We are sad to report that well known and loved Levenshulme resident Steve Simpson died on 4th June 2020 at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Steve was a gentle and kind man who was engaged with community activities. He was particularly supportive of the Rescue Kitties group. There has already been an outpouring of love for Steve but we wanted to mark his death with an announcement.
Levenshulme Bee Network is holding a series of “webinars” on the “Filtered Neighbourhood Trials” starting in July 2020. These involve blocking off roads to motorised vehicles in 29 locations across the area. Pedestrians and cyclists can still access these roads through the “filters”.
Please see the LCA post HERE for full details including maps.
The Webinars will be held:
Saturday 4th July
Sunday 5th July
To participate in a webinar send and email to hello@levenshulmebeenetwork.co.uk quoting the Park Area you are interested in.
UPDATE
You can now register directly using the links below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Topic: Chapel Street Park Area Webinar + Q&A
Topic: Cringle Park Area Webinar + Q&A
Topic: Greenbank Park Area Webinar + Q&A
Topic: West Point Gardens Park Area Webinar + Q&A
ANOTHER UPDATE
If you would like to send in any questions for the Q and A – we are using the links below to collect questions so people can ask and then upvote the most popular ones to be answered in the sessions.
Submit Cringle Field Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit Chapel Street Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit Greenbank Park Webinar questions HERE
Submit West Point Gardens Webinar questions HERE
If you would like to get in touch about anything please email trial@levenshulmebeenetwork.co.uk
Levenshulme residents organised a protest in Cringle Park to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in the USA. Levenshulme Councillors Basat Sheikh and Dzidra Noor joined the protest.
See below for a gallery of photographs. Photographs courtesy of and copyright to Tony Gribben.
Continue readingLevenshulme and surrounding areas are about to experience major changes to our roads.
This is the first stage of the changes being imposed by the Levenshulme Bee Network Project. This is a new idea to create a “Filtered Neighbourhood” and to make walking and cycling easier by blocking off roads and restricting access for motorised vehicles. A whole host of other ideas are planned as well. This is just the start.
Travelling around Levenshulme and getting to and from the area will never be the same again.
12 June update
Please note that the information below was correct when it was posted. However, Levenshulme Bee Network has now changed the description on its website about the July 2020 changes. There is nothing on their website to indicate this has been changed.
Original text when the announcement was made:
“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.
These will remain in place for a minimum of six months whilst we consult and tweak the filters with your feedback. They will then become permanent within 18 months.”
New text as of 12 June 2020:
“In the next few weeks we will be installing 29 temporary modal filters throughout the neighbourhood.
The trial will be undertaken using an experimental traffic regulation order which means that we can make changes following your feedback and monitor the impact for the first 6 months before the Council decides if the filters will be implemented on a permanent basis. All feedback from residents and monitoring of traffic, pedestrian and cycling levels as well as air quality levels will be considered before any of the filters are installed permanently.”
See below for details of the roads that will be affected, what will be done in July and maps including these changes.
Continue readingApplications for discretionary grants for small businesses close TODAY at 10pm.
Please see below for full details and a link to apply.
Continue readingJeremy Hoad, Levenshulme Pride Organiser and Chair of Friends of Manchester’s Gay Village is a panellist on one of the Pink News Pride for All videochats at 13.00 today.
01:00 pm BST Safe Spaces after COVID-19
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about safe spaces? Joining PinkNews on this panel to discuss this are Asifa Lahore, Switchboard’s Natasha Walker, and Levenshulme Pride organiser Jeremy Hoad.
Follow this link to see what else is happening and view the videochat:
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/pride-for-all/
The government has also launched a new Covid Alert Level system administered by the newly created Joint Biosecurity Centre. There are five levels:
These alert levels currently only apply in England.
At the moment the government has not provided much more than some slides on this new alert system so please click HERE for a summary from the BBC.
