Gaylife Manchester Issue #4

The best ever Carrot cake recipe
Ingredients
Method
Preheat the oven at 180c, grease 2x20cm tins
1) Whisk together the eggs and sugar using an electric mixer.
2) Whisk in the oil, vanilla, and orange zest.
3) Sift in the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cinnamon and mix
until well combined.
4) Mix in the carrots and raisins, divide the mixture into 2 tins about
two-thirds full (you may have mixture left over for muffins)
5) Bake for 30mins or until a cake skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool
for 10 mins before removing from the tin and full cooled before icing.
6) Add the cream cheese, icing sugar, unsalted butter and orange zest to
a bowl and mix with an electric mixer.
450g grated carrots
260g raisins
4 large eggs
260g caster sugar
240ml corn oil
1tsp vanilla Extract
4 tsp orange zest
240g plain flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
pinch salt
2tsp ground Cinnamon
butter to grease tins
Icing:
175g cream cheese (room
temperature)
450g icing sugar
125g unsalted butter
zest of 1 orange
7) Layer the icing between the two cakes and ice the top, sprinkle with cinnamon.
Serve.
brought to you by
If you enjoyed this recipe and wish to know more about Village Bakers
LGBT Social Group, head to www.villagebakers.lgbt where you can
find details about the group and more recipes to bake at home

Blackberries 6/7
Raspberries 3
Demerara sugar 1 tsp
Gin
50ml
Sage
3 big leaves
Soda
50ml
Ice
3 big cubes
Bramble and Sage Berry Fizz
Pass 5 blackberries through a sieve and into a cocktail shaker. Add sugar, 2 of the sage
leaves, the gin, stir until the sugar is dissolved and then add ice. Shake until combined
and the shaker is cold. Add the soda after shaking and stir, then strain into glass with
remaining berries and sage leaves.
Watermelon and Chilli Martini
Watermelon vodka
Sugar syrup
Chilli
Lime
Ice
50ml
1tsp
Half of a
Half of a
2-3 big cubes
Remove seeds from half a chilli and roughly chop, place in shaker, add vodka,
sugar syrup, lime juice and ice. Shake for at least 30 seconds. Longer to infuse
the chilli, however if you don't like it too spicy then only shake until cold.
Strain and pour into chilled martini glass, serve with chilli and watermelon
pieces.
Blueberry, Lemon and Thyme
Blueberry gin 50ml Honey 1 tsp
Blueberries 10 Lemon 1 half
Lemonade/soda 50ml Thyme A good handful
Ice
5 big cubes
Place 25ml of the gin, 6 halved blueberries, juice from half a lemon, 2 branches
of thyme and 25ml of lemonade into a cocktail shaker. Stir until honey is
dissolved and fizz has gone. Add 2 big cubes of ice and shake, empty into
sealable jar and place in fridge. You can make this ahead of time.
Strain blueberry mix into a tall glass with 3 ice cubes and the remaining whole
blueberries. For your second layer, slowly pour 25ml of lemonade/soda, lastly
add 25ml of the blueberry gin. Garnish with the remaining thyme.

Ella Piazzi
MARKS
It’s June, time for picnics at the park, holidays and Pimm’s.
It’s also Pride Month.
On June, 28th 1969, when New York police raided the
Stonewall Inn, an LGBT bar in Greenwich Village, patrons
and local residents fought back when police became violent, organising in the next weeks safe places where LGBT people could go with no fear of being
prosecuted. Since then, every June we celebrate our existence. We are here, we are queer, we are not going anywhere.
Amazing, right? Yes. On paper.
The Stonewall Riots was 52 years ago and there aren’t that many people that still can say they saw it. That’s why it’s so important for us to remember: so
that we won’t make the same mistakes again. Because 52 years later, despite the fact that we are not considered criminals anymore in 80% of the world, we
can get married, have children and mortgages, we are still persecuted, prosecuted, beaten, abused, ridiculed, rejected by our families and forced into hiding
or worse: in fact, conversion therapy is still a reality in the UK. And it’s legal.
