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MCRJourno Gary Neville's educational institute University Academy 92 (UA92) is urging young Mancunians from less privileged backgrounds to consider higher education. With the deadline for university applications set to close from January 29th Trafford-based UA92 is concerned that many young people in Greater Manchester may miss out. UA92 was founded by Manchester United’s ‘class of 92’( which includes Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes) and the University of Lancaster. Karim West, UA92’s Community Engagement Officer works to engage young people in education and break down barriers for those from deprived areas. He said: "When I speak to young people about the amazing things they could achieve you can see their faces change. "It’s not just about academia; it’s about character and personal development. The students aren’t just a number, we actually care about them." UA92 welcomes students from less advantaged backgrounds with no end of year exams and all lectures structured to help those with caring responsibilities. Courses are designed to get graduates into the world of work with subjects directly tailored to job roles, many within sport, media and business. Karim added: "You should never put too much pressure on yourself, you’ve got time to decide."

MCRJourno The NOMA neighbourhood in Manchester is inviting all to get involved during 2025 with a curated calendar of six free events - including clubs, talks, and workshops. The events have been curated by Altogether Otherwise and started this January and February with the theme of Reading and Writing. Celebrating a slower, more mindful start to the year, the first Happening of the year includes: The Jot Book Shop at NOMA’s very own hobby-house, Altogether Otherwise, will be in session every Wednesday and Saturday. The launch of a coffee magazine. Hosting the UK launch of a book about playgrounds. Hosting a reading from an acclaimed Manchester-based novelist, Glen James Brown, from his latest book, Mother Naked (Peninsula, 2024). A night of performance poetry at New Century. The launch a Zine archive of over 1000 self-published titles. Regular Altogether Otherwise clubs, Food Tastes Good, Wavy Wool Club, and Evening Gardening Club are all adopting a bookish bent. And more. Additionally, NOMA is partnering with MensRetreatsUK this February to deliver a four-week course that focuses on men’s mental health, named Write Your Purpose. Starting from Monday the 3rd of February from 6pm, and continuing every Monday in Feb the programme offers free wellbeing workshops to be held at Altogether Otherwise. There are 20 available spaces to take part, attending each week the workshop takes place. Ben Young, Founder of Altogether Otherwise and curator of the Happenings, said: "Instead of focusing on the usual grind culture and commitment to re-inventing ourselves in the New Year, NOMA’s two month focus on Reading and Writing aims to revel in the quiet, cosy moments of life." The Happenings will continue to take over the NOMA neighbourhood throughout the year with free-to-attend events. Coming up is March and April’s Sewing and Growing, May and June’s Singing and Dancing, July and August’s Eating and Drinking, September and October’s Moving and Shaking, and November and December’s Mending and Making.

