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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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.
The Manc -
23rd June 2022 
