More than 16,000 people have been trained in first aid and lifesaving techniques thanks to a campaign set up following the Manchester Arena attack.
The ‘Three Ways to Save a Life’ campaign is a joint partnership between St John Ambulance and BBC Radio Manchester, and launched to huge success last year on the fifth anniversary of the terror attack – where 22 people tragically lost their lives during a bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017.
The campaign has since seen tens of thousands of volunteers in Greater Manchester trained in CPR, as well as shown how to use a defibrillator, and how to treat severe bleeding.
The campaign ran until the end of 2022, and was made up of a combination of drop-in sessions in public places, booked face-to-face sessions, virtual training online, and social media content across all 10 boroughs.
The aim of the campaign is simple – train as many people as possible to save lives.
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"How good would you feel if you were able to make the difference between life and death?”
Over 16,000 people in Manchester are now equipped with life-saving skills, thanks to our Three Ways to Save a Life Campaign.
The campaign has long been championed by Figen Murray – the mother of Martyn Hett, who was one of the 22 victims that lost their lives in the atrocity – and she’s told BBC News this week that she’s “thrilled” by the success of it.
“There’s a good chance in Manchester now, if something happens to you, where you do need someone with those skills, somebody now near you, knows those skills and can save you,” Figen explained.
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Dr Lynn Thomas, who is the medical director at St John Ambulance, has also thanked the people who had taken part in the campaign, and added that her team is “committed” to continuing to deliver free first aid demonstrations to at least 1,000 people every month.
More than 16,000 people trained in first aid thanks to campaign set up after Manchester Arena attack / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
Speaking on the success of the campaign so far, Kate Squire, the BBC’s senior head of production for the North West and North East, said: “This has been a brilliant campaign that people living in Greater Manchester have really taken to their hearts.
“More than 16,000 of our residents now have the essential skills to save lives.
“Not only in case a tragedy like this ever strikes our city again, but also to help those who are in need on their everyday lives.”
Featured Image – St John Ambulance
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Police appeal after Rochdale woman, 75, was burgled by man in clown outfit on Halloween
Emily Sergeant
An appeal for information has been made following reports of a burglary in Rochdale last week on Halloween.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that at around 7:10pm on Halloween (Friday 31 October), a woman on Birch Road in Rochdale answered the door to a man – who is believed to have been dressed in a clown outfit – and he proceeded to ask for a drink before following the woman into her address and stealing several items, then running away.
He took a red purse with the woman’s mother’s wedding ring inside of it – which is said to be of ‘extremely’ sentimental value.
Police say the man may have discarded the ring once he left the victim’s address, but he did use one of her stolen cards at a shop later that evening.
Birch Road in Rochdale, where the shocking incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
Thankfully, the woman – aged 75 – was left unhurt, but she has been left shocked and upset by the incident.
“This was a shocking incident, which has left a woman feeling unsafe in her own home,” commented Detective Sergeant Ruth Thompson, from GMP’s Rochdale district.
“She has spent many years helping the homeless and working for local charities, so it is particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill.”
#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information following reports of a burglary in Rochdale on Friday (31 October).
At around 7.10pm that evening on Birch Road, a 75-year-old woman answered the door to a man, who then entered her home.
Investigating officers have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to, alongside the wider public appeal for information, as it’s believed it could help with their enquiries.
DS Thompson added: “While I appreciate the image quality isn’t the greatest, I hope that someone may recognise the costume and it jogs their memory.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact police via 101 or using the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3012 of 31/10/25.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd February 2023 