MCRJourno - originally published in 'MagNorth' Credit: @cochrane_captures When US marines landed on the beaches of Da Nang in the late 60s, the Vietnam war began and with it, a countercultural movement of hippies gained global attention - but the anti-war movement was born before the Vietnam war. On October 7th when Hamas crossed into Israel from Gaza, this wasn't the beginning of the conflict, nor the beginning of a global anti-war campaign for a free Palestine and a peaceful Israel - but it was the spark that reignited another counterculture movement. In Manchester the arts scene responded in a way that saw the tide turn from an issue that affected some, to an issue that empowered everyone and anyone. So many organisations and individuals took up the mantle to speak out, to boycott, and to create. No-one in Particular Promo shared flyers at the start of the summer for their Punks for Palestine gig taking place at the end of August, featuring acts such as Crywank, Autonomads, Harijan and Gurnal Gadafi with 100% of the proceeds going towards charities such as Watermelon Relief. Watermelon Relief are a grassroots collective who aid displaced families in Gaza with meals, support and safe activities. They said: "Unfortunately this campaign is ongoing until there is a ceasefire. We would love to build a community kitchen so we can reach more people but with all the displacements is hasn't yet been possible." The gig at Rebellion Manchester promised a night of punk, anti-folk, dub and ska showing solidarity with grassroots Palestinian aid organisations. Gay Shame Manchester hosted an alternative Pride event in August as co-ordinators felt they could not support Manchester Pride due to sponsors such as Booking.com and the accusations of hosting listings on occupied territories. Credit: @cochrane_captures The alternative event in Cheetham Hill raised funds for medical aid in Palestine by hosting a queer cabaret and DJ session on 24th August. The event was described as "a space for artists to have political agency to practice in line with their principles." Another organisation who chose to use theatre as a medium to raise funds and awareness for the Palestinian crisis is Manchester Theatre for Palestine. The theatre group wrote, directed and performed a play based on real-life accounts of those living in Palestine. The group said: "MTFP was borne of a shared desire to amplify the voices of Palestinians, especially those in Gaza, during this current onslaught of heartless bombardment and displacement. Over some weeks, we assembled a range of voluntary creatives from across Greater Manchester, with the goal of staging a cathartic piece of work that would invite audiences to bear witness to Palestinians’ urgent stories, whilst serving as testament to the necessity and feasibility of delivering such work. "[This] work shines a light on marginalised (and silenced) narratives in a manner that is hopefully ultimately empowering. We hope to see other theatre-makers and artists across the country establish similar regional initiatives.” The performance titled 'Light In Me Don't Die' showcased "the words and testimony of Palestinian survivors and martyrs, and of citizens living under nine months of continuous bombardment, displacement and invasion." and featured an all-female cast of Palestinians and British Palestinians. Credit: @cochrane_captures Money raised from the event was split between Ashtar Theatre's Gaza Monologue Fund and The Freedom Theatre, who are frequently harassed and arrested for the art they create. Greater Manchester and Manchester city centre especially is no stranger to political protest, whether in the streets, in song or on stage, and the movement to amplify the voices of Palestinians is no different - in that people are having an impact and raising funds to support those whose homes have been decimated and whose lives have been harmed, ruined, or ended. Speaking with organisers and supporters of various art events, what is so clear is the impact that the art scene and particularly political art can have on people, and how art as a force for good can affect change. There are many who attend every event they can because of a deep belief in the cause or a personal experience, and there are those who are deeply in love with the arts and feel raising funds for Palestine is a bonus to a worthwhile evening with friends, family, strangers. Then there are those who attend for the sense of community, whether through a joint rage or a joint hope, through a sense of symbiosis with a group of people who wish they could do more individually but who collectively are doing all they can. By supporting other artists and events, by promoting eachother's fundraisers and by shining a light on the work happening to raise awareness of the strife of the Palestinian people - these people are proving that the arts can bring people together. Whether poetry filling a creative zine, songs of resistance, a queer cabaret, or a harrowing story of survival told by spotlight, the Manchester art scene sees the people of Palestine, it hears them, it does not shy away from their suffering and as ever, it does things differently here.

MCRJourno A Middleton opticians has celebrated the launch of its brand-new hearing hub offering enhanced audiology services. Specsavers Middleton marked the opening with balloons, cupcakes and goodybags for customers alongside free hearing screenings. The opening comes following an increased demand for hearing care in the area with the new hub offering services seven days a week. Razwana Mahmood, audiology partner at Specsavers Middleton said: "We’re excited to support those with hearing loss across the local community. "Monitoring hearing health is extremely important. Untreated hearing loss can result in cognitive decline, depression and social isolation. Now with the increased capacity, we can reach more people and provide this essential service." There is now more dedicated testing space in the store and increased availability to test, doubling the number of available appointments. Offering both NHS and private hearing care, staff have undergone training to deliver a range of audiology services including hearing tests, hearing aid fittings and ear wax removal. Sign language specialist Lorenza Pye from Eliza Says was also at the launch event speaking to the public about how she helps children and parents learn sign language. For those that can’t leave their homes unaccompanied for an appointment due to disability or illness, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service covering more than 90% of the UK.

