Manchester City Council

Education

Young lesbians and gay men and those who are unsure about their sexuality are often called names or bullied at school. Studies have shown that the suicide rate amongst such young people is high. Therefore the Council advises schools to do everything possible to protect young lesbians and gay people from bullying and harassment and ensure they have access to advice and support.

The Department for Education and Skills advises that governing bodies should have specific strategies to deal with homophobic bullying.

In March 2002 schools from across the city were represented at a multi agency anti bullying conference which saw the launch of a new anti bullying information pack for schools, and included workshops on homophobic bullying.

Lesbians Community Project (formerly the Lesbians' Participation Worker)

The Council has worked closely with the group which has an excellent record in encouraging support, advice and sports initiatives across the city.

If you would like to know more you can visit the Lesbians Community Project (external site).

August Bank Holiday HIV / AIDS Fund-Raising Events

Using its experience of supporting the August Bank Holiday events for ten years, Council departments and safety specialists continue to work closely with the organisers and the police to support the event and make sure it is as safe as possible.

Health

In partnership with the Health Authority and Primary Care Trusts, the Council has worked at involving young people to combat the rising trend of sexually transmitted infections. The Council works in partnership with local groups to use World AIDS Day as an opportunity for education as well as a day of remembrance.

Developing the Lesbian and Gay Village

For many years the Council has taken an active role in improving the environment in the Village. Recent initiatives include installing CCTV cameras in the Village to reduce crime, the partial pedestrianisation of Canal Street and supporting the Beacon of Hope and the Alan Turing memorial in Sackville Park.

Civil Partnerships

Go to this page for information on arrangements and ceremonies for Civil Partnerships.

Or contact:
Tel: 0161 234 5555 
Fax: 0161 234 5526

Positive Parenting

Social Services and Positive Parenting work together to promote the opportunities for lesbians and gay men to contribute to childcare as foster carers and adopters.

Crime and disorder

The Council has worked closely with the police and local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups to reduce hate crime and to increase the reporting of homophobic hate crime.

For more information or to report a hate crime ring: Greater Manchester Police on 0161-872-5050 or visit http://www.gmp.police.uk/ (external site)

In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Police

Manchester Housing's Nuisance Response Team actively pursues perpetrators of harassment through court action. For more information or to report harassment phone Housing On Call on 03000 112211.

Section 28

The Council campaigned for the repeal of Section 28 from1988. The Council supported a vigil, a public meeting and a national march and rally to protest against this law.