Police in Wigan have made an urgent public appeal to help find a man who went missing over a week ago and hasn’t been seen since.
Officers are now said to be “concerned for the welfare” of Jonathan Ainscow.
The 46-year-old from the Standish area of Wigan, who is described as living an “isolated lifestyle”, was last seen by his family on Friday 31 March 2023, and investigating officers believe he may be riding his mountain bike.
As well as living an “isolated lifestyle”, Jonathan’s family say he is known to enjoy to cycling for large distances and wild camping.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has been “actively trying to locate” Jonathan since he was reported missing by his family, but as there having been so sightings since, officers say they now need to appeal to the public for help.
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Jonathan is not believed to not be in possession of a mobile phone or any means of obtaining money, according to GMP.
He is a white man of slim build, with short shaved hair with facial hair, and GMP says he was last seen wearing a black jacket, black combat pants, black bobble hat, and is believed to be in possession of a black ‘Specialised’ mountain bike.
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“We have been actively trying to locate Jonathan since he was reported missing, but now need to appeal to the public,” explained Detective Inspector Chris Broad, of GMP’s Wigan district.
“Jonathan has no identifiable links to specific people or places other than he likes to frequent areas in Lancashire, including the Ribble Valley, Trough of Bowland and Pendle Hill, and Pembrokeshire.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Jonathan or had contact from him, both in Greater Manchester and further afield.”
Anyone with any information on Jonathan’s whereabouts should contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 7032 quoting log 3069-01/04/2023, or report it online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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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.
Emily Sergeant -
10th April 2023 