MCRJourno This March the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Manchester’s AVIVA Studios for Philharmonic Sessions: The Augmented Orchestra on Saturday 15th March for two performances at 3pm and 7.30pm. Led by conductor and BBC presenter Ben Gernon, listeners will be free to move around the space exploring the orchestra as they perform across three huge platforms. At the heart of the evening is the UK premiere of Anna Clyne’s PALETTE. This groundbreaking Concerto for The Augmented Orchestra (AO) integrates orchestral performance with live electronic processing and sonic manipulation through a new audio technique created by Clyne in collaboration with sound designer Jody Elff. The programme also features John Adams’ exhilarating Short Ride in a Fast Machine, a suite from Tchaikovsky’s timeless Swan Lake, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, and selections from Tom Adès’ Danté. Director of the BBC Philharmonic, Adam Szabo said: "There's nothing like the thrill of hearing a symphony orchestra at full throttle, and this show will be an incredible showcase for our world-class group of musicians. “[This] will offer audiences an intimate and transformative musical experience as they are surrounded by musicians, immersed in sound, light, and the dynamic energy of live performance." Composer, Anna Clyne said: "Together, we are taking risks as we explore new ways to expand the more traditional orchestral concert hall experience through the integration of live electronic processing. "It’s also been a joy to explore painting as part of my creative process for this color and texture-inspired composition.” Tickets for the live in-person performance are available from 7th February for the standing event.

Helen Clarke Whatever you're doing in two weeks time and whichever relationship you're nurturing, the one with yourself, your friend, your partner, your... rabbit? You might be looking for something a little different. Heading out with King Street Townhouse The venue has unveiled its calendar of events including dining experiences, spa treatments, and cosy movie nights. Films are running from 13th - 16th Feb from £15 per person for your valentine's or galentine's outing. Add a cocktail and snacks or combine with the Valentine’s Day Set Menu for an evening to remember. Thursday 13th February 2pm Pretty Woman | 5pm While You Were Sleeping | 8pm Dirty Dancing Friday 14th February 2pm Hitch | 5pm Bridget Jones's Diary | 8pm The Proposal Saturday 15th February 2pm Beauty and the Beast | 5pm 50 First Dates | 8pm When Harry Met Sally Sunday 16th February 2pm Notting Hill | 5pm Casablanca | 8pm The Notebook Valentine's Set Menu Available 14th & 15th Feb | Two courses from £34, three courses from £39 Romantic Me to You Spa Package Per couple, from £179 (members) and £219 (non-members) The package includes a 45 minute ESPA treatment, thermal spa facilities, plus a sweet treats menu and a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Limited-edition Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea 14th Feb only | From £55 for two people Choose between a sweet Traditional Afternoon Tea or a savoury High Tea, along with a romantic cocktail teapot. A sweet treat New research by British sweet maker Swizzels has revealed that the days of grand gestures could be over with Brits opting for small, thoughtful gestures this Valentine’s Day. Nearly half (49%) will celebrate at home with 34% planning to buy a small token gift. The nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults found that more than a quarter of people are choosing to spend under £25 on an affordable gift. The new Squashies Love Hearts have been tried and tested by MCR Journo and promise to be the perfect addition to your day where the nostalgia of Love Heart tubes meets the new fruitier flavour of squashies - blackcurrant is our favourite. The new product encompasses Squashies’ signature soft and chewy texture with the timeless messages and beloved shape of Love Hearts. Featuring the classic colours and flavours of Love Hearts - Pineapple, Lime, Blackcurrant, Lemon, Cherry and Orange and priced from £1.15, the limited-edition treat means everyone can share the love. Valentine's gift guide If you are looking to splash out, whether hers & hers, his & his, or yours & yours... we had some ideas for those thoughtful beauty gifts. ANDREIA PROFESSIONAL - Hybrid Gel Nail Polish Fusion Color H21 Pink | RRP: £4.99 sallybeauty.co.uk ATEH JEWEL BEAUTY - Blush of Dreams Cream Blush | RRP: £25.00 harrods.com PAUL MITCHELL - Mitch Iron Grip Strong Hold Gel | RRP: £21.35 / Clean Beauty Shine Enhancing Treatment Gloss | RRP: £27.90 / Mitch Reformer Texturizer | RRP: £20.99 sallybeauty.co.uk  / REN CLEAN SKINCARE - Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Replenish Cream | RRP: £35.00 / Moroccan Rose Ultra-Moisture Body Oil | RRP: £39.00 renskincare.co.uk MANTA - Original Black Hair Brush / Original Pink Hairbrush | RRP: £30.00 mantahair.com DIVA PRO - Styling Precious Metals Gold Dust Multi Waver | RRP: £74.99 sallybeauty.co.uk MURDOCK LONDON - King's Road Black Tea Collection | RRP: £36.40 / Black Tea Cologne | RRP: £99.00 murdocklondon.com   SEABODY - Glycan Enrich Moisturiser | RRP: £72.00 seabody.com OMNILUX - Men's Face Mask / Contour Face Mask | RRP: £350.90 omniluxled.com A little something extra If you are looking for a smaller addition to your day then affordable gifts are available at local store OneBeyond. The Valentine's Day range has been a hit with discount shoppers and bargain seekers. OneBeyond has stores in Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, Middleton, Hyde and Central Manchester . The range includes soft toys, tableware, gift bags & boxes, photo frames, socks and more.

