Like Toto in the Wizard of OZ, the coronavirus crisis has pulled back the curtain to reveal the inner workings of our society. The precarity of the vulnerable and how many of us are much closer to that vulnerability than we realised. The new light has revealed who’s work is truly essential and how deeply […]
The new coronavirus Neighbourhood Watch
Whilst spreading the ‘stay at home’ message, our news outlets have also been flooding us with images of people in parks and outside, fueling widespread suspicion and mistrust throughout communities. Police have reported an increase in calls and groups set up for mutual aid are being inundated with videos and pictures of neighbours playing in […]
Wythenshawe-based domestic abuse charity providing help to victims during coronavirus crisis
There has been a suspected spike in domestic abuse during lockdown. Safe Spots charity stresses that women can still get help during this time and are taking donations in order to be able to continue providing help. First published in The Northern Quota, 20 April 2020 Concerns have been raised about the potential rise of […]
Don’t let the coronavirus crisis usher in chlorinated chicken – and worse!
The UK and US trade deal negotiations are still underway, aiming to be finished for the end of the Brexit transition period with the EU in December. Campaigners in Manchester are determined to oppose the introduction of chlorinated chicken and continue the fight for the UK to keep its higher standards in farming and food […]
Supporting vulnerable communities in Manchester during the coronavirus crisis
Four organisations supporting vulnerable communities in Manchester speak of the difficulties they are facing in carrying out their work due to the coronavirus crisis Disadvantaged and marginalised communities in Manchester face hardships at the best of times. Organisations offering help to these communities usually top up government support with charitable contributions from the public. With […]
Coronavirus: how the UK government is using behavioural science
Stuart Mills a PhD researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, reports on the use of behavioural science nudges, by the UK government in combating the coronavirus crisis. The UK government’s handling of the novel coronavirus pandemic has come under serious criticism, not just from citizens, but from leaders around the world. One of the reasons for […]
Coronavirus pandemic: housing activists call for more protection for tenants in Greater Manchester
Renters reliant on sick pay are at risk of eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Housing activists in Greater Manchester are calling for more protection for those in the Private Rented Sector affected by the coronavirus and for the homeless to be housed during the crisis. Dismayed at the lack of protection offered to private renters […]
Autumn of Action to follow Summer of Solidarity
Trades Unions are working together with community groups to organise action against poor pay & conditions, and the cost-of-living crisis. I attended the first of many planned ‘town hall’ meetings in Greater Manchester designed to inform and prepare locals to fight back against a broken system.
Cities must cut their ‘consumption emissions’ – here’s how
University of Manchester researchers say we ‘can’t ignore inequality’ when it comes to combatting climate change and recommend increasing taxes on the super-rich and introducing universal basic income.
Guest article from The Conversation, first published March 2021.
‘Crafternoons’ return to support mental wellbeing
Stitched Up’s successful mental health ‘Crafternoons’ are returning thanks to new funding from the Manchester Wellbeing Fund.