An extra £6 million in funding has been allocated to supporting some of the ‘most vulnerable’ residents and families across Manchester.
Since the cost of living crisis first emerged and began to make an impact, with the effects continuing to be felt by millions nationwide – including here in Greater Manchester – to this day, Manchester City Council says “a huge amount of resource has been dedicated to “mitigating some of its worst impacts” within the city-region.
But now, the local authority is set to take its support one step further.
Through the latest round of the Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF), an additional £6 million has been allocated by the Council so it can continue to “provide aid for those most at risk”.
We are spending an extra £6m to support our city's most vulnerable residents and families.
This includes free school meals for 44,000 families via a £15 weekly payment in summer half-term and £55 in the summer holiday.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) May 17, 2024
£3 million of the funding will go towards the continuation of free school meals for families in Manchester – which currently covers an estimated 44,000 children via a £15 weekly payment during the summer half term, and a £55 payment during the summer holiday.
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On top of this, around £100,000 has been allocated for the ‘Holiday Activity Fund’, which provides free activities and days out for children during the summer.
Direct financial support for at-risk groups, including households in receipt of Council Tax Support and care leavers, has also been allocated, and finally, additional funding will also be directed to third party agencies that offer support and advice on a range of issues, as well as the Council’s ‘Food Response’ scheme delivered in partnership with over 40 food organisations.
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Manchester City Council has allocated an extra £6m funding to supporting Manchester’s ‘most vulnerable’ residents / Credit: Manchester City Council
“The ongoing cost of living crisis has been an incredibly difficult experience for thousands of people living in Manchester,” commented Councillor Joanna Midgley, who is the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council.
“It has deepened already existing inequalities, which is why as an organisation we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent people from slipping into poverty, and alleviating its worst effects for people living on its edge.”
Cllr Midgley is also urging anyone who finds themselves struggling to contact the Council “as soon as” they can.
“The sooner we can intervene, the sooner we can bring people back from the brink,” she concluded.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council (via Twitter)
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th May 2024 