Helen Clarke The Player Progression Coaching (PPC) Lionesses A girls’ football team who train in Bolton has launched a fundraising campaign to play at a national level. The Player Progression Coaching (PPC) Lionesses under nine girls’ team is raising funds to take them to The One Tournament in Warwickshire. Since forming in September 2024 the team has trained together in Kearsley playing matches every weekend in Monsall, East Manchester. The squad has won a series of tournament titles and progressed through the ranks of the city’s most competitive football league, dominated by boys’ teams. Ashley Holland, PPC Founder said: "We’re passionate about girls’ development and are always on the lookout for opportunities where the team can challenge themselves and progress as young players. "Getting to these tournaments isn’t always easy and this support will ensure that each and every player will have the access to become the best that they can be." The community fundraising campaign is aimed at raising £2,500 to cover entry fees, travel and accommodation for each player to attend the national tournament. They were recently announced as the first all-girl squad to reach the top league in the Manchester Youth Super League (MYSL) competing against boys their own age. The team of girls aged eight and nine has several players attending Emerging Talent Centres at professional football clubs throughout the North-West. Billy Hilton, Owner of Manchester Youth Super League (MYSL) said: "They are the first all-girls team to do this in the history of MYSL and we welcome and challenge more girls’ teams to follow in their footsteps." Donations are being taken here: https://fundraising.spond.com/ihGuabuqDe

MCRJourno Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester As January is Glaucoma Awareness Month one Manchester-based eye hospital is launching a free NHS treatment service for glaucoma patients. With glaucoma being one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60 Optegra says regular eye health checks are key to protecting your vision. The free service means that glaucoma patients whose condition has changed can be monitored and reviewed by surgeons and offered treatment. Robert Petrarca, consultant ophthalmic surgeon and glaucoma lead at Optegra says treatments "can vary from those whose condition is stable and low-risk and are regularly monitored to those with more complex high-risk cases who need surgical intervention." He continues: "There is a large cohort of patients in the middle who need to be monitored by glaucoma specialists and this is where we can help." It hopes to reduce waiting times as patients who need to see a specialist but cannot do so at their regular opticians can receive the support they need. Optegra is based in Didsbury and is capable of treating patients within weeks of a referral from the local optometrist. Some of the specialist support available includes laser surgery or a stent procedure to drain fluid to relieve pressure. The practice performs more than 100,000 treatments every year both private and publicly funded. Glaucoma can be detected in an eye test and while treatment can’t reverse any loss of vision it can help stop vision deteriorating. Approximately 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma with many cases undiagnosed due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages.

MCRJourno Simon Donn, Library Development Officer, leads a storytelling session Salford children have helped to launch a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Little Hulton Library yesterday and enjoyed a fun storytelling session. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Salford City Council are inviting parents of children born in 2024 in Little Hulton, Salford to sign up to enrol in the programme. Salford City Council is funding the latest book gifting programme in the city which is devoted to inspiring a love of reading in children. Meg Fletcher, Regional Director at The Dollywood Foundation said: "We’re building on a strong history of programmes in the city thanks to the tireless efforts of our champions and hope that families enjoy receiving the books each month." Inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, country music icon Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 for children in her home county. Councillor Mishal Saeed, Councillor Teresa Pepper, Councillor Jim Cammell, Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith Today her programme spans five countries and gifts over three million free books each month to children, regardless of the family’s income. Last year, Dolly celebrated 200 million books gifted since inception with over six million going to families in the UK. The programme posts an age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five at no cost to the family with Salford City Council providing additional funding to the scheme. Currently there are seven Dolly Parton Imagination Libraries based in Salford which have delivered more than 36,500 books to families since 2013. Mum Juliet Agiye reading a book with son Asima Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services at Salford City Council, said the scheme is more important than ever as "there continues to be a gap in Salford’s outcomes compared to pre-pandemic levels." Salford is the 18th most deprived area in the country with the council planning to become a UNICEF Child-Friendly City. Figures from recent years have shown that the starting point for children in early years has been below national averages and by the time children leave primary school Key Stage 2 outcomes are below national levels. Families with babies born in Little Hulton in 2024 or 2025 can enrol by emailing West.Locality@salford.gov.uk for more information.