Conversion therapy can be defined as a “cure” to change the sexual orientation or identity of a person, though a form of so-called therapy (there are no
schools or diploma for it) that aims at making you “right”, “correct”. Meaning: straight, non-trans, the way someone else wants you to be.
We fought these battles already. In 1973 homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), followed by
the World Health Organisation removing homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990, and in 1993 it was scientifically proved
that homosexuality is not a disease. In 2000 Section 28 was repealed in Scotland, in 2003 in England and Wales. Finally, in 2018 transsexuality was
declassified as mental illness. We are not wrong. There’s nothing about us that’s wrong. We weren’t born with two heads, or a tail, or the power to spit fire.
And trust me, the last one would come in handy so many times… but hey oh, we are no different than anyone else. Still, according to a survey (source:
Stonewall.org.uk), 5% of the LGBT population and one in five trans people have been offered this type of therapy, with 2% of interviewees actually going
through it. Yes, in 2021.
We all thought Covid was already bad news enough, but apparently there is a revival of The Middle Ages waiting for us right round the corner. I did some
research. My starting point was: “since this therapy is legal, there must be a website that offers it to me”. But except for a few web pages talking about the
progresses – or better, the lack of – in banning conversion therapy, there is nothing. If you really look into it, nothing tells you – scientifically speaking - that
your sexuality per se is a problem, as in the fact that you are a boy who likes boys or a girl who likes girls. How come, then, that there are people offering
me a cure if my sexuality cannot be identified as a problem? The greatest majority of these so-called therapists have no credentials, no formal training of
any kind and they are skilled enough to remain hidden, since the practices they apply to their “sick” subjects can be considered torture. Up to now, these
“therapists” have been hiding behind the freedom of thought, belief and religion and the freedom of expression. Having the freedom to do something
means that you can do it and not being persecuted, prosecuted or punished. Not eroding someone else’s freedom. Nothing against the preachers that,
hiding behind their rhetoric and fancy words and scenic clothing tell me that I will go to hell. Fine by me. You can preach until you are blue.
But you don’t decide for me.
You thinking that I am “wrong” is your opinion and you are entitled to have one. But if I decide not to care, I am exercising my freedom of thought, belief
and expression. If I decide that I don’t want to be subject to corrective violence, invalid medication (including anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety
and hormone injections), electroconvulsive therapy, aversive treatments using electric shocks or vomit-inducing drugs, exorcism or ritual cleansing (often
involving violence while reciting religious verse), force-feeding and food deprivation, forced nudity, and forced isolation and confinement - just to name a
few of the more extreme examples of conversion therapy - I am exercising my basic human rights to life, freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading
treatment, my freedom to liberty and security, my freedom to have a fair trial and my freedom not to be punished outside the law.
I do exist.
I have the right to do so.
And, like it or not, I am not going anywhere.
On 17th May, the world stood in solidarity to mark
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia,
Biphobia and Transphobia) and will also do so on 12th June,
to remember the 49 lives lost in the shooting at Pulse Nightclub
in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Style ideas from
ALL SAINTS
& Ted Baker
River Island
ALL SAINTS S/S 2021

3 DAYS. ONE AWESOME FESTIVAL - FRIDAY 17TH, SATURDAY 18TH & SUNDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2021
Manchester’s Prince’s Park looks set to be the biggest year yet!
HEADLINING:
SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR &
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS
It all kicks off on Friday 17th September
from 5.00-10.00pm with the ‘Made In Manchester’ night
with some of the finest tribute bands around.
Noasis, The Smiths Ltd and The Courtbetweeners
with legend guest DJ Leo B Stanley.
Saturday 18th September - Gates open at 12 noon
First band is at 2pm.
Playing on the main stage Sophie Ellis Bextor, D:Ream,
911, Jo O’Meara (S Club 7), Andy Bennett from Ocean
Colour Scene and Stax Of Soul.
