The regional arm of a nationwide employment charity that specialises in helping women into the workplace is aiming to raise a minimum of £25,000 for Greater Manchester locals this Christmas.
Smarts Works, an organisation that does crucial work to combat unemployment all over the UK, is ramping up its year-round efforts this festive period – a time that can prove difficult for many – to help women secure jobs and support those that land them in their new roles.
Teaming up with, The Big Give (the leading match-funding programme in the country), the charity hopes to potentially double its target amount to reach what could be a life-changing sum or hundreds if not thousands across the region.
Not only will this crucial funding help support Smart Works in its mission to empower unemployed women, equipping them with the confidence, skills and tools they need to secure employment, but it will also help spread awareness and access surrounding the organisation’s vital services.
Credit: Smart Works (supplied)
Starting from the week commencing on Tuesday, 3 December and running until 10 December, any financial donation Smart Works receives for their Christmas fundraiser will be matched by The Big Give.
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This means that should they surpass their £25k target, they could potentially unlock over £50k for their centres here in Manchester and Stockport, with other facilities providing much-needed help all over the North West.
How much they manage to raise by the end of the week, the money will go towards funding tailored coaching sessions, interview preparation new starter support and even supplying applicants with work- appropriate clothing for women who need it most around the region.
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Better than just helping people enter or get back into the working world, Smart Works also supports unemployed women right throughout the process, from making sure they dress for the job they want, receiving coaching to nail the interview and continuing to provide help once they’ve started.
Over two-thirds of women who use the Smart Works service find employment within a month of their appointment. Last year in Greater Manchester alone, Smart Works helped more than 833 women; nationally into work and the charity aims to support 10,000 women nationwide this year.
The fundraising page opens from 12pm today (3 December) and will remain open until the same time a week from now, giving us Mancs plenty of chance to make a difference.
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Another key area of Smart Works’ most important areas of work is outreach: i.e. actively engaging with townships and villages, referral partners and job fairs to encourage as many referrals as possible, which goes a long way to building stronger community connections.
During the challenging holiday season and with a cost of living crisis still looming large over all of us, the value of initiatives like this in Manchester and the work done by the important employment charity cannot be overstated.
Featured Images — Smarts Works Greater Manchester (supplied)
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Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
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Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Danny Jones -
3rd December 2024 