As of today (June 1) the alert level remains at Level 4 although the government has confirmed that schools are re-opening to more pupils, shops and businesses are reopening, restrictions on the most vulnerable shielded people are being relaxed and sport is starting up again.
A Test and Trace system has been launched by NHS England. The new service:
This system applies in England. Equivalent systems have already been introduced or are being developed in the rest of the UK.
An NHS Phone App has been developed and was said to be the essential basis of the test and trace system but the system has now been launched before the app is ready.
To find out how test and trace works click HERE
Many of you will have noticed that the lovely Living Tree that we planted on the Village Green is looking, well, less than living. Unfortunately this tree along with three others in other locations have died. This is despite our collective efforts as a community to welcome our tree to Levenshulme, make it feel happy and keep it watered (huge thanks to everyone who helped with that).
But don’t worry, Levenshulme Community Association has been working with Manchester City Council and the suppliers to find a solution. We are pleased to confirm that the tree will be replaced. This is at no additional cost to us.
A new tree will be supplied and planted later in the year and we will let everyone know when this happens so we can collectively say hello to our new living Living Tree.
A new test and trace system has been introduced in England (versions of this have been or are soon to be introduced across the UK).
The NHS test and trace service:
Please click HERE to find out about the government guidance.
If you show any symptoms of being infected with Covid19 you can get a test HERE.
Please note the NHS app that is being developed is not ready and has not yet been launched outside the trials being done.
Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in our community, particularly in these difficult times when so many places are closed and we must observe strict social distancing rules as part of the covid19 lockdown.
Transport for Greater Manchester is doing a survey on future travel arrangements. TfGM say:
“The coronavirus has affected all our lives, from how we work and shop to how we travel. Getting our future transport network right will be central to getting more and more of Greater Manchester moving again. We want to keep you safe, support our economy and ensure our recovery is sustainable, so we can cut congestion and have cleaner air.”
You can do the survey HERE (it takes about 15 minutes)
The survey deadline is 8am Monday 1 June 2020
The Deaf Health Charity SignHealth provides daily summaries of coronavirus information in British Sign Language.
Please click HERE to go to their website for the latest video. You can find all of the two minute updates on the SignHealth Youtube Playlist HERE
This information is also available in the LCA Coronavirus Resources page HERE
The video for 14th May is provided below.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was found dead at a house on Westminster Street in Levenshulme.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning.
Read the initial MEN report HERE
Further coverage from the MEN is available HERE
A report from ITV is available HERE
Anyone with any information can contact police on 0161 856 5018, quoting incident number 2855 of 7/5/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The UK government has released new guidance on its proposed “recovery strategy” described as a “roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis”. The contents are listed below for reference.
The new guidance provides information on changes to the current restrictions in place since 23rd March 2020 and changes planned for the coming weeks and months.
Please note that although this is identified as guidance from the UK government it only applies in England. The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have independent responsibility for their own approaches.
Click HERE to view the document on the government website.
Click HERE to download a copy of the PDF
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement on the proposals, 10 May 2020
Response from Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition, 11 May 2020
May 9th is Europe Day. This is the day when people across Europe come together to celebrate peace and unity in Europe following the horrors of the two World Wars. The day was chosen in recognition of the Schuman Declaration in 1950 which was the precursor to the formation of many European collaborative institutions and organisations. It was itself preceded by the formation of the Council of Europe in 1949.
The May Bank Holiday is on Friday 8th May this year to coincide with the VE Day celebrations. VE stands for Victory in Europe and this year it is the 75th anniversary of the day victory was declared in Europe during the Second World War.
Obviously the planned events and activities have been cancelled during the Covid19 crisis. However, here are some suggestions for how people can mark the event while maintaining lockdown and social distancing rules.
The Royal College of Nursing has joined forces with the Royal College of Midwives and UNISON – collectively representing more than a million NHS and public service staff – to campaign for a moment of reflection at 11am on Tuesday 28 April.