Sunday 19th September - Gates open at noon
First band 2pm.
Playing live are Scouting For Girls, Martin Kemp with an
eighties DJ set, Ben from Phats and Small, Abz from 5ive,
Space, and the Manchester Ska Foundation.
Also a huge main bar with a great range of draft beers and
ciders, Holt’s Craft Ale bar, Gin and Prosecco Bar, Kingsland
Wines Bar, Demon Drinks Bar. Lots of award-winning food
vendors, VIP Area, Pop-up Silent Disco Parties, The Beach,
Fun Fair, The Secret Disco and lots more.
A spokesperson said, “Irlam Live is now firmly on the
Summer festival map for an unmissable weekend of
incredible live music and entertainment for all ages”.
Tickets available from - irlamlive.co.uk/tickets

Grassroots bands will be playing
the second stage between the
main stage on both Saturday
& Sunday
WE'RE GIVING THE CHANCE TO
A PAIR OF TICKETS
Saturday & Sunday

In 2007, two young goths - Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend
Robert Maltby - were subjected to a horrific unprovoked attack
whilst walking in the Pennine town of Bacup, Lancashire.
14 years later, we reflect on the still-present intolerance
of those who are 'different' and take a look at
the inspired storyline, as well as the tireless
work of Sophie's mother
who set up a foundation
in her name.
www.sophielancasterfoundation.com
/sophielancasterfoundation
@sophie_charity
sophie_lancaster_foundation
The legacy and foundation of
KICKED TO DEATH FOR LOOKING DIFFERENT. WEIRDO. MOSHER. FREAK. IF ONLY THEY'D STOPPED AT NAME CALLING.
Sophie and her boyfriend were creative, artistic people who dressed in their own unique way. They were attacked by a gang of 5 boys in
a park in Bacup, Lancashire on 11 August 2007. The gang attacked Sophie’s boyfriend first and then turned on her, carrying out a brutal
and sustained attack. Sophie remained in Hope hospital in Salford for 13 days before, following medical advice, the family agreed to
switch off her life support. Sophie died on 24 August 2007; she was just 20 years old. Sophie was young woman who was murdered
for being different.
Sophie’s mother, Sylvia, had seen at first-hand the abuse and prejudice her daughter had previously been subjected to, because of how
she dressed. During the long hours at hospital, Sylvia decided that when Sophie was better, they would go into schools and talk to young
people about difference, acceptance, and how it is ok to be who you are and express yourself in your own way.
Sadly, Sylvia never got a chance to do this with Sophie but she was determined that she would carry on this work and so established The
Sophie Lancaster Foundation. Run as a lasting legacy to a beautiful life cut short by violence, the charity works to promote tolerance
and acceptance for others - however we are different, and champions alternative people in our communities. The Foundation’s mission
to stamp out prejudice hatred and intolerance everywhere, can be summed up in one word - S.O.P.H.I.E
The mission remains to provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative
subcultures and campaign for the UK Hate Crime legislation to be extended to include people from alternative subcultures.
Education is at the heart of Sylvia's plans and, as a result, resources were created for use in workshops across primary and secondary
schools to help young people to develop greater critical thinking skills and empathy. The resources also help students understand that
difference is not something to fear and to stimulate in them a greater understanding of the consequences their actions have on
themselves and others. As well as undertaking training in schools and colleges, and showing support for alternative subcultures at converts,
gig and other events, the
charity was asked to go
into prisons and young
offender institutions,
telling Sophie’s story
and sharing the lasting
impact that violence
has on families and
communities.
The five youths
who attacked
Sophie and Robert
were all between
15 -17 years old.
Originally charged
with causing GBH
with intent, following
Sophie’s death it
changed to
murder.
Alongside the educational remit, a key area of the Foundation’s work is with the police
and judicial system. The sentencing at Sophie’s murder trial was passed as a hate
crime, equal to all other strands of hate. Sylvia has since lobbied and campaigned
to have hate crime against people from alternative subcultures monitored in the
same way as for other hate strands.
