This summer I’ve been thrilled to witness the opening of West Gorton Community Park, writes Groundwork’s Amy Wright, a brand new park in the heart of Ardwick. It’s not your average park. Yes there’s a play area, grass and trees, but also a whole host of innovative features to combat climate change in our cities.
Read moreCategory: Health and Wellbeing
Restaurant-quality food for those in need
It was January when I last met Raph Mondale serving lentil, chick pea and yam stew at his store opposite the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. His ARMR store is part café, part health food shop, workspace and art gallery. Back then I was taken by his commitment to support the community ahead of making a profit.
Read more“I couldn’t sit and do nothing.”
It was the 6th April – my first day of being on furlough from my customer services job – and I remember thinking, what am I going to do now? I couldn’t sit and do nothing, it’s just not me, and now I had time to help others.
I saw an appeal from the newly-formed Ardwick and Longsight Covid Mutual Aid Group. They were setting up a helpline and asking for volunteers. Supporting people on the phone is part of my day job so I thought I’d be suited to that.
Read moreFalling through the cracks
The last time I was in the West Gorton Community Rooms it was teaming with kids making artwork, playing hide and seek, and tucking in to free burgers.
That was February half term and community volunteers Heather and Chris were in full swing, supporting local families with activities and hot food.
Today the place is silent. It’s nearly the 100th day of lockdown and a lot has changed since then.
Read moreCOVID-19 and the abandoned parks
I did not realize the negative impact of COVID-19 on my social life until quite recently.
I am usually in the kitchen, cooking or working on my computer. It has become the hub of my daily activity – domestic chores and work. From time to time I glance through the window overlooking Swinton Grove Park [next to Plymouth Grove].
Read moreRising to a challenge
Their plans to convert Longsight Youth Centre into a community hub were well advanced as the pandemic struck. Now this Ardwick-based church has had to adapt quickly.
Four years ago the Vineyard Church set up in Manchester, holding services at the Dean Trust Ardwick School on Stockport Road.
Read moreCommunity breeds success
You never know what’s going on when a poster reads ‘Come to the Big Brew’. I knew it was something about community, so nosey me went along, ready to do a little sprint in case it wasn’t up my street.
Read moreNot another April Fools
Unfortunately, this time spring comes with the biggest sad truth. Yes, these photos can tell much more than anyone can say about the current situation. People and nature are all living the pandemic.
Read moreUnexpected benefits
We’re staring into each other’s houses. It’s about Day 23 of lockdown. “I’ve got about half an hour and then I’m manning the Covid helpline,” says Lisa.
Lisa Brown is the community builder for the Ardwick area, employed by charity Forever Manchester to make connections between people and local organisations and, well, build the community.
Read moreEveryone’s friendly at Toddler Group
[Before coronavirus] As part of my college course I started volunteering at Parent and Toddler Group at Brunswick Church around September last year. Already it’s just become part of my weekly routine.
I look forward to Wednesday mornings because I’ve already built bonds with the children. Every week is different with new parents and children turning up.
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