The minute’s silence will be held on International Workers’ Memorial Day. It will allow the nation to pay respect to those whose work involved caring, saving lives, and keeping key services running and the rest of the country safe, while showing support for families who have lost a loved one.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dame Donna Kinnair said:
“We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe. I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people.
“The silence is a simple show of respect for those who have paid the very highest price, but their loved ones must know the levels of gratitude we feel as a nation and take some comfort from that.”
Prime Minister’s statement outside 10 Downing Street on 27 April 2020 on the day he returned to work following his illness with Covid19.
The government’s Job Retention Scheme is now live and taking claims.
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You can find full information and guidance HERE
You can submit a claim HERE
Paul Magrs will be reading his wonderful story Stardust and Snow tonight at 7pm on Facebook Live.
Click HERE to go to his Facebook page.
Please see below a message from Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall opening the new NHS Nightingale North West Hospital in Manchester.
The LGBT Foundation has launched a befriending service to help people during the covid19 lockdown.
“Our new telephone befriending programme Rainbow Brew Buddies aims to reduce loneliness for LGBT people across Greater Manchester who may have reduced opportunities to make social connections due to the recent coronavirus outbreak or other circumstances in their life.
Those who sign up for the service will be allocated a buddy, who will have received training from LGBT Foundation and have passed a DBS check. You will then “get-together” over the phone with them for a brew and a chat at least once a week for around 30 minutes.”
Full details are available on the LGBT Foundation website HERE
Government advice on leaving the house for exercise have been updated for people with autism or learning difficulties. The government advice now says:
“You can leave your home for medical need. If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home to maintain your health – including if that involves travel beyond your local area – then you can do so. This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day – ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.
Even in such cases, in order to reduce the spread of infection and protect those exercising, travel outside of the home should be limited, as close to your local area as possible, and you should remain at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not a member of your household or a carer at all times.”
The head of the “Bee Unique” sculpture in Crowcroft Park has been sawn off. The vandalism was discovered on Easter Sunday.
Read the MEN report HERE
The limit for contactless payment has been raised from £30 to £45. Please remember to check when shopping to help avoid touching keypads. If you exceed the new £45 limit you can also ask for shopping to be put through in more than one payment to ensure you stay below the limit and can use contactless payment. The increase has been rolled out over the last week so should apply in most places.
A new page has been added to the LCA website for the UK government covid19 press conferences.
The page includes a link to the video of each press conference, a daily transcript / report and downloads of the slides used.
The page is available in the drop down menu on the Coronavirus (Covid19) menu tab. You can go directly to the page HERE
How to tell GMP about a possible breach of coronavirus (Covid-19) measures
If so, please call 999 now.If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS serviceExternal Link.
If you’re concerned about a business or venue that’s open and you don’t think it should be, please check the guidance on this first.
We’re seeking to resolve situations where people appear to be or are contravening the government advice on physical social distancing and the stay at home measures without resorting to enforcement and issuing fines.
Please only tell us about something if you feel there is a significant issue or breach which you think we need to know about.
Use the form available HERE to report any concerns about breaches of the regulations and where they are.
A call for contributions for a Community Collage on the advertising board beside Station South on the A6.
Here’s an idea! We’d like to do something to keep us all entertained in these crazy times!
We’re giving the advertising board over to you for a big #COMMUNITYCOLLAGE challenge.
To help lift people’s spirits and get creative at home we’re setting you an arty challenge over the next few days…we’ll prompt your efforts with themes!
A daily ‘call to action’ to submit your photos/artwork/words coming out of these trying times which represent the #positives and spread #hope and #happiness during this time.
We’ll put the best ones into the #communitycollage and showcase on the advertising board on the A6/Stockport Road where we hope it will cheer up key workers and the like.