In 2013, Greater Manchester Police became the first force in the country to log
and monitor hate crimes and incidents against alternative people. It is a huge
milestone that a total of 18 forces in England and Wales now do so.
Sylvia is a member of the cross-party hate crime Independent Advisory Group.
The recent storyline in Coronation Street is
just the latest instalment in Sophie's
legacy . It saw Seb and Nina attacked
because of their relationship and
Nina's gothic appearance, however,
in contrast, Seb died as a result of
his injuries. Sylvia Lancaster worked
with producers to reinforce the
representation and contribute to the
powerful message. Other works include
BAFTA award winning documentary
'Murdered for Being Different' and other
forms of Simon Armitage's 'Black Roses'.

Why Don't You Want Me?
Why don't you want me?
Am I not the son that you thought I'd be?
I didn't ask for your help on how I should change myself,
So why did you say those things to me.
To you Now I don't exist but to me I'm exactly who I'm supposed to be.
I feel so angry,
I was just a child when you told me that it felt like I'd died,
when I told you I was gay, did it really feel that way?
And no I don't want to meet your new boyfriend Andy.
I'm not saying that be nasty, I just know you won't be with him long
and oh look you broke up, fantastic shall I come back again
because now you don't have anyone to hang out with?
Your friends told you they wouldn't care but they're just glad that I wasn't theirs,
how do you expect me to react?
Am I supposed to listen and have a laugh?
As if the words you said didn't cut me like a knife.
Why do you make me feel like I should feel sorry for you,
that I did something to offend.
Was it really that tough to understand that I had a boyfriend and I was happy.
Or was it that I wasn't going to find a girl to marry and have babies.
Because while you're thinking about yourself and how you feel I feel crazy,
I don't even know who I am still sat in my joggers listening to jay-Z trying to convince myself
I'm not gay - maybe because you said you hope it doesn't change me.
So tell me why don't you want me am I not the son you want me to be.
I didn't ask for you opinion on all the things why I'm different so you don't have to point them
out me like I'm changing because I'm keeping my distance because it brings fruition and no
you might not have grandchildren.
I'm not sad, I'm mad, I'm not in pain I'm ashamed.
You couldn't even read the words I wrote to you on the page.
You said it was like abuse but listen, it's the truth with nothing missing.
You're not going to hurt me again. I won't let that happen.
Don't say you did all you can for your children
when you didn't want me because I was different
Make Up
I've got through things you have never even thought of.
Who knows where I would be if I didn't fuck up. Maybe even worse off.
Still on my own in my mums house. Breaking my own back with a smirk on.
Push myself too far with this fake love. back on track, we always make up.
But that fake smile is only make-up.
Now we carry on as if nothing has happened. Never talk about it like it doesn't even matter.
As if I never hurt you with a flash of a camera. Then bring everything I've ever said back and
I know you have receipts with the first sign of anger.
I've been on your phone again,
because I can't help but feel that if I did it with him then you've done it with all them.
This isn't right man I need to take a 1 step forward and 2 steps back,
for this to work we both need to just forget what happened and not have set backs.
But I know we can't accept that, we don't even speak about it so how can move on?
Every time we have an argument it's my wife and kids on re-runs.
I used to watch that show religiously every morning with my breakfast.
But you talk about our relationship fictitiously every time it's my fault
but I can't eat my breakfast because somehow my fucking lips bust
because this time you've thrown a punch.
I'm bleeding. is this my fault? Am I right to feel this? It kind of feels good to lash out I know.
Does he need this? I'm sick of this shit. Over and over again.
He's acting up because I didn't wash the dishes.
I'm acting up because you don't fucking love me and that's the difference.
I don't even know how this is going to end. I know we can't just be friends because I've tried
that and I rang that little goon you were speaking to and told him I'd break his legs.
So this is it.
I love you but we can't carry on like this. It's toxic.
