The pandemic lockdown saw communities banding together to provide support for the vulnerable, filling the gaps to support left by a slow to act state. Mutual aiders describe the challenges they face providing help during the Covid-19 crisis.
Curious kakapos and violin plots: my data expedition discoveries
Maddy McCormack took a first dive into a data expedition organised by Open Data Manchester.
She discovered that violin plots are not generally created by scheming orchestra members and that you should always question the data, be very thoughtful about power dynamics and keep in mind who the information can hurt and why.
University of Manchester invigilator says he was denied ‘most basic of dignities’ during Covid-19 lockdown
Exam invigilator Steve Hanson reveals the lockdown induced ordeal he has been through at the University of Manchester, and questions why it took over 100 days for invigilators to find out that they were not eligible for any compensation. Steve Hanson has a PhD from Goldsmiths, is a book author about small town austerity Britain, […]
Proposed changes to controversial ‘Shudehill Shard’ pushed through under emergency powers
The controversial 17-storey ‘Shudehill Shard’ development has had a planning application amendment approved by Manchester City Council today under emergency powers. The published decision was also accompanied by a statement saying full scrutiny of planning proposals would recommence in July with the reinstatement of the planning committee.
Levenshulme Market to re-open with ‘Shop & Go’ model
Levenshulme Market are offering a breathe of fresh air alternative to supermarket shopping with their re-opening on Saturday 27 June. Levenshulme Market, closed since the lockdown in mid-March, is to re-open, giving Levy locals and visitors an opportunity to shop in a safe and socially distanced manner with public hygiene measures in place. Offering a […]
Teachers in Manchester are concerned for the safety of children returning to school on Monday
Manchester’s educators talk about the need to keep students and staff safe upon returning to school but also want suitable support for children returning and adequate funding to enable it. Teachers in Manchester are keen for children to get back to their books and a formal education, but many have expressed worries over a safe […]
Manchester pub still serving its community
It is a dark time for the hospitality industry but The Old Abbey Taphouse community pub is not letting lockdown get in the way of them serving their locals, by partnering with a number of community organisations to provide Hulme residents with ‘pay-as-you-feel’ meal deliveries. Hulme’s residents are receiving pay-as-you-feel meals and support from their […]
ACORN will fight to ensure there are no Covid-19 evictions
ACORN tenants union in Manchester are fighting against the threatened ejection of homeless people housed in hotels and the growing threat of eviction for private renters burdened with growing rent arrears due to lockdown. They have put together six key demands to create a healthier housing system nationally and are petitioning Greater Manchester councils to […]
Campaigners call on Greater Manchester councils to rethink their £250m financial aid package for Manchester Airport
Greater Manchester councils agreed to provide a finance package of more than £250m to Manchester Airport Group to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the airport. Open letter signed by eleven organisations asks the Greater Manchester Combined Authority council to reconsider their decision. An open letter addressed to the ten borough councils of […]
Beyond charity: Greater Manchester’s mutual aid response to coronavirus
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 […]