Manchester city centre culture venue HOME has become the recipient of a six-figure grant to support its activity in 2021.
The cinema, theatre, museum and arts space has been awarded £349,110 by the Garfield Weston Culture Fund – which has distributed over £30 million to more than 100 cultural organisations struggling during the pandemic.
Representatives at the First Street venue expressed their delight at the news, claiming that the money would play a “vital role in ensuring that HOME’s future is secure and we can come back stronger than ever.”
The grant will allow HOME to commission work and provide opportunities for artists while venues are closed – as well as covering the costs of making the building COVID-secure.
Extra funding also means HOME can continue supporting local artists and other cultural organisations in the region – with staff already working alongside Manchester council on the Cultural Sector Hardship Fund for Freelancers.
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From today (February 1), residents working in the freelance creative industry may be eligible for grants of up to £1,500 – and HOME staff are on hand to offer guidance for applicants.
We’re delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant of £349,110 by the Garfield Weston Culture Fund @WestonFdn, to support our activity throughout 2021. This #WestonCultureFund support provides HOME with the confidence to move forward with some important projects. pic.twitter.com/S3FK3wKtmw
Dave Moutrey, Director and CEO of HOME, said that he and his team were “incredibly grateful” to the Garfield Weston Foundation.
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He added: “We’re particularly proud that HOME and the other successful applicants were praised by the Foundation for our entrepreneurial approach and creativity throughout the pandemic and the ways we have adapted and engaged with our audiences and communities.
“Artists and audiences are at the heart of what we do at HOME, and we remain committed to providing a home for art that provokes, enriches and brings joy.”
HOME first opened in Manchester city centre back in 2015 and has been a cornerstone of local culture ever since – screening independent films, housing art productions, and providing a space for a wide variety of artistic projects.
The venue is currently running an online programme of events during the national lockdown – all of which are available to access via the organisation’s official website.
News
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 -
1st February 2021 