I'll see you soon tho. I promise.

with
POLITY
Liberal Democrat candidate
for Mayor of Greater Manchester
2. You stood as a councillor
for Hale Barns in Trafford.
What made you want to run
for Mayor?
I ended up standing for the Greater
Manchester Mayor post as a result of
Covid. Our confirmed candidate for the
original election in 2020 had to step down
late in 2020 due to personal circumstances
and he and others across the regional party
asked me to step in and run. Now I had always
thought that I might one day run for mayor, however
I didn’t say yes at first but over Christmas I agreed and
the party had their selection process, confirming me as
the candidate in mid-January.
1. Tell us about your background, interests and political career...
Born in Cumbria, I grew up in the south east in St. Albans following my parents’ divorce. My mother has worked in the healthcare sector her
whole life; you could say it was in my blood to follow her. However, I rebelled and when to university in Northampton where I studied
I believed in what I wanted to talk about which always helps!
Having worked in the health and social care sector I saw the
gaps and failings that we needed to sort out, I don’t drive so use
and get annoyed with public transport, we need social housing to
help people save for their own home without high rents and
substandard accommodation and we needed to get a grip of our
police force in order to restore faith.
American Studies & Politics, only starting my health and social care career after my degree. I always had an interest in politics and local
community action, unlike Greater Manchester there was no real dominant party locally, and my home town council often changed
between Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, and even had a Labour member of Parliament from 1997-2005.
4. Obviously the Mayor of GM was first elected back in 2017, the
Greater Manchester LGBT Action Plan was then launched by LGBT
Foundation. 12 months later it was re-launched when the LGBTQ+
Advisor and Advisory panel were set up (the government's has seen
3 members resign and the panel's term is due to end).
How far have we come and what needs doing?
When at university I made friends with various people from across the political spectrum, but especially with members of the
Young Liberals, and got involved in campaigning with them be it local elections or protesting on national issues including
Section 28, equal marriage and race equality.
I never joined a political party however and following my move to Greater Manchester in 2005 I found myself finding
friends, settling down and progressing in the health and social care sector in many different roles, life tended to take
over. It wasn’t until 2015 and the disastrous election wipe out of the Liberal Democrats that I ended up finally joining,
The community in Greater Manchester is a key part of the continued prosperity of Greater
Manchester, be it tourism, the night-time economy or our social progressive attitudes across
the city region. The community at times seems to be fragmented across the city region which
it shouldn’t be, and yes a lot of attention goes towards Canal Street and the Gay Village, we have
to come together to demand better for our community across the city region and this is where we
all have a part to play. We have come a long way in the past 25 years, out from the shadow of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic which caused so much progress to be set back, those heroes and champions that
because Britain needs Liberals to help make the case and campaign for social change. I was always going to stand
for local council this year in what is known as a non-target ward, with a lack of active members and engaged
voters all of the political parties struggle to actively campaign in every part of a local council area, and especially
with our out dated first past the post voting system we tend to focus on a few areas in order to win seats at
council and national elections. I would, of course, love to represent my own community at some point, but I
urge everyone to get involved, join a party, meet other activists and help campaign for what you believe in.
3. Your manifesto included lots of urgently needed items but not anything specifically
related to LGBTQ+ people but we know you are an active campaigner and
ambassador, attending local prides and keeping up to date with goings on in the
community. How would you describe the
community in (Greater) Manchester?
All of these areas affect the LGBTQ+ community, and everyone else, across the region.
We want to see the roll out of PREP and access to sexual health for all who require it across
Greater Manchester, we also want as a community to feel welcome and supported while
in hospital with our partners, either legally or not, recognised. We also need effective
mental health support developed specifically for our community.
Access to safe and affordable housing for our community needs to be spoken
about more, we have to many of our LGBTQ+ siblings arriving in Greater
Manchester, fleeing rejection, bullying and persecution. When they get here
however they are met with a closed drawbridge to support and access to
services to help them get back on their feet, this is always hampered by
the lack of safe, clean, reasonable rent accommodation.
