Local hero Figen Murray OBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree for her tireless work to improve venue safety and security, after her son Martyn Hett was killed in the Manchester Arena attack.
Figen, a former counsellor, has since dedicated her life to counter-terrorism, completing a Master’s degree in the subject and regularly visiting schools, colleges and universities to try and instil kindness and tolerance.
The inspirational figure said that it’s an ‘incredible honour‘ to receive the honorary doctorate from the University of Salford.
She’s had a big year this year, being named on the New Year’s Honours list and appointed OBE at the start of 2022 and then continuing to rally for Martyn’s Law.
She was awarded with the honorary degree for her work to improve venue safety as well as her support for students studying counselling and psychotherapy courses.
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An incredible honour to be given this honorary doctorate. Feel totally humbled. https://t.co/aA4gSlqWdD
— Figen Murray OBE ~ MSc in Counterterrorism (@FigenMurray) November 29, 2022
Since Martyn’s tragic death, Figen has been educating young people on post-traumatic growth, bereavement and loss.
On receiving her award, Figen said: “It is totally humbling to receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of some of the work I have done over the past few years. I am very overwhelmed and wish to thank Professor Margaret Rowe and the University of Salford for honouring me with it.
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“I have been working tirelessly over the past four years to bring in legislation to keep the general public safe, working with the Home Office, and it is incredible to know that my efforts are being noticed by people outside of government, recognising how essential this legislation is.
“Thank you also to Helen Rose, Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the university, who nominated me.”
Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society at the university, said: “It is wonderful to be able to present this award to Figen today.
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“Her dedication and commitment are truly inspirational, creating awareness of the issues around bereavement, cultural awareness, inclusion and anti-terrorism.
“We hope she will continue to work with us to support our students – the nurses, police officers and counsellors of the future – as they begin their careers.”
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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.
Daisy Jackson -
30th November 2022 