Theme’s for inspiration so far are #simplepleasures #workingfromhome#naturelovers #foodforthought
Post your images/words/art on the Station South Facebook page HERE
Or email them to hello@stationsouth.co.uk – let us know if you’d like a credit x
Spread the word and GO! x
Levy Corona Helpers have compiled a Street Directory of coordinators for help and support.
Contact your street coordinator in the first instance if you either need or can offer assistance. If your street does not have a coordinator email set up, please email levycoronahelpers@gmail.com
You can also inbox the LCH Admins on the Facebook group or if necessary, contact Carey by text on 07968 031085.
If you are hearing from people in your street and have issues arising that you are not sure how to deal with please let LCH know. All the Admins work full time, so it might be that they can’t respond immediately.
Please note Levenshulme Inspire is offering a Corona Phone Hotline for certain streets, check the list to see if it applies to your street.
Directory correct as at Sunday 5 April 2020
| STREET NAME | EMAIL ADDRESS / CONTACT |
| Agnes Street | AgnesStLCH@gmail.com or Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Albert Road | AlbertRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Allandale Road | LindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Barlow Road | BarlowRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Bournville Grove | BournevillGroveLCH@gmail.com |
| Bowler Street | BowlerStLCH@gmail.com |
| Broom Avenue | BroomAveLCH@gmail.com |
| Broom Lane | BroomLaneLCH@gmail.com |
| Brook Avenue | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Carnegie Avenue | CarnegieLincolnAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Carson Road | EltonCarsonLCH@gmail.com |
| Collingwood Road | CollingwoodRdLC@gmail.com |
| Craighall Avenue | CraighallAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Crayfield Road | CrayfieldRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Cringle Road | CringleRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Cromwell Grove | CromwellGroveLCH@gmail.com |
| Cuthbert Avenue | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Damian Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Danforth Grove | DanforthGroveLCH@gmail.com |
| Deepcar Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Dorset Road | DorsetRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Elmsworth Avenue | ElmsworthAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Elton Avenue | EltonCarsonLCH@gmail.com |
| Fairview Avenue | LindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Fernleigh Avenue | FernleighAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Forest Range | ForestRangeLCH@gmail.com |
| Garfield Avenue | GarfieldAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Grange Avenue | GrangeAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Guildford Road | GuildfordRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Hawley Street | HawleyStreetLCH@gmail.com |
| Hemmons Road | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Highfield Road | HighfieldRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Horstead Walk | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629 955 |
| Kingsmill Avenue | KingsmillAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Kingsway Avenue | KingswayAveLCH@gmail.com |
| Langdale Avenue | LangdaleAveLCH@gmail.com |
| Langthorne Street | LangthorneStreetLCH@gmail.com |
| Leybourne Avenue | LeybourneAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Lincoln Avenue | CarnegieLincolnAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Lindsay Avenue | LindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Lytham Road | LindsayAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Maida Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Marley Road | MarleyRdLCH@gmail.com |
| Marshall Road | MarshallRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Matthews Lane | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Mayford Road | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Montreal Street | MontrealStreetLCH@gmail.com |
| Newdale Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Osborne Road | OsborneLCH@gmail.com |
| Park Avenue | ParkAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Preston Road | PrestonRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| Pascal Street | YorkAndPascalStreetLCH@gmail.com |
| Prestage Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Provident Avenue | ProvidentAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Randolph Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Roseneath Avenue | FernleighAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Seddon Street | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| St. Mark’s Street | StMarksStreetLCH@gmail.com |
| St. Oswald’s Road | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Stovell Avenue | Inspire Corona Phone Hotline 07459629955 |
| Thorncliffe Grove | FernleighAvenueLCH@gmail.com |
| Windsor Road | WindsorRoadLCH@gmail.com |
| York Street | YorkAndPascalStreetLCH@gmail.com |
Levy Little Theatre is organising Storyswap, an online sharing of your stories during isolation.
Find out more information including the full brief, writing tips, terms and conditions and how to submit an entry below or click HERE
If you are a member of Manchester Libraries, you can access the website or app PressReader. There are over 5000 newspaper and magazine titles from more than 100 countries, in over 60 languages for free!
