No stone left unturned at Southern Cemetery

Young people who had previously little or no work experience have helped complete a two year project to re-erect over 4,000 privately owned headstones at the Southern Cemetery.

The volunteers worked with the City Council's Bereavement Services to reinstate the headstones after they were laid down several years ago when they became unsafe. 
 
The project targeted young people who were Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs), employed through various projects including the Future Jobs Fund and Community Task Force initiatives, to provide construction and grounds maintenance-based skills, as well as experience of working life.
 
The scheme involved partnerships between various employment and skills agencies, including: Manchester City Council, Connexions, Community Service Volunteers, Work Solutions and Standguide.
 
Liam Keary, 18, of Longsight, and Jason Farrington, 19, of Baguley, were both involved in the project from the beginning. They have both now secured full time jobs at the City Council as apprentice Cemetery Workers and are currently working towards gaining NVQs in Horticulture.
 
The re-erection of these headstones greatly improves the appearance of the cemetery and improves accessibility for visitors. This work is part of a wider scheme to re-erect headstones across all Council cemeteries, which should be completed by the end of the year.
 
The completion of this project enhances the other works that have recently taken place at Southern Cemetery including improvements to buildings, pathways, fences, gates and grounds maintenance.
 
Cllr Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "This was a major project that has really improved the Southern Cemetery and ensures residents have a respectful and well maintained place to visit lost loved ones.
 
"It has also been incredibly beneficial to the young people who have used this opportunity to get their foot on the first ring of the job ladder and get that invaluable experience that is essential for employment. I wish them every luck for the future."
 
Matt Gallagher, Chair of the Friends of Southern Cemetery, said: "The Friends of Southern Cemetery have worked hard over the last few months to clean up and improve this much loved landmark in South Manchester.
 
"Our aim is to achieve Green Flag status - a nationally recognised scheme that rewards high standards in green spaces - and projects like this make a huge difference to the appearance of the cemetery for visitors."