Many in our community use public transport be it for work or leisure,
why should the trains, buses and trams stop at a certain time
fought through the 1980s and 1990s so I and all of us could live a relatively peaceful life should never be stranding people in the city centre, preventing them from getting
forgotten. They campaigned when it wasn’t popular, they didn’t shut up when shouted down or told a cheap safe way home?
it wasn’t our time. I am particularly proud as a Liberal Democrat that in 2003 it was our amendment With many of our community working in low income jobs
that
scraped Section 28, the Labour Government at the time didn’t think it was the right time but why should they not have cheap, clean, safe and easy
with
pressure from the Lib Dems and the community we finally got it scraped in England & Wales. public transport to use.
The LGBTQ+ community should have faith in the
police, faith and reassurance that all hate crimes
are reported and dealt with, faith that support
and protection is there when needed. My core
campaign issues may not have looked like they
focused on the LGBTQ+ community however
far from it, scratch the surface and all four
issues are key to our success and
continued part of Greater Manchester
DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY
LET US RISE UP FROM THE ASHES OF COVID & RECESSION
AND REBUILD GREATER MANCHESTER TOGETHER

We get the lowdown on the city's
new and only football club
open to the LGBTQ+ women
of all abilities to play
the sport for fun.
We spoke to ROISIN
about the idea, founders,
launch and plans...
It all began when myself and four friends wanted to start
a football club that was welcoming, friendly and open to
women of all abilities of the game. There are many football clubs in Manchester for women who state
they are all of these things, but when you turn up, it's not always the case. It's fine if you want a club that wants
every trophy in the grassroots game, but we wanted a club that took the game back to the basics - that is meeting new people;
meeting new friends; socialising, and just having a good time whether you win or not.
Some of us are part of the LGBTQ+ rainbow family too and some of us are allies, and we decided to open up our club to all
women and also to non-binary people too. We all love watching men's and women's football and have found friends via social
media through this joy of the game and realised that non-binary people wanted a place they could kick a ball about too and
meet fellow football fans who would be welcoming to them...and so Manchester Laces were formed.
Roisin Murray:
"With three older brothers, I've always played and watched football since I could walk; played in boys teams till I was too old, then there were no
girls teams where I lived (in my day) so stopped. As I grew older, I wanted to pick it up again, but every club I went to was so serious and you had
to have trials to even get a look in or it was cliquey; so very cliquey. I want a club that is truly a welcoming space for all, no matter if you've never
kicked a ball before or if you nutmegged Tobin Heath that one time and that's exactly what Manchester Laces offers, a football family."
Candice Collins:
"I've played football since leaving Uni, so started a
little later than some. Too often I've left the field
after a match or training session feeling deflated. I
want to have some fun and
help create a space where everyone feels
welcome and like they have something
to contribute. I want to be part of a
community that sets the standard."
Elena Aragones:
"I'm a Spaniard living in
Manchester, so for me football is
not just a sport. It means more to
me; meeting new people, making
friends, supporting each other, and
it's also a way of communicating for
me, because all of us 'speak the
same language' on the pitch
regardless of our nationality."
Helen Hardy:
"I wanted to find a club that was focused
on socialising and meeting new people. I
moved to Manchester from London and
have been trying to find somewhere
inclusive that cares more about me as
a person rather than my goal tally.
I'm so pleased to be involved
in this amazing community!"
Emma Morris:
"I love football and
everything about it. I've
played for many different
football teams all around
the UK & still find that
first session the most
daunting experience.
I want to be part of a team
that makes everyone feel
welcome from the start, no
matter what their footballing
ability. I also love a social!"

Manchester's Premier Brown Drag Queen
...serving up legit advice
on your dilemmas...
Q1. Auntie Val!
I’ve been so lonely lately. Would you go on a socially
distanced date with a fully vaccinated bottom?
- Anon
Dad, leave me alone!
