Being involved in local volunteer groups over the last few years, I’ve been aware of so many organisations, each making their own contribution to my local neighbourhood of Brunswick, on the southern side of Ardwick. So, it came as a surprise to learn of another side of the neighbourhood – its artistic side.
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“It’s been quite an eye-opener.”
I first met Zaman during the first lockdown when I was volunteering for the Ardwick and Longsight Mutual Aid Group. Zaman runs the Work for Smile charity in Longsight, a food distribution project for people in need.
Work for Smile is part of a food support network which had been providing hot meals at the Qadria Jilania Mosque in Longsight since the start of the pandemic.
Read moreGiving voice to the Chinese community
When a call was put out asking for volunteers Denise was all for it. “I’d never done any radio broadcasting before,” she recalls. “I really liked the sound of it.”
That was back in 2017 and the Wai Yin Society were partnering with community radio station ALL FM 96.9 to start a weekly programme for the Chinese community in Manchester.
Read moreWhat is Black Lives Matter?
When her 10-year old daughter asked what Black Lives Matter meant, Jade was stumped. “At first, I didn’t have any answers,” she says. “You don’t want to say anything that might make them dislike others, or feel victimised.”
As a children’s author and illustrator, Jade Calder’s solution was to write a book, with her daughter Dior as the central character. “Explaining a complex issue through a story was, for me, the best way of putting the message out there in a positive way,” she says.
Read moreA new park for West Gorton
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 moreRestaurant-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.
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