In a new campaign launched this week, Manchester City Council has joked that unjabbed holidaymakers could face ‘lovelorn island’ this summer in a nod to the smash-hit ITV show currently being watched by millions across the UK.
Warning travellers not to be a mug this summer, local health bosses suggested that those who’ve not topped up their vaccines before jetting off could end up being pied-off by travel companies – potentially leaving them end up unable to reach their destinations as a result.
Calling on people to make sure they top up their COVID vaccine boosters before heading away, David Regan, the city’s Director of Public Health for Manchester, said that “‘Lovelorn Island’ could be the reality destination for those who aren’t up to date on vaccines or travel requirements.”
“Some of our younger travellers may well be inspired to go away as we head to a new season of a villa-based dating show – but […] I’d urge everyone to check, or talk to us about it.”
Manchester City Council has joked that unjabbed holidaymakers could face ‘lovelorn island’ this summer / Credit: Manchester City Council
He continued: “It’s that time when we all start looking forward to a change of scene – which thankfully is possible this year – and we want the whole city to know that it is never too late to come forward for a vaccine.
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“And, for those people who have questions, or may need further support, please do ring our free dedicated helpline.”
Dr Manisha Kumar Medical Director, GP, and Medical Director at Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, added: “Our message is one of support: we will always help and our teams will always have time for you.
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“Even on the day, at a vaccination venue, you can still ask about any detail that’s important to you. It’s crucial that you plan ahead and receive the full course as this will give you the best opportunity for a safe holiday.”
The Council is calling on people to make sure they top up their COVID vaccine boosters before heading away on holiday / Credit: Flickr
Manchester City Council’s free COVID helpline is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm, staffed by a nursing team with a translation service available.
The free number is 0800 840 3858, or you can text 07890 036 892.
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Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre
Daisy Jackson
Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.
Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.
A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.
It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.
Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
The Manc -
23rd June 2022 
