people to support people with degree apprenticeships at the university.

“I’ve got some great, very clever people around me, my senior team, who have really pushed forward on this,” she said.

cluding podiatrists, opticians and vaccinations. Walby praises the strategy put in health by the Director of Public Health, David Reagan, stating: “He does genuinely try and build coalitions of different organisations across health and homelessness to try and make the focus to be on helping people that are homeless”

“I think that is a really good example of multisector working. I think the meeting was positive because it told councilors what we were doing.”

Change Grow Live (CGL) is a national health and social care charity. In Manchester, they offer drug and alcohol services for adults and young people. At the meeting, CGL represented those who faced problems with addiction because in some cases drugs and alcohol can be a part of a person’s spiral into homelessness.

Jackie McVan, representing the charity, said: “One of the greatest challenges we’ve got at CGL at the moment is the huge influx of service users that we are seeing. We are outgrowing our buildings, and we’re looking at securing new buildings.” The charity has been massively supported by the council to adapt to the increasing demand, fuelled by a £780 million increase in funding for drug support from the government across the country since 2021.

“And this has set the standard. Last year, we got the outstanding from Ofsted. And for five years running, we’ve been the highest University on RateMyApprenticeship. The apprentices themselves voted for the university.” Around 80 apprentices have also won individual awards in different sectors.

“And it’s wonderful working with such passionate people. I think the thing about my team and the apprenticeships unit is that we all really believe in this. And we believe it’s a really great thing. And it’s due, and we can see that it’s really good for individuals, you know, to be able to break through and have this opportunity.”

Liz explained that some students have had a rough start, but were now excelling in their careers.

Equality for women’s sports

A call for ‘removing the boundaries’ in sport and physical exercise is important for women and girls’ confidence and mental well being, says gold-medallist rower Dame Katherine Grainger.

In an inquiry into gender-based inequalities in sport, Grainger, amongst other sportswomen and industry-leading experts, gave evidence to aid parliamentary discussions about improving participation levels for women and girls and consider ways to bring about positive change.

Conversations into women’s health and physiology- including periods, menopause, body image and pregnancy- form the basis for the discussion, as well as coaching, sexism and accessibility. The panel considers how to improve athletic performance for professional sports women, but also how to support women and girls in their own physical activities regardless of ability.

A key focus included supporting girls in their PE lessons, encouraging them to pursue physical activity outside of class and after they leave school.

The inquiry also informed ways to get older women to exercise, especially how to get them back into team-based sports.

Liz Gorb pioneered degree apprenticeships for over 6,000 students

Above: Robert Gorton

COP 28 plea: ‘We cannot do nothing’

Activists unite to mark start of COP 28

by Zoe Spencer

A group of climate activists gathered at Media City on Thursday to hold world leaders and media corporations to account for the impact of climate change.wwww

The vigil, organised by Cordelia Newsome, marked the first day of COP 28, the UN climate change conference, taking place in Dubai until 12 December.

The United Nations website states that ‘the COP is where the world comes together to agree on ways to address the climate crisis’.

Cordelia belongs to Climate Justice Coalition, which believes that COP’s Climate negotiations have failed to keep global temperatures down and pay damages to vulnerable countries that have suffered the most.

The vigil was a mixture of songs and speeches aimed at world leaders, with many members holding powerful signs of real people affected by climate change.

“We wanted our message to go out straight away that we expect better things from them,” said Cordelia.

“Everyone here has lost faith in the conference because they’ve not honoured their promises. There have been a lot of empty words, greenwashing and promises that just aren’t fulfilled”.

Climate Justice Coalition is asking world leaders to:

» End licensing and funding of new fossil fuels

» Cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030

» Accelerate the just transition to a green economy

» Make polluters pay for loss and damages

» Honour existing climate finance commitments

Cordelia said: “They promised they would pay loss of damages to countries that have been most affected by climate change, countries in the global south.

That was last year at COP 27 and nothing has been paid.

“Most of all, we are concerned about the fact that COP 28 is being held in the United Arab Emirates, which is one of the top ten oil-producing countries.

“There is an element of what is the point? Is there any hope at all, but we all feel you can’t do nothing.

