Like everyone else in Manchester and around the country all of us at Macc are horrified by the events which took place in the city centre last night. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who died and those who are waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones.
With visitors in the city from all over the UK last night, the people of Manchester opened their doors, turned on their kettles and took to social media to help spread the word, help people find each other. What we saw last night was an act of hatred responded to with the power of kindness. We must not let actions driven by hatred cause us to spread hate further.
We have already heard so many people in this city asking what they can do to help. Our message is simple: first, be kind. Be kind to everyone around you. Be defiantly kind.
We want to pay particular tribute to those staff and volunteers working in the emergency services. Their response last night was incredible.
We also want to thank the local businesses who opened their doors last night to offer places of safety and support.
We will be issuing an update with information on practical support from local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups later today. We are currently reaching out to all our friends and colleagues thinking about our immediate and longer term response. Like everyone else we want to do what we can to help.
Macc and many of our colleagues in the local voluntary sector will be attending the vigil on Albert Square at 6pm tonight. Standing in solidarity with everyone.
We always celebrate the Spirit of Manchester. It has never been more evident than it is today and will continue to be in the weeks ahead.
With love from all of us. X
Notes for Editors
• Macc is a charity which provides support to Manchester’s voluntary and community sector. The organisation provides support to local groups in finding funds, setting up and developing, working in partnership, campaigning. Macc also runs the Manchester Voluntary Sector Assembly and Volunteer Centre Manchester.
• Website: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org
• Macc’s ‘State of the Sector’ research published in 2013 revealed there are some 3093 voluntary and community sector organisations in the city of Manchester employing 12,400 staff alongside 94,300 volunteers.
Contact
Mike Wild
Chief Executive, Macc
T: 0161 834 9823
E: [email protected]
Twitter: @MikeWildMacc
Macc, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street, Manchester M4 5JW