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black history month | in focus - khadijat idowu, founder of across ummah cic

  October is #BlackHistoryMonth, and Manchester Active are celebrating inspirational black people from Manchester   We recently spoke with Khadijat Idowu Morafa, the Founder of Across Ummah CIC, a charity organisation in Manchester who work to mitigate substance misuse, addiction, crises and domestic violence within the family and in the community.   Read the full interview below;   1. please could you tell us about yourself? "My name is Khadijat Idowu MORAFA, the Founder of Across Ummah CIC. I had my M.Sc in Issues in Brain and Addiction. I love to foster peace and harmony within the community by supporting different demographics and social status to resolve any challenges within the community."     2. Tell us about Across Ummah cic? "Across Ummah CIC was established to improve family and community cohesion, mental and general wellness by mitigating substance misuse, addiction, crises and domestic violence within the family and in the community.   We create holistic pathways for people to reduce these conditions, by creating coping mechanisms in building resilience through counselling, therapy, coaching and resourceful skills to combat life challenges. We organise lectures, conferences, workshops, youth programmes.   We also run food projects across Manchester to reduce Cost of living crisis, poverty and socio-economic problems."   3.what made you want to set up the organisation? "When crisis happens in the family, many people do not have coping mechanisms more than turning into substance misuse. Some people from overseas entered criminal injustice and social services wrath due to lack of knowledge about being assimilated and lack of social values and norms. There are issues of identity crisis and Adverse childhood experience in many communities.    Across Ummah intervenes to educate the communities and create pathways to prevent and reduce these dysfunctional traits in the family and in the community at large. We believe viable and good family units will foster viable community and eventually viable society. We run youth events to bring the awareness of the substance misuse and support them to reach maximum potentials in life."   4. in your experience, what do you think are the main causes of substance abuse and addiction in manchester's communities? Some of the causes of substance abuse are due to peer pressure, trauma, adverse childhood Experiences, socio -economic pressures like unemployment, poverty, lack of coping strategies in difficulties, lack of education or ignorance, easy access to drugs and mental illness and isolation.   5. how do you help people? Through counselling, coaching, therapy, training, workshops, giving educative sessions and awareness in schools and in our events. Our food hub and panties are another outlet for people to mix and socialise with other people in the community. We train people to learn new skills on budgeting, parenting, triaging and signpost to other sectors they could be supported. 6. despite your work. what obstacles to reducting levels of substance abuse & addiction remain? "There are so many obstacles, we face but we never give up on anyone and are always there for our clients.   Economic and Social Inequalities – Poverty, unemployment Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and social disparities contribute to substance abuse in vulnerable populations. Relapse and Long-term Recovery – Relapse is a common challenge in addiction recovery, highlighting the need for ongoing support.   Limited Prevention and Education – Education and prevention efforts are insufficient as there has been so many reductions in some services to promote awareness as there are people including our youths unaware of the risks and consequences of substance abuse.   The stigma and discrimination associated with addiction can deter individuals from seeking help and getting treatment, we as a community Interest are accepting all backgrounds and create pathways for their individual’s needs.   Lack of access to Treatment and rehabilitation centres – Many communities face limited access to addiction treatment and rehab services. The waiting period for NHS is long and the private sectors are so expensive.   Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders – Substance abuse often co-occurs with mental health issues, and addressing both simultaneously can be challenging.   Accessibility and Social Inequalities – The availability and ease of access to drugs and alcohol to fuel addiction issues especially Cannabis, Shisha and vaping." 7. who has supported your work and how important has that support been to you and the organisation? "All the teams- Board of Directors, staffs, volunteers and the service users have been amazing in building trust and collaborating with us. Without adequate fundings from our funders and supporters such as NHS and Mental sectors, One Manchester, food Manchester, Rafiki and Fareshare Food Network, BBC Children In Need, Healthy Me Healthy Community, MACC and Manchester City Council and others Stakeholders we would not have been able to achieve this milestone." 8. what has been your most memorable or stand out moment? "Wiping tears from people’s eyes, validating and reassuring them to achieve maximum potentials in life are great values. Working with diverse communities with various challenges in life such as gambling, addiction or other issues that they felt quite daunting and unsurmountable, and working with these individuals to cross these hurdles, turn their lives round and have sense of achievements." 9. how can people in manchester get involved and support the work you do? "We welcome more volunteers from diverse background because of diversities in the community that we serve. More funding will boost the projects that we run, and everyone is welcome." We'd like to say a mssive thank you to Idowu for taking the time to speak to us.If you like to learn more about Across Ummah, and the work they do, visit the links below!   Find them on; Website Email Instagram