“We have got to say, this is what we want from you”.

Professor Michael Jacobs of Sheffield University, who is an expert on climate politics, told the BBC the COP28 team’s actions looked “breathtakingly hypocritical”.

Cordelia Newsomwe, the organiser of the event at Media City, showing a photograph of a woman who had lost her home to a wild fire.

The vigil’s location was Media City in Salford, in a

bid to get the Media’s attention and urge them to tell the truth about the climate crisis.

“There are a few people here who felt the BBC and the media generally have a very important role” said Cordelia.

“I think some people feel they haven’t really done enough and been as honest as they should because they’ve got an important message to get out to the public and they need to do more”.

A member of Extinction Rebellion attending the vigil said: “We are standing outside the BBC asking them to tell the truth about the climate crisis”.

“We want the government and people in power to act now in the face of the climate crisis” they added.

When discussing the importance of climate activism for the future, Cordelia said “There is still time, if they do the right thing and make changes, it could be the most amazing future for generations to come”.

Residents divided over road safety measures

Motorists could be fined up to £105 by rules

by Zoe Spencer

Manchester City Council has been granted new powers to improve road safety and congestion in Longsight.

The rules will target motorists making illegal turns, as well as motorists who block yellow boxes at junctions.

The powers have been introduced following a consultation in the autumn of 2022 and the new measures could see motorists being fined up to £105.

These powers were previously only enforced by the police and aim to bring in a range of improvements throughout the city including making roads safer for those walking or cycling, reducing congestion, and improving journey times, as well as improving air quality.

Traffic building up at the junction and blocking the yellow box. Photo credit: Zoe Spencer Stockport Road junction

The first location where enforcement is set to take place is at Stockport Road junction with Dickinson Road/ Stanley Grove in Longsight, where a high number of collisions have resulted in serious injury or even death.

Many residents are keen to welcome these new measures, including Resident of Longsight and business owner Rohaan Sarwar.

Local shop owner Rohaan Sarwar welcomes the changes. Photo credit: Zoe Spencer Rohaan said: ‘‘Some people here in Longsight do not abide by the rules.

“A camera would be really helpful, I’ve been here a long time and I’ve seen really bad accidents when closing my shop at midnight.

“Coming from Stanley Grove or coming from this road going onto Dickenson Road, a lot of people try and take turns here.”

He added: “People try to get away with stuff and maybe more precautions and measurements might help.

“It’s bumper to bumper”.

Another local business owner, Imran Sarfraz was less positive about the immediate impact of the meas-

urements on road safety: “It’s so busy, until people start getting fined and seeing the fines, it’s not going to make a difference.

“Maybe in the future, maybe in a year’s time once people realise they’ve got a fine, but it’s so busy in the evening it’s bumper to bumper.”

He added: “A lot of people don’t even use the proper junctions and just start crossing the road from wherever.”

John Hoover, a resident of Manchester who works in Longsight said of the new measures: “It’s just another way of taxing the man that owns the car.”

He added: “The only time people will know about it is when a fine drops through their letterbox.

“If more people sued the council for the condition of the road, for the damages it creates to vehicles, maybe they’d put more money into rectifying the potholes instead of finding another way of taking money from the driver.

“There is four crossings within 250 yards, the fact that the public don’t want to use them isn’t our problem, we are the drivers.”

“Any accident is one too many”

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for

Environment and Transport said: “As a Council, we are always looking at ways in which we can improve safety on our roads.

“Any accident on our roads is one too many which is why it’s important we explore any measures at our disposal to prevent them

“Following a consultation last year we are looking to utilise our new powers to enforce MTOs across a range of neighbourhoods.

“As well as improving safety we are also keen to improve our air quality – in line with our zero carbon aims- as well as reducing congestion and journey times. Changes like this bring us a step closer to being a well-connected, cleaner, greener and safer city.”

Stan’s Secret Santa will run from Tuesday 5 December until Friday 8 December and aims to encourage donations for people experiencing homelessness and poverty across Manchester

It is the second time Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, has run the appeal after launching it in 2021.