All the UK newspapers are there, including the Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph and The Guardian.
To sign up you just need your library card and pin number. You can access PressReader on your PC or download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Just click here for all the info.
Newsbank is another website available for free offering a digital range of regional and international English language newspapers, including The Manchester Evening News , The Guardian , The Times , The Daily Mirror , The Daily Mail , and The Daily Express .
Includes international newspapers such as The New York Times , The South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), The Times of India , The Nation (Islamabad), and The Irish Times .
All you have to do is go to the website and type in your library card number.
If you don’t have a Manchester Libraries card but still want to access the site, you can now sign up for a temporary library card and the wonderful people at Newsbank will give you full access!
How to maintain your car when not driving regularly
With the country in the middle of the coronavirus (COVID-19), you may not be able to get out and about in the car as much as you’re used to. Many will be wondering what to do with your car if you aren’t driving it on a regular basis.
What to do with your car, and how to maintain it, depends on how long you’re leaving your car idle. For example, you may be using it to top up on food and supplies or driving it if you work in an essential job or industry. But for many, you may not need or want to use your car for a lot longer, maybe even months.
Remember that even if you’re not using it, you’ll still have to insure your car unless you make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). You can only make a SORN if the car’s being kept off the road.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
How long you leave a car without starting can depend on the condition of your car’s 12-volt battery. Most modern cars with a fairly healthy battery should last at least 2 weeks, without needing to be started up to re-charge the battery. If there’s any doubt about the condition of the battery, start it once a week just to be safe.
Even if you haven’t driven for a while your car should be fine. If it’s been regularly started and run for 15-minute periods, the battery should work. The tyre pressures should be checked and adjusted before driving. The brakes may have some corrosion on them, especially if the car was wet when it was parked up. Drive carefully and test the brakes as soon as possible. Make sure you use your brakes for the first few miles to clean off any corrosion.
Cars are made to be driven but with good care it should be fine. If it’s left unused follow our guidelines.
Yes, but it’s best to follow these guidelines to keep the car ready to drive.
As we’ve said above, there are many factors that can affect this. The age of the battery, how the car’s been used and the temperature all affect the performance of a battery. If you follow our guidelines your battery shouldn’t let you down.
The government has announced a 6-month exemption from the MOT test, although your car must be kept in a roadworthy condition.
Here are a few simple tips on how to keep your car lasting longer and ready to use when you need it again.
Full advice from The AA is available HERE
The Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe will be hosting its first online discussion on Thursday, 2nd April from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, using the videolink provided by Zoom.
The topic is: ‘What is this pandemic teaching humanity?’
We can consider such questions as how this situation is affecting our attitude to life; what is the best attitude or mindset to adopt; the role of philosophy at this time; whether a better world can emerge from this or any other issues that you feel are important.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/647652013…
The meeting is open to anyone who is a member of the Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe – though you don’t have to be from Levy to be a member.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts at this turning point in history. Stay safe.
You can join the Levenshulme Philosophy Cafe Facebook Group HERE
Coronavirus: information about help with food costs while schools are closed.
If your child qualifies and their school is in Manchester, you can Apply for free school meals
You’ll need to contact the school yourself if it isn’t listed.
If your child’s school is outside Manchester, their free school meals will be dealt with by the local authority the school is in. Go to the GOV.UK website and enter the postcode of the school your child attends to find out how to get them.
Which children qualify for them?
Your child may qualify if you have any of these incomes:
Children who receive these benefits themselves instead of through a parent or guardian, can also qualify for free school meals.
Your child may qualify if you are an asylum seeker.
Children who are younger than the compulsory age for starting school but in full-time education, can also get free school meals.
How long can they get free school meals for?
Children who are eligible for free school meals now will be eligible for them until either:
whichever is sooner.
