There has been a lot of debate in Manchester this last week about the cost of an anytime return train ticket to London, versus the prices paid for flights abroad – but a £10 return flight to Australia really takes the biscuit.
It’s no wind-up, although it sounds too good to be true. As part of a new workers campaign revealed today, young people in the UK really will be able to buy return flights to Australia from just £10 a pop.
That’s one huge saving, especially given that the cheapest flight we could find on Skyscanner for the same journey is currently quoted at £614.
However, like with any good deal, there’s always some sort of catch. In this instance, there are only 200 flights available – so you’ll need to be fast if you want to book yours.
Starting from next month, young people in the UK and Ireland will be able to get their hands on the super cheap flights – with the option to fly out of Manchester, Edinburgh, Heathrow or Dublin to Adelaide, via Qatar Airways.
The scheme has been commissioned by the South Australian Tourism Commission, which acknowledges the value young people bring to its job market and tourism industry.
Cheap flights will be offered to 18 to 35-year-olds travelling on a working holiday visa before 30 September. It’s hoped that travellers will then take up jobs in the country’s hospitality, farming and outback station sectors.
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South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said: “South Australia is welcoming the return of working holiday makers – it’s a real win-win for young people eager to travel and work abroad, and for our local tourism industry.
“Our tourism operators have missed having international visitors on their tours and experiences and booking up accommodation, and they’ve also missed the backpacker workforce and the vibrancy they bring.
“These backpackers foster a love for our state and our country which often inspires them to return later in life.
“Whether it’s in our bars, restaurants, wineries and hotels, or on our outback stations and farms, there are so many ways that British and Irish citizens can work in Adelaide and in regional South Australia, helping to not only fill roles but provide an economic and cultural exchange benefit which advantages both sides of the globe.
“We look forward to welcoming back young people from the UK and Ireland, and encourage them to make the most of these £10 fares.”
Those who want to take part in the scheme will first need to register with TrailFinders ahead of their ticket date, and have a working holiday visa either approved and valid or in process.
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Those who manage to secure a ticket will also have to buy an add-on of at least £171 for an Adelaide Arrival Pack.
Packs are available in different price ranges, and include either a three or six-night hostel stay, a12 month membership to ‘The Backpacker List’, three-month access to a domestic work and travel support line, and a work and travel information pack.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
26th April 2022 
