Hundreds of emergency ‘trauma kits’ are set to be installed in venues and public places across Manchester city centre.
In a bid to “address the care gap” that was identified during the recent Manchester Arena Inquiry, and to make sure that everyone “has the ability to be a lifesaver” in the future, it has been confirmed that every city centre hotel, and dozens of licensed venues in Manchester, are soon to be provided with emergency trauma kits.
The dozens of new PAcT (Public Access Trauma) Kits will help prevent the tragic loss of life during major incidents that may occur in the future – such as terror attacks, or scenes where multiple people have been seriously or potentially-fatally injured.
We've partnered with @CityCo and @Steroplast to provide venues with emergency trauma kits.
The kits will help venues and members of the public keep people safe in an emergency, and provide care, whilst waiting for medical assistance.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) July 31, 2024
The public – including first responders, emergency services, and hospitality staff – will be able to use the kits to administer first aid or treatment prior to medical professionals arriving on the scene.
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100 PAcT Kits purchased by the Council will be distributed to ensure every part of the city has coverage, while a further 77 kits are also being rolled-out to all hotels based in the city centre within the Accommodation BID.
“Basic yet vital equipment needed to care for injured people in an emergency” will be contained inside the new kits – including protective equipment, trauma dressings, tourniquets and bandages.
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Instructions will also be included so that anyone, no matter their training, could be able to save a life if needed.
The Council says the roll-out will mean “anyone can be a lifesaver” / Credit: Manchester City Council (via Facebook)
It comes after the Government made a commitment to enacting legislation that makes it mandatory for venues to have counter-terror measures in place as part of ‘Martyn’s Law’ – a campaign named in honour of Manchester Arena attack victim, Martyn Hett, and spearheaded by his mother, Figen Murray OBE.
“Any loss of life is a tragedy,” admitted Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, “but this is why we are taking proactive steps to ensure that no one in Manchester dies because help may be too far away.”
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“What we are doing here is bridging the gap between emergency response and the initial incident.
“We cannot replicate the incredible skill of our paramedics and first responders, but we can empower people by providing the skills to turn them into everyday lifesavers.”
Featured Image – Steroplast (via X)
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Former supply teacher jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been jailed for multiple upskirting and AI sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman – a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford – appeared in Bolton Crown Court this week for his sentencing after first being charged with, and then pleading guilty to, several offences.
The offences are including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Twelve girls have been identified in relation to the upskirting offences – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
GMP says it has remained in close contact with the schools, local authorities, and other partners throughout the investigation to ensure all appropriate support is in place for those who need it.
Additionally, the court also heard how Rahman amassed a collection of images of young girls, using AI and other methods to sexualise them.
The images numbered more than 300 in total, ranging from Category A to Category C classifications, and Rahman would post these on social media, often alongside humiliating and disgusting captions.
Rahman was sentenced to six years in prison, and will also be subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Protection Order.
A former supply teacher has been jailed for child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Detective Constable Lisa McGaffin, from GMP’s Bolton Child Protection Team, described Rahman’s crimes as ‘absolutely abhorrent’.
“My thoughts throughout this process have always been with the young girls who have been subject to such indignity,” DC McGaffin said following the sentencing this week. “Their welfare and support will always be a priority for us.
“While working as a teacher – someone who young children should trust and be safe with – Rahman repeatedly took secret photos for his own sick gratification, before posting images online which showed his total disregard for the girls’ respect and dignity.
“Any abuse of a position of authority is deplorable, and against children is especially heinous. I am glad he is now behind bars.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th July 2024 