This is the second time Stan has worn his Santa hat and Manchester Museum hopes it will encourage people to get involved with their appeal. Photo credit: Zoe Spencer.

It was put on hold last year following a £15 million capital development project, Hello Future, but has been revived just in time for Christmas this year.

The gift appeal will support local charities Barnabus and Mustard Tree and visitors will be encouraged to visit Stan, donate gifts and take selfies with ‘Stanta Claws’.

Karen Brackenridge posing alongside Stan. Visitors will be encouraged to wear their own christmas hats and take pictures with Stan to raise awareness.

Karen Brackenridge at Manchester Museum spoke about her idea for Stan’s Secret Santa: “Stan’s Secret Santa first came about in 2018.

“Manchester Museum did some work with certain organisations, and I took notice of how bad homelessness is in Manchester.

“I asked if we could do a Stan Secret Santa- I just thought everyone could come through and we could do an appeal for donations.

“In lockdown everybody brought things in for one day and it was amazing “This appeal now belongs to the museum and it’s not just about homelessness, but also poverty support in Manchester.”

Even the tinsel used to decorate the gift boxes is new, with price still left on, to emphasise the need for new, unwrapped Christmas gifts. Photo Credit: Zoe Spencer

Manchester Museum is appealing for donations of new, unwrapped Christmas gifts and new, seasonal food items, as well as wrapping paper and Christmas cards.

“Nothing is to be resold, its gifted, gifted, gifted,” said Karen. “It’s caring to share and sharing to care”. All gifts donated by the public will be passed on to Barnabus and Mustard Tree who will distribute them in time for Christmas.

Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum, said: “Manchester Museum has been a landmark in the city for more than 130 years so we feel it’s really important to look out for people within our immediate community, especially those who may be vulnerable or struggling.

“Stan is also a bit of a Manchester celebrity so we’re delighted he’s bought into our values of care and inclusion, and chosen to support two local charities

“These are real people”: two attendees of the vigil holding signs with photographs of real people who have been affected by the climate crisis.

Cordelia Newsome, the organiser of the event at Media City, showing a photograph of a woman who had lost her home to a wild fire.

Local shop owner Rohaan Sarwar welcomes the changes enforced by the council.

Karen Brackenridge posing alongside Stan

200k Fallowfield Loop work done

by George Mew

New Streetlights have been installed near St Werburgh’s Road, as well as improved accessibility to entry points near Chorlton and Levenshulme.

This comes as part of an effort to ‘enhance safety and visibility for cyclists at night’ and ‘ensure that the cycleway is accessible for everyone’ according to a press release.

The streetlights are presumed to be part of a ‘safer routes to school’ initiative for Chorlton High School according to ‘Friends of the Fallowfield Loop,’ who have been supporting the loop since 2001.

Some supporters of the loop have shown concern that the measures taken are not a straightforward improvement, however, as the streetlights may impact wildlife more than it prevents crime.

Martin

‘The

“I

Dame told the MEN: ‘“Our vision for Greater Manchester is to be a place where it’s easy, comfortable and safe for people to walk wheel or cycle where they want to get to - that means creating a lot of new, safer on-road routes, and quieter neighbourhoods, as part of

our emerging Bee Network’

New improvements to entry points mean that wheelchair users, and those with pushing prams, can more easily access the loop with a plan in place to roll out additional improvements at another 26 entry points along the Fallowfield Loop.

Whilst there is another 7 miles of the loop for wildlife to explore, “if it costs 200,000 maybe you could have done something else with that sort of money which might be more effective” Martin continues.

As the number of people taking the Fallowfield loop has increased drastically since COVID, there is hope than continued funding can bring more people to enjoy the loop.

“‘My argument has always been that the best deterrent for antisocial behavior is just to get more people on it,’” says Martin.

A council spokesperson responded to concerns saying they have ‘conducted surveys on any impact to wildlife in the area ensuring that any changes make as small an impact as possible, this includes ensuring that lighting columns will not have a negative impact on nocturnal wildlife.’

Further plans are being made for Fallowfield loop improvements, ‘one of which was to tart up the junction at Sainsburys to make it what they call a cyclops’ Martin revealed.