the national cycling centre 'aces' its reopening

On Saturday 2 September, The Velodrome at the National Cycling Centre reopened after £27 million of works to improve its facilities and green credentials – becoming the UK’s first all-electric Velodrome. The grand opening saw city officials, council members, officers, key stakeholders and many other community users and local residents visit the National Cycling Centre to celebrate the return of this iconic Manchester landmark. The National Cycling Centre has been an unmistakable part of the city’s sporting skyline since manchester hosted the successful 2002 commonwealth games and, it is great to welcome back the jewel in the city’s crown of world-class sporting facilities.    Reducing carbon emissions has been at the heart of this refurbishment.  Renewable energy technologies such as solar panels have been installed throughout the facility, and energy efficient technologies in 3 new air source heat pumps will reduce the National Cycling Centre’s carbon footprint. These technologies will ensure Manchester remains on track to meet the 2038 net zero target.   As one of the Council's most energy dependent buildings the new technologies are expected to reduce carbon emissions by a minimum of 517 tonnes per year.   As a globally recognised city of sport, Manchester is uniquely placed to host major events year in, year out. The Velodrome will be no different. It is fantastic that our partners British Cycling also get to call the National Cycling Centre home. The passion, dedication and prowess they demonstrate here will no doubt further ignite the enthusiasm of local people and local communities to pick up a bike and have a go.  The event saw speeches from Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure Cllr John Hacking, Sport England's Executive Director of Place, Lisa Dodd Mayne and British Cycling's CEO Jon Dutton.   Cllr John Hacking said; "Investment in elite facilities like this plays a pivotal role in encouraging people to embrace an active lifestyle and move more, and the reopening of this facility ensures it remains a beacon of inspiration, showcasing what cycling can achieve, both competitively and recreationally.   Just like the other world-class national centres in Manchester, the National Cycling Centre will serve as a place that stretches far beyond the podiums and starter pistols. This facility will encourage and nurture a sense of community built through movement".  Following the announcement of Manchester’s current bid to become the European Capital of Cycling in 2024, the return of the National Cycling Centre will maximise the movement of cycling, and it was brilliant to welcome delegates from the ACES European bid team to the launch event. In these hallowed walls, we get to witness the perfect synergy between grassroots and world-class and the power of sport, physical activity and movement to shape a healthier, happier, and more vibrant community. Interested in cycling? Find out what's available at the National Cycling Centre here

abraham moss returns in style

Today (Wednesday 13 September) we were thrilled to unveil the brand new Abraham Moss Library and Leisure Centre. The grand opening saw city officials, council members, officers, key stakeholders and many other community users and local residents join to celebrate the official opening of this brand new state-of-the-art facility. Manchester City Council Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, Councillor John Hacking welcomed guests to the facility and spoke of the importance of Manchester's continued investment in facilities. Following a multi-million investment from Manchester City Council, this new building has significantly transformed the landscape of the Abraham Moss campus with the introduction of a stunning library and leisure facility. An investment that is part of the Council’s long-term transformational strategy into the renewal and modernisation of our leisure estate to provide a sustainable future, part of Manchester's long-term plan and target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038.     Having both a vibrant library and a modern leisure centre in one location provides an enriching environment for the local community. This will be our fourth across the city, working together to promote healthy minds and healthy bodies.    The centre boasts a six-lane swimming pool, learner pool, steam room and sauna, two squash courts, health and fitness suites, (including gyms and studios), sports hall, changing facilities, all providing a diverse sport, leisure, and cultural offer alongside targeted services and programmes, designed to tackle health inequalities locally.    And is also the proud home to new indoor cricket facilities, hosting the very first urban cricket centre in the north, following capital investment contribution from the England and Wales Cricket Board via the Combined Local Authority. An investment that secured a 30-hour dedicated weekly cricket programme on site that will support local growth in cricket.     The brand-new library is an ultra-modern open plan space, offering cultural and creative space for the whole community with great books, free access to wi-fi and the internet, an exciting and diverse event programme for all ages. The library will continue to play a significant role in helping to address deprivation and inequality for local communities in the heart of crumpsall.    We also got the opportunity invite local resident, Edward Kane, as our special guest.    Cllr John Hacking said "Edward has been volunteering at Abraham Moss library for over 20 years. He is a popular and valued member of the team, always happy, talking to customers and helping to create a welcoming space for everyone. Edward volunteers and turns up for his duties come rain or shine, even if he is unwell. He is an outstanding example to others, and he makes a notable contribution to the library service and am pleased to formally acknowledge his commitment today. Thank you, Edward."    This facility is one that reflects Manchester at its finest – a city that cherishes its people and harnesses the power of community spirit and ensures Mancunians have access to live healthier and happier lives, through the creation of accessible space that truly cater to the diverse needs of local residents. Click here to find out more, come along or join. We'd love to hear from you.