Q2. Auntie Val,
I really want to come to Manchester to see you! What places
shall I look out for and what should I do when I’m there?
- George, Not Manchester
Look out for cars. One missed glance and you’re done. And be sure to
look both ways in the toilets (it's meant to be on person per cubicle).
But, jokes aside, the legendary canal street is the way to go. Watch out
for the Twinks - They’re just as deadly as cars. And make sure you come
by to cruz 101 and say hello to your Auntie Val.
Safe sex. Safe travels x .
Q3. Dragony Auntie Val! My husbands anatomy isn’t the biggest. How do I tell him that
he doesn’t fulfill my needs without hurting his feelings?
- Anon, Wigan
Well darling you married him so you’re stuck. It’s your own fault. No one likes a size
queen nowadays. Have a talk with him. He’s your husband. He’s probably already
getting the feeling that there may be an issue. He probably feels undervalued too.
Speak to him. And then have a threesome. with a hung Brazilian escort.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES WITH LARGE APPENDAGES!
Q4. Dragony aunt, my best friend’s boyfriend (straight) tried to kiss me at her own birthday party!
What should I do?
- Jamie, Rochdale
You didn’t tell me if you actually kissed him! Is it worth it? Is/was HE worth it?
She (I’m assuming) is your best friend! And he, is a CUNT! Make a fake profile
and try and catch him out.
(For legal reasons, this is a joke. For personal reasons, get that little bitch).
Q5. Auntie Qaeda! How do I do my makeup as flawlessly as you do?
- Vithun, Bury
. Darling it’s a god given talent. I can’t help.
I didn’t choose this life it chose me! If you can't achieve
my standards, wear the mask.
AND REMEMBER... IF YOU HAVE A DILEMMA, THEN IT'S NOT MY PROBLEM!
I MEAN... JUST POP IT THROUGH THE HOLE IN THE DOOR IF THERE'S A
QUEUE ;)
BETTER STILL, SEND ME A DM ON TWITTER / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
YOUR PROBLEMS COULD BE IN OUT NEXT ISSUE TOO!
#ATPROBLEMSHARED
x

@WestwoodDan
westwooddan
#Here4u Campaign is now a Nationwide Mental Health awareness campaign set up by
DANIEL WESTWOOD (Coronation Street, Doctors and TV Presenter).
Originally from The North East, Daniel set up the online video based pledge movement
after suffering from Anxiety Issues / Panic Attacks himself in TV studios and whilst on
stage appearing in CBeebies LIVE. Also after sadly loosing a friend, Love Island star,
Sophie Gradon to suicide, Dan decided it was time to put something positive back
into the very dark and sometimes dangerous place that is the internet and pressures
of Social Media. The Movement reached over 25k retweets on Twitter alone in its first
day of launching as Coronation Street's Georgia Taylor started off the video uploads.
Now, with Daily Movements also on Facebook and Instagram and video pledges from
members of the #Here4u Campaign public/Various Celebrities from The Hairy Bikers to
Claire Sweeney and local Councillors lending support to people from Ireland, LA, Dubai
and even Australia uploading their very own messages and pledges of support to those
struggling with Anxiety.
Dan is now a very proud ambassador for MIND, with a schools tour about to start
and a Podcast being released to continue spreading the message:
‘Its OK not to be OK’ ‘ Speak Out’ and ‘You are never alone’.
Dan also now presents Saturday afternoons (1-4pm) on Gorgeous FM.
"The response to the campaign since it launched has been somewhat
overwhelming, from the support in pledges, press, daily messsges of support
to me, to people speaking about it in coffee shops and on train journeys!
It goes to show that everyone is willing to support someone who is
struggling, whether they have reached out or not. Now there is so much
help available should you need it or know someone that is struggling
I'm hoping that the nationwide campaign continues to go from strength to
strength with a schools tour planned when its safe to visit schools again
and podcast already recorded with a national release on its way."