Student accommodation refused for third time

Proposal to build new student accommodation in place

by George Mew

The committee had previously rejected the plans due to the height of the block, and the original 13-storey apartment is now sketched as a part seven, part nine story development housing 146 student beds.

A petition has also been signed by over 100 students from UoM and MMU who have objected to the scheme on the basis that ‘they believe the 230 rent is harmful to working class Hulme residents who are being pushed out by gentrification and harmful to working class students,’ according to the Planning Department

Officers believe that there is no policy based reason for refusal on the grounds that the proposal would undermine maintaining a sustainable mixed residential neighbourhood

Local residents in the viewing area were vocal throughout the meeting, with one announcing 'To the officers, my life isn’t a policy' in response to the Chairs reminder on policy.

Speaking to Jill Edwards, a resident in Hopford, she said: ‘Building a flat is going to impact everything to do with the surrounding community.'

'It means a lot to me to keep the community as it was.'

'Yeah things move on, and it brings the economy up, but with that comes high prices for homes. Students cant afford to live in student accommodation'

'We have so many places nearer to the university that are open green spaces, that are not willing to build on, because they are attractive to the University'

'Eventually it will become part of the city centre, rather than Hulme which its always been'

'We are going to be a block within a whole heap of students' ‘Student block, Student block, profit, profit'

The Planning Department claim that ‘this is a proper made application that needs to be developed.’

In response to arguments that the proposal would disrupt a residential area, the Planning Department said ‘Students are residents. Students live in residetial areas all over the city, and they are already living

in Hulme. There is an assumption here that providing more PBSA will lead to more students living in Hulme. But there is also a need to get students out of family accommodation because they’re occupying homes that working families should be living in.’

Councilor Lovecy responded to this to say: ‘the fact we would be building more PBSA does not mean necessarily that students will relinquish living in what should be family accommodation. There isn’t necessarily that trade off.’

‘It seems to me we have very strong grounds to be opposing this revised application.’

‘There is not enough purpose built accomodation in the city, that is a fact, that is accepted by this organization, it’s accepted by the Universities’ said the Planning Department. ‘We will beat this; we beat it 3 times before,’ said Jil Edwards, after the vote was made to reject the proposal

The 330-metre-long Viaduct could become a 1km bridge, with Mancunians being encouraged to share their views in a survey by The National Trust

BPD are working with the charity to extend and innovate the garden bridge to promote an interactive form of active travel across Manchester.

‘What BPD are looking at is the kilometre run that would come down towards Wooden’s St bridge in Salford… just ‘slightly shy’ of Pomona,’ said Kate Picker, Operations and Experience Manager for Castlefield Viaduct

‘The aspiration is definitely to extend and expand,’ explains Kate, however ‘it’s still in that evaluation development category.’

The project also aims to connect the Viaducts past and future through digital interactions and historical plaques, giving opportunities to explore and experience its heritage whilst on the move, or relaxing along the Viaduct.

‘People would like to walk on and off at different points to create more of a thoroughfare,’ explains Kate.

The new Viaduct improvements aim to encourage an active lifestyle for commuters, who will be accompanied by plants and flowers which the strip is covered with.

However, the viaduct also offers experiences to those Mancunians who are not darting from A to B, as elements of the Viaducts history is available to interact with and read to create a dynamic route of travel through Manchester.

‘If we can come down and connect in Woden Bridge area then we become a thorofare, then we become an active travel route you could use as part of your commute or to explore out in Salford and Old Trafford.’

The National Trust’s survey offers opportunities to submit preferences for aesthetic layouts of the Viaduct, interactive elements such as historical information along the strip, and various events that will run along the Viaduct. We had people writing on the wall of what they thought it could be, filling in online surveys,’ said Kate ‘People definitely want to see it bigger, a bit longer’

Over 75,000 people interacted with the viaduct, with 40,000 visiting in its first year, either by walking up along the Viaduct or participating in related off-site activities organized by its team.

‘The current iteration of the Viaduct is scheduled to be open until September of next year,’ said Kate The Viaduct will also be closed for maintenance on the 2nd of January and open on the 10th of February.

