News
Sir Alex Ferguson partners with Greater Manchester Mayor to launch suicide prevention campaign
Sir Alex is teaming up with the Greater Manchester Mayor to launch a campaign encouraging people to "speak openly" about the topic of suicide and help save lives.
The League Managers’ Association (LMA) is teaming up with the Greater Manchester Mayor to launch a regional campaign encouraging people to “speak openly” about the topic of suicide and help save lives.
The LMA – which includes former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-City manager Mark Hughes – is partnering with Andy Burnham’s office to “bring suicide out of the dark in Greater Manchester.”
The Shining a Light on Suicide campaign has been set up to offer vital advice and support to anyone who may be feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or has lost someone to suicide.
Ferguson said it was “essential that the topic of suicide is spoken about openly.”
“The more we talk about suicide, the easier it is to ask someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts,” he added.
“Talking really could help to save a life. The Shining a Light on Suicide campaign is so important.”
Mayor Andy Burnham stated: “We know there is a growing mental health crisis taking place alongside this pandemic that will still be there after it’s over.
“But we also know that people have been looking out for each other more and that gives us something to build on.
“Just having a little bit of knowledge about suicide, and the confidence to speak about it in the right way, can help to save a life.”
Burnham added: “We are grateful to many current and former managers for stepping forward to support it.”
Mark Hughes said that whilst suicide was a difficult subject to talk about, “it’s important to be direct if you’re concerned about someone.”
The former City boss stated: “Together we can work to encourage openness and honesty, which will ultimately empower everyone to play a part in preventing suicide.”
More information about the essential campaign is available online at: http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk.
News
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
- Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
- Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
- If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
- Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
- Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
- Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Read more
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Manchester’s ‘busiest’ road set to close for annual safety inspections this weekend
Emily Sergeant
The Mancunian Way is set to close for its annual safety inspections this weekend.
As Manchester City Council looks to ‘improve’ what is, by far, one of Manchester’s busiest and most-used roads, given the fact it is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city centre, it has been confirmed that a two-day closure of Mancunian Way is set to take place this weekend so that essential inspection works can be carried out.
With an estimated 15 million journeys taken along this road annually, the Council says it’s vital that inspections are conducted to keep traffic flowing.
Taking place over the weekend, both carriageways and their slip roads will be out of use from 6am on Saturday 27 June until 6am on Monday 29 June.
The closure will run from the Chester Road roundabout and Fairfield Street.
Fully signed diversions will be in place during this time for vehicles travelling in both directions, the Council has confirmed – with diversion routes planned for Trinity Way, Great Ancoats Street, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, and Fairfield Street.
Of course, this does mean that some disruption to the public is expected, with anyone travelling in and out of the city centre told to plan their journeys ahead of time, however the Council has chosen for the closures to be overnight so that any disruption is kept to a low a level as possible.
“Because of the tens of thousands of vehicles we see use the Mancunian Way every day, ensuring its proper maintenance and upkeep is essential”, commented Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
Read more:
“There will be a level of disruption which is why we’d urge people to plan their journeys ahead and find an alternative route which avoids the closure.
“Thank you to everyone ahead of your patience as we carry out these essential works.”
Featured Image – Geograph
The Manc -
15th March 2021 
