A Day of Wellness at the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse
- Lorraine Lawrence
- Dec 5, 2025
- 3 min read
The night before this community health event, on 14th November 2025, Manchester had been battered by what felt like the storm of all storms, and I (Lorraine Lawrence) found myself wondering whether the planned event would even go ahead. By the morning, the storm had thankfully calmed, giving a small sense of relief, although the wind was still blowing and the rain lingered.
Even though I travelled by cab, due to tram lines being affected by fallen branches, the journey was still an adventure. From inside the cab, I witnessed scattered debris along the streets and couldn’t help but notice the chaos the storm had caused. I counted 11 broken umbrellas along the way in a 25-minute journey, a stark reminder of the storm’s intensity. Undeterred, I pressed on in true Mancunian fashion, determined to make it to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse.
To my delight, the moment I stepped through the doors, the atmosphere transformed completely. The Powerhouse was alive with warmth, positivity, and a real sense of purpose. The contrast between the weather outside and the energy inside was remarkable. Residents, families, young, old, and local organisations had all made it through the weather, showing the true resilience, dedication, and spirit of Manchester.
Upon arriving at the venue, I was greeted by staff who asked for my name and the organisation I represented before guiding me to my table. The stall covered in a bright yellow cloth and decorated with the ‘Powerhouse’ logo and Manchester’s iconic worker bee, immediately felt welcoming. Coincidentally, yellow is my birth colour, so the setup felt especially fitting for the day.
I chose to attend the event because it focused on community health and wellbeing, making it an excellent opportunity to showcase the UPTURN project to residents and partner organisations. Having a stall there was a natural choice, allowing me not only to raise awareness of the project but also to engage directly with the communities and gain a clearer understanding of their health needs.
Once everything was set up, people began approaching the table with genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions about UPTURN, the communities we work with, and the initiatives we have planned. Many conversations also opened up broader discussions about health, particularly smoking within ethnic communities and the difficulties some groups face in maintaining good lung health. These exchanges were incredibly valuable, providing meaningful insight into community concerns while encouraging residents to reflect on ways they can improve their wellbeing.
One of the unexpected joys of the day was reconnecting with people I’ve had the pleasure of working with in previous roles. It’s always heart-warming to see familiar faces, and one of those was Afzal Khan, MBE. Catching up felt like a real blast from the past, a reminder of the strong relationships and shared community values that continue to shape my journey.
As the event ended and I stepped back outside into the calm after the storm, I felt uplifted, inspired, and deeply grateful. Days like this are a powerful reminder of why community work matters so much. The resilience and positivity of residents, the dedication and creativity of partner organisations, and the shared commitment to improving wellbeing, even in challenging conditions, reflect the true strength, spirit, and heart of South Manchester.
A special acknowledgement goes to the Neighbourhood Health Champions, who played a central role in making the event both meaningful and accessible. Their tireless dedication to improving local health outcomes not only strengthens community connections but also empowers residents to take an active role in their own wellbeing. Seeing their commitment in action reminded me of the profound impact local champions have in fostering a healthier, more connected community.
I left the day with renewed energy and optimism, looking forward to continuing these conversations and nurturing these partnerships.
To learn more about the organisations mentioned, please visit:
Moss Side Powerhouse
Manchester Local Care Organisation
Author:
Lorraine Lawrence
Community Researcher (UPTURN)
Department of Health Science,
University of York