Infant free school meals in England
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can get free school meals whatever your income. But if you have one of the qualifying incomes (above) it will help the school if you tell them this, so they can get extra funding.
We know these are difficult times for artists and communities in Greater Manchester and that lives and livelihoods are being impacted daily. We want to support artists and creative practitioners to continue to experiment, dream and to support and influence society.
We are repurposing some of our artist development funds to support this and offering the following opportunities to GM-based artists and creatives. Alongside this we’re continuing to reach out nationally and internationally to support artists and projects impacted by these times. We are very open to proposals that would be delivered through online international collaborations in response to this call out, and we will be developing our ideas further in the coming weeks.
We encourage proposals under the following headings:
– Festival In My House – an opportunity to re-imagine MIF’s Festival in My House programme for today’s unique times. We want people to host their own micro-international festival at home, exploring remote collaborations and audiences – up to £1000 budget for each event
– Get creative – opportunities to create and deliver activity that safely engages artists / community / wider society during the crisis. This could take the form of an online workshop, performance, talk, discussion or other creative idea of your choice – up to £350 per activity.
– Remote residencies – an opportunity to develop your practice and to develop new ideas and projects. This could include responding to the COVID-19 situation or other imaginative ways to support communities, artists or audiences during the coming months, alternatively, this could be an opportunity to research and develop an idea you’ve always wanted to do. Residencies do not have to result in specific outcomes but need to take place at home – up to £1000 per residency.
Key notes:
How to apply:
We are accepting proposals from GM-based artists and creatives. Please send a maximum 500-word overview of your idea to creativeengagement@mif.co.uk; we will also accept video proposals (up to 2 minutes in length) or if you would like to apply in another way, get in touch. If you are applying via video, please send us the URL via email.
You should include:
Selection:
We aim to review all proposals quickly – we’ll be looking for:
We will be reviewing applications based on the ideas and the opportunities these will make for the applicants.
Timeline:
We’ll be accepting proposals on a rolling basis until the end of April, or until all available opportunities have been filled. We will be continuing to respond to the needs of our community during this time and will be looking at providing ongoing opportunities past April.
Questions or support:
If you have any questions or need any support in preparing your application please email: creativeengagement@mif.co.uk and a member of the team will respond. We can also arrange to call you if that is more convenient.
Further Links
Resources For Artists and Freelancers – An evolving open document of resources for the freelance creative community who are looking for support and guidance.
MIF Drop in for Artists and Freelance Creatives – A forum for chat and support, every Tuesday and Thursday from 2pm.
MIF Drop in for Artists and Freelance Creatives – A place to share information, useful links and discussion.
Announcement from Manchester City Council
If you need help you can get it now by calling 0800 234 6123
We have set up a hub to support Manchester’s most vulnerable people, and help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.
We want to help you if you are:
We can help with things like:
Help is also be available for other reasons, for example if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer.
Across the City a community of charities, businesses, community groups and the Council have all come together to make sure you have the support you need during this challenging time.
Get help – 0800 234 6123
If you live alone, are struggling to make ends meet, are self-isolating or generally in need of advice or support please contact us between 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
Call our helpline to access the support you need.
Link to the new DVLA guidance HERE
Published 25 March 2020
From 30 March 2020, MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by 6 months. This is being done to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
There’s separate guidance about what to do if your MOT due date is up to and including 29 March 2020.
There are different temporary rules for MOT tests for lorries, buses and trailers.
You do not need to do anything to extend your vehicle’s MOT expiry date if it’s on or after 30 March 2020. However, you must keep your vehicle safe to drive.
Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption. This will extend your current MOT expiry date by 6 months.
ExampleYour vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 April 2020.
This will automatically be extended to 3 October 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date.
You can check your MOT history to see when you have been issued an exemption. It will not be updated straight away, so keep checking back if your new due date MOT is not yet showing.
You will not get a paper exemption certificate.
