In the middle of January, a short notice demo was called that led to an occupation by the Disabled People's Direct Action Network in an accessible council office. The protest aimed to encourage the Housing Director of Manchester City Council to address the crisis in housing disabled people.
Clair Lewis had been waiting for safe accessible housing for 5 years, tried everything and been offered a stack of unsuitable homes. Clair lost patience and called out for advocates. An idea was grown and activated by every DANer they could get hold of, who had a chance or means to join in. Clair moved into the local housing office and held a three day "house warming party" with a bunch of house-warming cards and balloons people sent.
DAN demanded the Housing Director re-house them appropriately and create an action plan to deal with the City wide crisis. A reliable source in Manchester's Housing Department admitted that there are "probably thousands" waiting for accessible housing.
"It seems whenever someone tries to help me - my MP, or Deputy Leader of the Council - the Housing Department offers me yet another obviously unsuitable property, just to be seen to be doing something." said one activist.
In Manchester, and nationally, lack of safe housing and support means disabled people can't leave hospital, their parents or abusive relationships, forcing hundreds into institutions such as nursing homes and respite. They are forced into dependency by our circumstances, not just by illness or impairment.
The action ended fifteen minutes before the protesters were to be taken into custody. Everybody left with no charges or arrests and having got their meeting with the Director of Housing, Heads of Service and the support of the deputy leader of the council.
Crip-stirring Culture (Campaigns Section)
This proposal would sweep away GMCVO's core funding, threatening their very existence. Yet, Government policy wants to see effective voluntary sector infrastructure bodies at all levels. And AGMA itself has asked GMCVO to be a key partner in its own Greater Manchester Strategy and has said their "commitment and involvement is essential".
Letters of support for GMCVO should be sent to the AGMA chair, Councillor Peter Smith, "Mysevin", Old Hall Mill Lane, Atherton, Manchester M29 9RG and copy to GMCVO.
Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation, St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester M12 6FZ. (0161 277 1011, gmcvo@gmcvo.org.uk)
Kaleidoscope is not a jobs fair, although some exhibitors may have paid or unpaid work experience, but it is an invaluable chance for you to network and gather information. If you want to carve out a career in one of these fields, you cannot afford to miss this fair!
Fiona Christie, University of Manchester and UMIST Careers Service (0161 275 2828, fiona.christie@man.ac.uk)
Campaigner Graeme Sherriff is enthusiastic, "This is a new and exciting experience for us. As a campaigning group, we are used to telling people what we think, not listening to them. We are very much looking forward to working with community groups in East Manchester."
The group are looking for partner organisations in the area and for information on simliar projects. Organisations and individuals who pledge to be involved will receive training in participatory appraisal (with Open College Network accreditation) from Brighton based consultants, Development Focus. For more information, or to get involved, please get in touch!
Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth (0161 834 8221, office@manchesterfoe.org.uk)
On 2 February, Manchester's Free Trade Hall was occupied by 50 people, hanging banners and leafleting around the historic site. They demand the building returned to use by the general public, as intended by the Hall's founders, and are concerned that the sale of the Free Trade Hall is part of the council's "asset stripping" of the city in order to fund the Commonwealth Games.
On the site of the infamous Peterloo Massacre, the Free Trade Hall stands unrivalled as a key monument to the struggle for democracy. The building itself was founded in 1840 to house the great Corn Law debates of the 19th century and to provide space for Manchester people to hold political, religious and cultural public meetings. The Manchester Corporation bought the Free Trade Hall from the Manchester Public Hall Company in May 1921, "so that the Hall should not be lost to citizens." Yet more recent times have seen Manchester Council's attitude change.
Despite opposition from the city's Civic Society, the council has sold the building to a private developer for œ4 million, and is currently scheduled for 95% demolition to make way for a £45 million luxury hotel.
Sam Hunt, a banner-hanger said: "I call on people everywhere to speak up for keeping public space, starting with the Free Trade Hall. This unique, historical site has been the launchpad of ideas and music that have shaped the world. Surely Manchester's prestige does not have to be built on the ruins of our history?"
The first time a "Votes for Women" banner appeared in public was at the Free Trade Hall in 1905. Since then the building has been graced by a wide range of people - Sex Pistols, Charles Dickens, Dalai Lama. Bob Dylan's first gig with an electric guitar was met with a cry from the audience of "Judas" when he appeared at the Free Trade Hall.
Info: http://www.freetradehall.org (Update 2004: this web site no longer active)