HS2 trains to Manchester to rise in journey time and reduce in capacity

Sir Jon Thompson, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd, told MPs at the House of Commons that journey time would increase and capacity reduce unless ‘somebody has a fantastic plan to resolve it.’

This comes after Rishi Sunak scrapped the Northern section of HS2 in a speech at the Conserative Party conference in Manchester, even though HS2 trains would still reach the city by traveling on existing tracks.

‘My understanding is that there will be an impact on capacity, because the original plan was that those trains would be 400 metres long and now they will be 200 metres long,’ Sir Jon said speaking in Parliament.

‘The HS2 train is 400 metres long, which means that it does not fit in Crewe station or in Manchester Piccadilly,’ continued Sir Jon

‘In fact, I think it sticks out of Manchester Piccadilly station by something like 150 metres.’

This would therefore mean a reduced capacity going into Manchester, with trains being configured at 250 metres long.

‘It would have fewer seats than a Pendolino does, so, in that scenario, there would be fewer seats on the route from London to Manchester,’ Sir Jon said Due to HS2 train speeds reaching up to 225mph, it must slow down at the bends of the existing tracks which connect London to Manchester.

‘The HS2 train will go straight at the same speed as the Pendolino train—125mph—and round the bends it will go slower, at 115 mph. So an HS2 train from Birmingham to Manchester, which would be almost entirely the west coast main line, would be slower than the Pendolino,’ said Sir Jonls.

‘We will beat this; we beat it 3 times before,’ said Jil Edwards, after the vote was made to reject the proposal.

Modern slavery in Manchester

Homelessness is on the rise in Manchester

Makenna Ali

Manchester Councillors have called for action to uncover modern slavery in the city as it is causing a rise in homelessness in Manchester

At a meeting for the Manchester Equalities and Scrutiny committee, the council raised the issue of modern slavery. It is causing a spike in homelessness.

Sam Stable of the Manchester Equalities and Scrutiny Committee said, “Exploitation is very hidden and extremely difficult to identify.”

Levenshulme Councillor, Basat Sheikh said, “What ends up happening is individuals are being exploited through international sponsorship schemes. There are a number of individuals who are paying a lot money in some cases up to £20k to be sponsored to come into the country by bogus companies.”

Councilor Sheikh went on to explain that the issue is going to continue to grow. He said, “When they arrive there is no work for them and they have to go underground and work for very little money just to survive and many of them are homeless. It’s just going to get bigger and bigger”

Sandra Evers, co-founder of the Melissus Project, a Manchester-based homeless society said, “A lot of modern slavery victims are homeless because they’re underground. They are afraid to come forward and ask for help because they are afraid of imprisonment.”

Modern slavery schemes happeninng in the city

Modern slavery is a global business scheme and an organized crime for criminal gain. The issue is found throughout the UK, especially in Manchester. Victims are in mundane places across the city such as restaurants, bars, hospitals, and so many places.

Homeless Person – Credit PA Images Yui Mok/PA Wire

In October the modern slavery and exploitation helpline saw a “significant rise” in cases of alleged labour abuse and forced labour in the care sector. The increase is over 1000%

According to a report from Unseen, an anti-slavery charity and a modern slavery helpline, those who experience modern slavery are immigrants. They are often unaware of their rights in the UK leaving them vulnerable and subjected to extortion.

According to the report, there has been a 606% increase in modern slavery cases, 712 potential victims. In the first half of 2023, care workers indicated that they had an average of £11k in debt to pay for visa and immigration costs. 96% of potential victims are from Asian or African countries.

The council urges for more to be done to uncover modern slavery in Manchester. Councillor Basat Sheikh said the council must “deduce what support is available and how this support is accessed.”

IMGs demands higher wages

IMGs are a fifth of the NHS

Sam Stable explained the importance of working with colleagues in voluntary community sector organisations. They can help raise awareness so people can spot signs of modern slavery.

“There is still quite a lot of work for us to do to be able to spot the signs and provide the relevant support for those people being exploited.” Sam Stable, Manchester City Council

University of Manchester raises awareness of their past in the slave trade

by Makenna Ali

University of Manchester raises awareness of their involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and raises the question of reparations with their exhibition ‘Founders and Funders: Slavery and the building of a University.’

