Greater Manchester’s leaders send strong message of unity
We must continue to stand strong in the true spirit of Greater Manchester – that’s the message from civic, health and emergency services leaders across the city-region.
Mayor Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes and the leaders of the ten local authorities have met with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins to set out what needs to done over the coming weeks and months to ensure the best possible support is given to all those affected by the Manchester attack, and that our communities are supported as they continue to stand together.
Building on the close partnership working of the last few days, all agencies are committed to taking a strong and united approach as we begin to recover from the Monday’s attack. Mayor Andy Burnham has also made clear Greater Manchester’s zero tolerance approach to extremism, urging communities to continue to work with the police and report any concerns. 
Mayor Andy Burnham said: “We are a city in grief and also a city of solidarity. In the face of such horror and tragedy Greater Mancunians have stood united and shown the world that we are a city of compassion, strength and tolerance. It is these values that we must hold on to over the next days, weeks and months, and refuse to allow terrorists and extremists to divide and turn communities against one another.
“I also call on our communities to continue to work with police and report any suspicious activity and extremist material. Greater Manchester’s leaders take a zero tolerance approach to extremism and will not condone any form of hatred. Please help us in this fight by being vigilant, speaking out and promoting tolerance and cohesion.”
Cllr Rishi Shori, Leader of Bury Council and GMCA Lead for Young People and Social Cohesion, said: “Manchester has faced its darkest moment this week and our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones, the families of those injured and in hospital and all those directly affected by Monday’s horrific attack.
“In the face of this terrible tragedy, the Greater Mancunian spirit of unity, respect and compassion has shone brighter than ever. We need to harness that spirit, strengthen the bonds that thread throughout our city-region and make sure that the needs of families and young people directly affected by the attack are absolutely central to everything we do.”
Cllr Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council and GMCA Lead for Fairness, Equality and Inclusion, said: “I am extremely proud of the way Greater Manchester has stood strong, defiant and united in the face of such a horrific and unimaginable attack on our young people and their families. As we begin to recover and support those who have been directly affected by the attack, it’s vital we continue to bring our communities together and support each other through the next days, weeks and months.
“Greater Manchester’s leaders are committed to working together – closer than we ever have before – to promote social cohesion, tolerance and respect throughout all our communities, sending a strong message that we are a city-region united.”
Zero tolerance to extremism and hate crime
Greater Manchester takes a zero tolerance approach to extremism and will not condone any form of hatred.
We urge communities to continue to work with the police and report any concerns, suspicious activity and extremist material. Please be vigilant and report any concerns about possible terrorist activity to the anti-terrorist hotline in confidence on 0800 789 321 or call 999. If you have any images or footage that you believe can assist GMP then upload them to www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk or www.ukpoliceimageappeal.com.
Hate crime has no place in Greater Manchester. Everyone has the right to feel safe and we all have a responsibility to stand against hatred and discrimination.
You can report hate crime as follows:
- to the police by calling 101
- via the True Vision website – www.report-it.org.uk
- through a hate crime reporting centre – see www.letsendhatecrime.com for details of where they are located
Support for victims and witnesses
Help and support is available for anyone affected by the Manchester terror attack. There is a network of help and support in place, providing immediate emotional and practical local support to victims and witnesses of the Manchester attack.
Those who have lost loved ones and the families of those ill in hospital will be receiving specialist victim care, but if you were there on the night or you witnessed the horror that unfolded, practical help and emotional support is also available to you – whether you need it now or months down the line.
Victim Support has trauma trained staff and can help people of all ages and their helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can contact Victim Support’s national support line on 0808 168 9111 or, if you live in Greater Manchester, call 0161 200 1950.
More information is also available at www.gmvictims.org.uk
Welfare, mental health, personal resilience for all
It is normal to experience strong emotional responses to traumatic events.
For help, advice and support please click HERE.
More advice is available via the Greater Manchester Combined Authority HERE and the NSPCC HERE.