If your vehicle tax is due, you can tax your vehicle as soon as your MOT due date has been updated.
Your vehicle will be automatically given a 6-month MOT exemption from the date its first MOT was due.
Your vehicle will not get an extension to its MOT due date.
Your vehicle will need to pass an MOT before you can drive it again.
The government is allowing MOT centres and garages to remain open. So you can still get an MOT if you need your vehicle:
Read the full guidance on staying at home and away from others.
You must make sure your vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.
Find out how to check your vehicle is safe and read the rules about vehicle maintenance, safety and security.
You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
You should still take your vehicle to be repaired at the nearest open garage. The government is allowing them to remain open.
The We Love MCR charity has set up a fund to provide Covid-19 Community Response Grants. Full information is available HERE
Constituted community groups and organisations with a bank account can apply to this fund for £500 – £3000 for the items, equipment or supplies they need to support their communities in this difficult time.
The application process has been simplified to help get the money out to groups quickly. The application form can be downloaded here:
Completed application forms can be sent to: welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk
Please share this information with groups you are aware of and your wider networks. WeLoveMCR want to support as many groups and organisations as they can in this time of need.
The government is setting up a NHS Volunteer Responder Service, hoping to recruit 250,000 people to do simple but vital tasks such as:
The NHS Volunteer Responders Service is not intended to replace local groups helping their vulnerable neighbours but is an additional service provided by the NHS.
View the announcement HERE
You can become an NHS Volunteer Responder and join the NHS’s trusted list of volunteers by clicking HERE
In an address to the nation tonight the Prime Minister has introduced emergency controls and restrictions on people’s movements.
That’s it. We’re in lockdown.
These measures will last for three weeks in the first instance.
The message is stay at home to save lives.
Levenshulme is full of wonderful people. Creative people. People who care.
At this difficult time some of the people at LOL (Levenshulme Old Library) are wondering… what do we do now?… how does the Levenshulme creative community respond? We know that the Inspire Centre are doing great stuff supporting the covid-19 response, such as being a rallying point for the Levy Corona Helper mutual aid group.
I’m sure we are all feeling a bit lost still. So… if you are in any way connected to Levenshulme Old Library… or live in Levenshulme and want to think how we can be creative online and safely… Join us for this 1 hour initial webinar and chat.
Hosted by Jez Hall, treasurer at LOL, we will be using Zoom, kindly donated by Shared Future CIC (who have a paid account they have let us use)
If you sign up we can capture your email and that will help us stay together.
If you can’t make it on the day… don’t fret… there will be other online chats.
No agenda. Nothing expected of you… just come together.
We’ll email a zoom link to you if you sign up
Follow the link to register HERE
March 13 report from Afzal Khan on improvements to Levenshulme Station.
“Last week I attended a site visit to Levensulme Station with representatives from Northern and Network Rail, as well as one of the local councillors. In the past few years there has been a number of issues at the station including flooding, poor lighting, and overall lack of cleanliness. I was therefore delighted to be walked through the improvements that are due to take place in the Spring.
These include:
While I was incredibly disappointed that Levenshulme Station wasn’t awarded any Access for All funding from the Department for Transport, despite submitting a very strong bid backed by a great community campaign, I will be continuing to explore other funding options to improve accessibility at this busy station.
However, I am very pleased that stations elsewhere in Manchester Gorton have been awarded Access for All funding. Work will start soon at Belle Vue and Ryder Brow railway stations to improve safety and accessibility.”
Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre has been closed in line with instructions from the government during the current crisis. A payment freeze has been applied for the duration of the closure.
Better, who operate the centre, has made the following announcement:
“In line with Government instruction, we will be closing all of our Better Leisure Centres and Better Gyms across the UK at the end of Friday 20th March, 2020.
The health and well-being of both our staff and valued customers is paramount. We have a social responsibility to everyone in the local community to take action to protect ourselves and others.
