Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is set to become one of only seven universities to take part in a new pilot scheme aimed at tackling binge drinking cultures on and around campus. Run by the National Union of Students (NUS) and funded by the Home Office, the Alcohol Impact scheme will see university managers work with student unions to gain official accreditation as an institution which actively develops policies and schemes aiming to reduce excessive alcohol consumption.
MMU Student Union President, Mike Palmer, told us, “We are really excited to be involved in this project alongside NUS on tackling the issues related to alcohol harm. It is an extremely positive approach with student welfare at its heart and the potential for long lasting benefits in terms of safety and well-being amongst our students. As a Students Union, we have long been concerned about the binge and pre-drinking drinking culture, particularly among 18-21-year-olds, which often causes tensions with local communities and endangers health and safety of students on and off campus, and we hope our involvement within this project can allow our students to enjoy a sensible social life that fits within their studies.”
One of the biggest challenges facing universities aiming for accreditation, however, will be in providing alternatives to the all-powerful pub and club scene. For MMU students, therefore, the timing couldn’t be better for Manchester to welcome its very first alcohol-free nightlife experience.
Based in the heart of the Northern Quarter, The Umbrella Café will host vibrant live entertainment including music, dance, comedy and DJ sets, and will offer a wide selection of ‘mocktails’ and soft drinks. The Café is run by Community Interest Company, The Dry Umbrella. One of the company’s co-directors, Helen Malarky, said,
Manchester’s Northern Quarter
“We are really proud and excited to be providing the people of Manchester with what we believe to be a unique, alternative nightlife experience.”
“People who come to The Umbrella Café might identify as in recovery, or sober, or straightedge, or their religion may preclude alcohol. They might be having a temporary break for their health or might just be trying a night off to see what it feels like. Whatever the reasons may be for visiting the Umbrella Café everyone will find a very warm welcome and a great night out in the city centre.”
In setting up the scheme, The Dry Umbrella’s Directors are hoping to emulate the success of similar ‘dry’ bars such as Sobar in Nottingham and Liverpool’s trailblazing The Brink.
Describing themselves as ‘Recovery Activists,’ each of the Directors are in long-term recovery and are active both in the national and local recovery movement. They are, however, keen to stress the inclusive nature of the bar,
“The Umbrella Café is for anyone and everyone who simply wants a fun, enjoyable and relaxing night out without alcohol or other drugs.”
Giving us her thoughts, one MMU student, Ruth Dearden said of the Café, “It’s great to know that there will be a place where you can get together with mates and have a laugh, without feeling like you have to have a drink – and without wasting the next day with a hangover.”
The Umbrella Café will be open Friday and Saturday nights starting 5th September 2014. For more info visit the website here.
Featured image and gallery: Truck Festival For almost thirty years, set within the rolling fields of Hill Farm in Steventon, Oxfordshire, Truck Festival has been a cornerstone of the British festival calendar. Dubbed the ‘godfather of the UK’s small festival scene’, the festival continues to live up to that title, with a line-up packed with…
Featured image: American Football – American Football album artwork The debut album has long been treated as a baptism of fire for artists – the deciding factor that determines whether a band will ‘make it’ or not. Some debuts set the tone for what follows: Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m…
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra come to the Palace Theatre in Manchester to celebrate the release of their new album, Night Blooms. Liverpool-based Brooke Combe opens the evening with a stripped-back set alongside her guitarist, her soulful vocals instantly captivating the crowd. Blending heartfelt performances with quick-witted…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Three decades after they first emerged in Manchester, Take That return home to the Etihad Stadium and deliver an unforgettable show, combining circus theatrics and crowd-pleasing hits from across their catalogue. Formed in 1990, the group have released multiple chart-topping albums and embarked on numerous world tours, including 2009’s…
Leave a reply