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.”
TheShining 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.
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“Talking really could help to save a life. The Shining a Light on Suicide campaign is so important.”
Later today, we will launch a new partnership with @LMA_Managers on our ground-breaking Shining A Light On Suicide campaign.
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.
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“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.”
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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.”
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Mews Fest and Mews Fest Fringe will take over Deansgate Mews next month on late May bank holiday weekend from Friday 22 – Monday 26 May.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
The Manc -
15th March 2021 