en though aspects of anxiety appear to be the opposite of depression, they can often go hand-in-hand.
xiety is something that we can all feel. It is a survival instinct; if we feel anxious in a situation it leads to our flight of fight response, which as a mechanism has
owed Homo sapiens to survive to become the most dominant species on the planet. However at times this mechanism goes out of control and we can start to worry
ponentially about everything.
those with the condition they often go on to struggle with over 6 months worth of worrying about everyday things which actually present little or no risk, to the point
t this causes distress and impairment to the individual.
ong with the worrying anxiety leads to a number of worrying physical symptoms and we often diagnose it more from these.
Persistent nervousness ~ Shaking/Trembling ~ Sweating ~ Inability to go to sleep due to worrying about everything, leading to lack of sleep
Restlessness ~ Poor concentration ~ Irritability ~ Muscle pains and tension
Headaches ~ Dizziness ~ Heartburn ~ Palpitations
s more common in females, those who have a family history of the condition, have had recent traumatic events, those with other health conditions, and who have a
h use of recreational drugs. Like depression it can also lead to a person developing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm as a way to escape the daily torment
constant mental and physical symptoms. It can also lead to the worrying being so bad a person doesn’t want to leave their house any more.
can accumulate so much into an episode of such marked physical and mental stress that an individual has a panic attack, which can be an episode of the heart
cing, feeling dizzy, difficulty breathing, chest pain and uncontrollable worrying.
hen a person notices they have the symptoms of anxiety and attend their health professional they will be asked a series of questions to work out the severity and
m a treatment plan to try to aid recovery.
Treating anxiety and depression can be done in various ways.
Prior to seeking medical attention many people try different things to try to help themselves. Some are myths and
some are true:
~ Exercise: True…Physical exercise improves both anxiety and depression and our general metal health.
Whether it be going for a walk or playing a sport. The release of endorphins has long been
known to help with our mood, but exercise often leads to socialising.
~ Ignore it, it will go away: False...Once we have reached the stage that the symptoms are going on for a month
or two for depression or six month with anxiety it will not go away.
~ Alcohol and drugs make me feel better: False...People often feel better when they are drunk however, long term
use of alcohol leads to more depression. Marijuana, cannabis, or
weed often makes people people more relaxed and people say it
helps them to relax and go sleep. For some this is true however,
its use can lead to paranoia and more serious mental health in
some individuals. Also drugs such as E, whizz, MKAT can
worsen anxiety when used for long periods.
~ Speak to someone: True...It’s ok to not be ok, speaking to a close friend or family member or a
mentor can help you to feel better and improve some of your anxiety
and depression symptoms
There are a few different types of anxiety. Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a common condition,
estimated to affect up to 5% of the UK population. Slightly more women are affected than men,
and the condition is more common in people from the ages of 35 to 59.
It can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to
person, but can include: ~ feeling restless or worried ~ having trouble concentrating or
sleeping ~ dizziness or heart palpitations
It can also have a significant effect on your daily life, but several different treatments are
available that can ease your symptoms. These include:
~ Psychological therapies - you can get psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT) on the NHS; you do not need a referral from a GP and you can refer yourself
for psychological therapies service in your area.
~ Medicine – such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs)
There are also many things you can do yourself to help reduce your anxiety, such as:
~ going on a self-help course ~ exercising regularly ~ stopping smoking
~ cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink
Social Anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social
situations. It's a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. It can be very
distressing and have a big impact on your life. For some people it gets better as they get older. But
for many people it does not go away on its own without treatment. It's important to get help if you are
having symptoms. There are treatments that can help you manage it.
Try to understand more about your anxiety – by thinking about or writing down what goes through your mind
and how you behave in certain social situations, it can help to keep a diary. Relaxation and breathing
techniques and exercises can also be effective.
"Anxiety is a feeling of unease,
such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe."

ON 15TH JUNE,
7PM
I BE TALKING TO...
Hairy Singing Cartoon Clown
BGT Semi-Finalist
and Manchester icon
DANNY BEARD