MCRJourno Day Fever returns for two dates in Spring when party-goers can enjoy a night of freedom and frivolity - and still be in bed by 9pm. Early in 2024 a bold idea was born between friends actress Vicky McClure, filmmaker and broadcaster Jonny Owen, and Jon McClure, frontman of Reverend & The Makers, a daytime clubbing experience. Vicky McClure, famed for her role in Line of Duty said: "Travelling up and down the country and seeing so many people enjoying themselves has been such a joy. "We’re thrilled that people feel comfortable at Day Fever, hearing their stories has shown us how important it is to just take a break from life and have a bloody good dance." What started as a one-off event in Sheffield’s iconic City Hall Ballroom has exploded into a nationwide phenomenon with over 85,000 happy dancers to date. From 3pm to 8pm thousands of partygoers from every walk of life are hitting the dancefloor to dance the day away at the "disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday." The event provides a safe, inclusive, and ego-free space where attendees can simply have a good time while ditching the late nights and dress codes. Day Fever says it is all about positivity and good vibes whether you're wearing glittery heels or comfy trainers. Manchester dates: New Century Hall - 22nd March 2025 New Century Hall - 26th April 2025

MCRJourno Star of hit tv series Ted Lasso comes to Hope Mill Theatre alongside Coronation Street royalty next month. Charlie Hiscock (Will - Ted Lasso) will be making his stage debut as Cosme McMoon, alongside Wendi Peters (Cilla Battersby) in the first major UK revival of hit comedy GLORIOUS! The True Story of The Worst Singer in the World. On joining the cast Charlie said: "I’m truly honoured to be making my stage debut in this incredible play, and I couldn’t have imagined a better place to begin this journey than back home, up North." GLORIOUS! is the true story of American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, dubbed ‘the worst singer in the world’ who was known for her flamboyant costumes, enigmatic performances and decidedly off-key voice. Florence’s story was made into a BAFTA award-winning film in 2016 starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant and celebrates a woman who defied critics and sceptical audiences, to make her dreams come true. Nominated for Best New Comedy at the 2006 Olivier Awards, GLORIOUS! follows Florence’s journey as she prepares for her concerts and builds an unlikely friendship with her accompanist Cosme McMoon. As her recitals gained a devoted following in 1940s New York they became must-see events, culminating in a sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, where Florence performed Mozart in angel wings and a halo. The show will open on 27th February for a limited run ending on 30th March 2025 with tickets starting at £30.

MCRJourno Told through a Deaf man’s unique perspective, Lowry hosts a new show telling the passionate and poignant story of a complex relationship cut short. Combining physical non-verbal storytelling with dynamic projection and an immersive soundtrack comes Theatre Ad Infinitum: Last Rites. Travelling from the UK to India Arjun needs to carry out his father’s funeral rites but he can't perform an ancient Hindu practice that was never passed on. In life, his father wouldn’t learn sign language, but in death Arjun needs to find a way to say goodbye and creates his own intimate final ceremony that brings to life shared memories. Internationally acclaimed theatre makers Ramesh Meyyappan and George Mann are collaborating for the first time in the multi-award-winning theatre company Ad Infinitum. Last Rites is a non-verbal piece of theatre with no spoken words this is accessible to Deaf and hearing audiences and the performance hopes to celebrate the transformative power of grief and parenthood. The Performance includes a soundtrack with heavy use of bass so that it can be felt or heard by audience members. The show will take stage on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th February with an age guidance of 14+ and costing £16.50. Performances include some BSL (British Sign Language) with creative captions.