Manchester-based fashion brand Drama Call invited along Manc music star Aitch to help them pass out early Christmas presents and supplies to local families this week.
As part of their final winter giveback event of 2023 dubbed, ‘The Big Drama’, thriving fashion label Drama Call put boots and wheels on the ground on Tuesday night to hand out hundreds of freebies to those in need throughout the community.
Enlisting the help of plenty of volunteers, the Moston-born rapper and a fleet of vans packed with everything from his drink brand SYPS, Christmas turkeys from Zouk and even a shed load of PlayStation 5s, Drama Call helped spread some extra festive cheer out on the streets and in person.
Legends.
Aitch and dozens of others dished out Christmas presents, groceries, clothes and more on a frosty night in 0161. (Credit: Alfie Wheeler)
Setting up outside of Old Trafford Sports Barn near Seymour Park, just down the road from the Trafford Bar tram stop, the heartwarming handout of valuable supplies and gifts went directly into the hands of those who otherwise couldn’t afford to give their families everything they want/need this holiday season.
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Starting from 6pm onwards, those involved passed out PS5s to wide-eyed little kids, big joints of meat to parents looking to make sure no one goes hungry this Christmas, Adidas trainers, nappies, toys and more.
Founded by Charlie Bows and having recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, the brand has carried countless community-driven and led activations across Greater Manchester and the team prides themselves not only on being “made in Manny” but also on being much “deeper than clothes”.
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They say they have been overwhelmed by the flood of messages thanking them for the touching gesture. You only had to spot the look on the faces of the mums, children and all those who turned up to see how much it meant to everyone, especially at this time of year.
As for Drama Call, this is their bread and butter: they’re all about encouraging other brands to use their platform for the greater good and make an impact in their local communities. Alfie Wheeler of Arumba Cokctails, who also chipped in on the event, said in a LinkedIn post that it was “personally the best night of my life… spirits were high, vibes spot on and some of the reactions/smiles were priceless.”
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Committed to much more than just flogging any old thread with a logo on, this was just the latest in a long line in a series of similar events and clearly brought joy during what is often such a difficult period for so many.
Well done to everyone who took part in spreading some positivity this December and we hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.
You can check out Drama Call’s brand and past community events HERE.
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.
Danny Jones -
20th December 2023 
