Last week we came together for our six-monthly MDF partner event, building connection while sharing challenges and expertise over delicious home-cooked food provided, as ever, by the wonderful chefs from Growing Together Levenshulme.
In the morning, we heard from Mary, from Equal Education Chances (EEC), winner of the 2026 Spirit of Manchester “Tackling Inequalities” award. Mary talked about the huge range of work EEC does in the community to support children with disabilities and their families, as well as others facing disadvantage, inequality and poverty. EEC is one of MDF’s longest-standing referrers, and Mary talked powerfully about the impact of the grants on people EEC supports – it was heartening to hear how the grants aren’t a standalone support, but multiply the value of all the other support EEC provides.
“The support we received came at a time when we felt completely helpless. It helped us get through a very difficult period and reminded us that we were not alone.”
Brainstorming on the crisis in immigration advice
Following on from our event in the summer about fighting the crisis in immigration advice, we spent the rest of the morning brainstorming on difficult scenarios – how our organisations support people who are struggling to access immigration advice, or who are being let down by their lawyer.
None of the scenarios had easy answers. But what came out of the discussion was the range of expertise, perseverance and fearless advocacy among our partners. What also came strongly across was the commitment to be a listening ear, to hold a safe space and to stand in solidarity with people feeling alone amidst the Hostile Environment.
Supporting people amidst rising far-right hostility
In the afternoon, we had a session from the GM Workers and Tenants Association (GMWATA), to hear the crucial work they are doing to organise in our communities against the rising tide of racism and far-right activism. There was a space for organisations to reflect on what they are seeing at the moment, the impact on themselves and on the people accessing their services. And we talked about responses to far – what’s working, where the gaps are and what’s needed.
We heard about the sheer scale of the challenge, especially where social media is concerned; about the gap that opens up when elected leaders are feeling afraid to speak out; about how often it feels that the law and agents of the law are on the wrong side; about the intense loneliness of feeling unsafe in your home, on your street, in public spaces. It was difficult to reflect together on how these experiences have become everyday. It was also inspiring to hear about how each and every one of our partners in the room is, in different ways, creating spaces of safety, hope and solidarity that stand in resistance to the hostility and hate.
Closing on a note of hope and joy!
We closed with everyone answering the question: What gives you joy or hope at the moment? Here are some of the responses:
“What’s bringing me joy at the moment is that I’m not alone.”
“They are few and we are many.”
“Solidarity.”
“There’s lots of kind and intelligent people in this room”
“To hear about so much inspiring work you don’t know is happening”
“The younger generation.”
“There’s people who care.”
“Community.”
“It’s knowing that what was unthinkable becomes possible. If people will stand up for the people of Palestine, you will stand up for you neighbour, you’ll stand up for yourself.”
“All the wonderful people here – and knowing that one day all this will come to fruition. One day we will look back and see what we have done!”