News
Greater Manchester continues #IsThisOk? sexual harassment campaign with powerful new video
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has launched the next phase of its ‘#IsThisOk?’ campaign, targeting sexual harassment towards women and girls across the region and the UK.
Started back in 2021 as Mayor Andy Burnham tweeted the first video of a woman being sexually harassed and posed the simple but important question, The hashtag followed soon after and the initiative has only continued to grow since then.
Targeting boys and men in the hopes of educating them on appropriate behaviours towards the opposite sex, the GMCA campaign looks to encourage more people to hold each other accountable.
With 97% of women aged 18-24 in the UK alone having experienced sexual harassment in the past and countless women throughout various age groups across the country suffering the same on a regular basis, it’s clear that there is a lot more that still needs to be done.
Crucially, what this year’s campaign has placed a particular emphasis on compared to 2021 is males becoming allies by not just checking their own conduct, but by challenging other men and boys on their behaviour too.
Following research by the local authority, it is estimated that only one in three men have called out a friend for ‘banter’ or making a sexual joke about a woman to other men and, similarly, just one in three have admitted to creating a distraction after a man acted inappropriately towards women.
As blokes, we simply have to do better.
As detailed on the updated #IsThisOk? website, the fresh push for awareness, education and support this December is “to show that calling out behaviour that isn’t OK in a small, everyday way can make a change”.
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Focusing not only on men aged 18-35, the overarching goal of the #IsThisOk? campaign is to educate young boys are the earliest opportunity possible and, hopefully, hold the both current and next generations to a higher standard.
It’s not just about keeping men in line, it’s about making everyday life safer and more enjoyable for women all across the country.
Let’s make Greater Manchester a better place to live for everyone, lads.
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Featured Image — #IsThisOk (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.
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.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
The club itself added in a statement: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
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“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.”
Featured Image – Manchester United (via X)
News
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.”
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Featured image: Unsplash, Brittany Colette
Danny Jones -
21st December 2022 