The University of Manchester held a drop-in session for their exhibit ‘Founders and Funders: Slavery and the building of a University’ to raise awareness and discussions of reparations.

The university stated, “addressing our history is part of coming to terms with our present. We’re committed to the collaborative and long-term work of repairing inequalities through our activities.”

The exhibition opened at the John Rylands library in September 2023 and runs until March 2024. It investigates how profits from the transatlantic slave trade, colonization and manufacturing with slavegrown cotton funded the advances of Manchester.

Drop-in sessions with their public engagement team and Dr Matthew Stallard; associate researcher at the Centre for the Studies of the Legacies of British Slavery University College London.

Dr Stallard noted that one of the most important things learnt from researching the histories of slavery and colonization is how deeply imbedded they are in creating these prestigious institutions such as the University of Manchester.

Nancy Adams; researcher at the University of Manchester and campaigner said, “There is no clear plan to reparations yet. The main purpose of the exhibition is to raise awareness and provide a starting point for those conversations.”

The university’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonization poses the question of how many other “world class” or prestigious institutions benefits and involvement, and are these institutions planning on reparations whether it is simply raising awareness.

Chronic loneliness spikes in the Manchester’s queer community

by Makenna Ali

The Proud Trust is hosting support groups in Manchester to combat loneliness in the Queer community.

Loneliness is a major issue in the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports the prevalence of chronic loneliness has risen by over half a million. In addition, statistics from Statista show that 17 percent of individuals in the UK revealed that they feel lonelier during the festive season.

Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced.”

Seasonal illness rises over five time the number of patients in hospitals compared to the week before to an average 942 patients

NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership has warned that local A&E departments are ‘extremely busy’, and warned anyone with emergencies that are not life-threatening to ‘expect a significant wait’.

An IMG from James Cook University hospital obstetrics and gynaecology ward, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I would like to see the junior doctors get the pay increase they are striking for. Due to inflation, I do not believe junior doctors currently earn a fair wage. These ongoing strikes are a burden for the IMGs.”

According to the IMG, the NHS cannot continue to be as sustainable as it is.

Doctors demand restoration as their pay has been cut by more than 26% since 2008. Credit- PA Media

“I do hope the NHS recognizes the value of the IMG’s as they would not be able to function without us.”says an International Medical Graduate at James Cook University Hospital.

They stated. “Due to an ageing and unwell population and limited financial resources, it cannot continue to be sustainable as is. The NHS must realise it cannot function without IMGs.

It is not nearly enough to have UK trainees and consultants work in the tertiary hospitals, so they have opened the pathway for IMGs to come into the UK to work, even having a special new visa. However, the IMGs face issues with career progression because of the NHS despite having experience and knowledge.”

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to be lonely than cis or heterosexual people. According to LGBTQ Hero, loneliness in the Queer community can stem from multiple factors. They are more likely to be cut off from their family or have difficulties connecting with others like themselves.

In conversation with Liam Nicks from the Proud Trust, a charity that supports LGBTQ+ young people with their identity and their lives. Liam said: “Loneliness is a major issue in the community.”

The Proud Trust will be supporting the community over the holidays. They have tips for staying safe on their website and social media platforms. In addition, they are hosting youth group sessions which are open to all within the age range.

According to the Proud Trust, more needs to be done in Manchester to support the community. Liam said: “In Manchester, there are limited social spaces set up for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The majority involve alcohol and are night-focused.”

For those who are feeling lonely in Manchester, there are multiple safe spaces for the community to enjoy. Queer Lit and Feel-Good Club are local LGBTQ+ businesses. The customers are part of the community or allies.

n addition, several organizations provide support like the Proud Trust, The LGBT Foundation, and The Albert Kennedy Trust. These organizations offer support and also host support groups available for everyone to attend.

Support lines available to call

Samaritans – 116 123. Free for mobile and landlines, it does not appear on bills.

Childline – 0800 1111. Free for landlines and most mobile carriers.

Mindline Trans+ 0300 330 5468. Available Mondays to Fridays till midnight

The Proud Trust support group engages in creative activities.

Junior