We would also like to help you during this difficult time by automatically applying a payment freeze for all of our members. A payment freeze means that you retain your membership or lesson/course, but will not have to pay during the period that the centre is closed. That means, whether you have an annual, monthly, pre-paid or pay and play membership or lesson/course your Direct Debit payment will not be collected throughout this period. If you would like to know more about how we’re working to help you, or any other queries, visit our dedicated FAQs page.
We are working closely with local public health authorities and receiving all official updates from the Government. We will keep you up to date on what is happening going forward.”
Levenshulme Inspire today revealed a coronavirus banner – “Physical Distancing, Social Solidarity” organised with the Levy Corona Helpers group.
This brilliantly reflects the community spirit of Levenshulme and combines a message of caution with solidarity and strength.
You can find support and offer help via the Levy Corona Helpers Facebook group HERE
Please note the following announcement from Manchester City Council:
“To protect the health of residents the Councillor’s advice surgeries have been suspended until it is felt it is safe for them to resume. This page will be updated when that happens. Until then, please use the email and telephone contact details.”
Councillor contact details are available HERE.
Manchester City Council have now launched a section on their website with advice and information.
News release from the Department for Education
Published 18 March 2020
From:Department for Education and The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP
After schools shut their gates on Friday afternoon, they will remain closed until further notice except for children of key workers and vulnerable children, as part of the country’s ongoing response to coronavirus.
Examples of these workers include NHS staff, police and supermarket delivery drivers who need to be able to go to work to support the country’s fight to tackle coronavirus. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with Education, Health and Care Plans – a legal document that describes a child’s special educational needs and the support they require.
Children who do not fall into these groups should remain at home with appropriate care.
Where schools are unable to look after these children, local authorities will work with the Department for Education’s regional teams to ensure an alternative option is available in the same area.
Registered early years providers, including childminders, private schools and sixth forms should also follow this guidance. We will provide financial support for these settings as required.
Where possible, we would encourage settings to also look after key workers’ children and vulnerable children throughout the Easter holidays.
The scientific advice shows that these settings are safe for this small number of children to continue attending – but asking others to stay away will help us to slow the spread.
To lift the pressure on schools themselves and to allow them to focus on supporting those children who need it most, Ofsted will cease all inspections of schools and colleges with immediate effect.
We will not go ahead with primary school assessments or secondary exams this summer, and we will not be publishing performance tables.
We will work with the sector and Ofqual to ensure children get the qualifications they need.
We recognise that many special schools and residential settings will need to continue to look after their pupils.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Fighting Coronavirus and protecting the vulnerable and our NHS are the Government’s top priorities right now. That’s why we are asking schools, nurseries and colleges to close – except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
We are facing increasingly extraordinary circumstances, but by asking schools to support our key workers and vulnerable children I am confident we will help beat this virus.
I am deeply grateful for the civic spirit and dedication of everyone working in education, and I will continue to provide my full support throughout this crisis.
To support children eligible for free school meals, schools will be able to provide meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops.
The government has also confirmed that the total value of vouchers offered to each eligible child per week will exceed the rate it pays to schools for free school meals, recognising that families will not be buying food in bulk and may therefore incur higher costs. The final amounts will be confirmed shortly via guidance for schools.
Effective immediately, schools will be able to order vouchers directly from supermarkets or shops in their communities to be emailed or printed and posted to families, and they will have their costs covered by the Department for Education.
We know that many universities and other higher education institutions are already taking necessary steps to keep their staff and students safe. We are confident vice-chancellors are making the right decisions and the Department for Education continues to support them in doing so.
To support nurseries at this time, the Chancellor has also decided that they will also now be eligible for a business rates holiday for one year. That means non-local authority providers of childcare will pay no business rates in 2020-21, from 1 April.
Local authorities will be fully compensated for the cost of this measure. We are applying the Barnett formula to this additional support in England.
Guidance for local authorities on the application of the holiday will be published by MHCLG shortly.
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