Former footballer and abuse survivor Paul Stewart has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford for his safeguarding work.
The 58-year-old was born and brought up in Wythenshawe, and like many young children, dreamed of playing professional football, before going on to realise his dream and play as a defensive midfielder and forward number of famous English including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Blackpool – where he was even inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
But despite all those successes, Paul’s journey to becoming a professional footballer had horrifically tragic roots, as after he was talent-spotted at the age of 11, he suffered four years of abuse by a coach at a grassroots football club in Manchester.
As many may remember, in November 2016, Paul went public as a victim of child sexual abuse, after reading an article about another footballer who had been abused as a child.
Being a high-profile former player himself, Paul said he felt he had to speak up.
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Up until that point, though, he had not told anyone about what had happened, and had experienced some real emotional challenges.
Former footballer and abuse survivor Paul Stewart awarded honorary degree / Credit: University of Salford | ITV
In 2017, Paul wrote his book ‘Damaged’ – which critics described as “a powerful and moving account” of both the abuse he suffered as a child, and the aftermath of this abuse – and after the important and vital memoir was so well-received, since then, he has dedicated his life to working on safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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He then decided to set up his own company, Paul Stewart Official Excellence in Safeguarding, to provide safeguarding education to the football league and develop relevant training, as well work beyond football to help organisations better safeguard young people.
Settling up the company was something that Paul says he felt was key in creating “a monumental shift” in the way organisations work to keep people safe.
Paul’s honorary degree from the University of Salford comes in recognition of his work on safeguarding with the University’s Social Work team since 2017 – which has been hailed by the education institution as having “incredible impact”.
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Congratulations to former England, Manchester City and Liverpool star Paul Stewart, who has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford today in recognition of his work on safeguarding.
But he also worked with football academies right across the UK – including Watford and Fulham, as well as with Street Soccer and other organisations – to develop safeguarding courses that provide them with practical tools and knowledge that aid in the commitment to safeguarding excellence.
“I am totally honoured to receive this award,” Paul said as he accepted the honorary degree during a graduation ceremony at the University of Salford this week.
“It supersedes any of my football achievements, including playing for England and my FA Cup winner’s medal.
“Safeguarding is my passion and the future protection of children.”
A special day today thank you to Salford University for honouring me with a Doctor of Literature honoris causa for my work in Safeguarding it was special to have my family with me on such a special occasion! ❤️ that was for you Bev❤️❤️❤️#safeguardingpic.twitter.com/ODAlGDqX5g
Lecturer Sarah Riding, who nominated Paul for the honorary award, said the former footballer has “equipped so many students with knowledge and insight that is transformative to their practice”.
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“He has become integral to the development of our first year social workers,” she added.
“The incredible impact he has can be seen through the countless testimonials we get from students who have been deeply moved and inspired by his work.”
Eyewear brand IOLLA are offering one-to-one glasses styling sessions at Hatch
Danny Jones
Our favourite eyewear brand IOLLA has just celebrated it’s first anniversary since opening up right here in Manchester and as part of the birthday celebrations, they’ve opened up an exclusive glasses styling pop-up event over at Hatch.
While glasses manufacturers started out in Scotland, Mancs have had the pleasure of their innovative eyewear offerings and expertise from their showroom on St Anns Square for over 12 months now and although you always get a very bespoke and personalised experience from their flagship English store, they’re always looking to branch out further.
So that’s why they’ve decided to set up a one-of-a-kind ‘Style Session’ over Hatch with the hope of spreading the word at the beloved independent trading village before it closes at the end of the month.
Known not only for its food and drinks vendors, student nights and live music but countless indie businesses selling clothes, vintage goods, beauty services and more. Now, for the rest of this week only, you can even sort yourself some glasses or shades to suit your style perfectly.
Credit: The Manc Group/IOLLA
The temporary ‘Style Station’ in Hatch is giving customers an insight into the brand’s ethos by displaying glasses on hangers, grouped together by style and shape to show how you can build your eyewear wardrobe and have different glasses for all looks and occasions.
Whether it’s a regular pair for the office or something more flashy for a night out, customers will get the chance to experience a one-to-one consultation session to find the right frames for the occasion with one of the brand’s experienced stylists.
Just like no two faces are the same, every combination of handmade IOLLA frames and lenses is unique, and choosing the perfect pair relies on the perfect balance of fit and style to suit your face shape.
With a range spanning prescription and non-prescription, as well as glasses and sleek shades in all the same style, IOLLA offers an option for everyone.
The limited-time-only pop-up is running from 12-7pm until Sunday, 24 September exclusively over at Hatch, but don’t worry if you don’t manage to find the time to make it over before the end of the week as you can always head to their St Anns Square showroom to try-on the collection of IOLLA glasses.
The best part is, it doesn’t matter what pair you pick: they all cost just £85 with no added fees and no unnecessary hassle. Did we mention that all their designs are completely unique, made with high-quality materials and handmade? Well, they are and that’s why we love them.
While we have your attention, we’re absolutely gutted to see Hatch as we know it shutting down but when we were last there, we thought we’d put together a fun little guide on how to spend the perfect day there.
Show this place and all of its amazing traders some love whilst you still can.
Featured Image — IOLLA/The Manc Group/Hatch (via Instagram)
Manchester
You can now watch Barbie in IMAX for one week only at Manchester Printworks
Emily Sergeant
If you’ve somehow not had the chance to watch Barbie yet, then how does seeing the movie of the summer in IMAX sound?
You may have heard by now that Manchester’s Vue cinema at the Printworks is one of just 30 movie theatres around the world that’s been showing a special 70mm IMAX version of Christopher Nolan’s monumental biographical film Oppenheimer, and that’s about a big of a deal as it gets when it comes to cinematic events, to be fair.
But now, it’s Barbie’s turn for showing on the biggest screen of them all.
There’s absolutely no denying the genuine cultural phenomenon that was the ‘Barbenheimer’ opening weekend showdown back in July, but if it was the nuclear weapon epic you opted for the first time round, and you’ve still not yet found an opportunity to catch Greta Gerwig’s masterpiece, then now’s your chance.
You can now watch Barbie in IMAX for one week only in Manchester / Credit: Warner Bros.
As of today (22 September), Manchester’s largest city centre cinema inside Printworks is screening the Barbie movie in limited-edition IMAX for just one week only.
That’s not all either, as on top of enjoying Barbie in all its ultra-high-definition glory, and seeing Margot Robbie steal the show as she stars in the titular role, alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken, and a massive ensemble cast of some of Hollywood’s biggest names, fans will also be treated to some bonus post-credit footage during their screening too
All the bonus footage has been selected by director Greta Gerwig herself, so that only adds to this rare occasion worth making the most of.
Ian Harris, who is the General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, called the release of Barbie a “true cultural moment” that film fans will remember for a long time, and says this one-week special IMAX screening a way to honour that.
One of the IMAX screens at Vue Manchester Printworks / Credit: Vue
“There’s no denying the cultural significance of Greta Gerwig’s film, and we’re thrilled to be offering the chance to watch it in full IMAX,” Mr Harris said.
“The Barbie IMAX experience at Vue Manchester Printworks offers our customers the chance to enter the world of Barbie in a completely unrivalled way, using ear-tingling audio, super-sized screens, and breath-taking imagery.”