Virtual Hideout

Virtual Hideout is a virtual reality gaming centre located in the heart of Manchester.

Twenty-four of us from Out In The City received a personalised, unique and immersive experience.

We sliced bananas and pineapples, dodged a huge whale and some slippery jellyfish and danced along to some pop songs.  The visit offered a fantastic and personal experience worked around us. A good time was had by all.

Lots of photos can be seen here.

LGBT+ Majority Extra Care Housing Scheme Update

Manchester City Council (MCC), LGBT Foundation and Anchor have decided to end the tripartite negotiations around the delivery of the LGBT+ Majority Extra Care Housing Scheme. 

The Russell Road scheme is a flagship, first-of-its-kind development that will create a safe and welcoming housing community for older LGBT+ people in Manchester.  

This means creating and maintaining a long-term relationship between the Council, LGBT Foundation and the housing association developer – and eventual managing company – with MCC commissioning both care and support services in the new Extra Care scheme for future residents and LGBT Foundation providing services and support within the scheme.  

The three partners have agreed that the local management arrangements required to meet the specific needs of LGBT+ communities within Manchester city mean there will be other organisations better suited than Anchor to take it forward. The Council will begin the process to bring a new housing provider with extra care experience on board to deliver the new LGBT+ majority Extra Care housing project in Whalley Range, south Manchester.  

A new competition will be held later this year and the successful housing delivery partner will be part of a tripartite strategic partnership with Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation. 

The housing association partner will own and be responsible for designing the scheme through a co-production approach with the Council and LGBT Foundation – alongside a Community Steering Group made up of local people in Whalley Range and members of the LGBT+ community.  

Dr Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation, said: “We are as committed as ever on delivering the right extra care scheme for the LGBTQ+ residents of Manchester, and we will continue to work with the Council to find the most appropriate partner to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people over 55. 

Our research clearly demonstrates that the needs of LGBTQ+ older people are still not being addressed, and this scheme will help to ensure that these inequalities are met.  We are hopeful of a speedy resolution and along with our Community Steering Group we look forward to forming a strategic partnership with the new provider, to put communities at the heart of the development of this ground-breaking scheme.”   

Rainbow Lottery – Support Out In The City

As a thank you for your ongoing support of Out In The City we’ve got something extra special coming up for you – the chance to win a luxurious staycation with Forest Holidays! Unwinding in a secluded cabin, or relaxing in your own private hot tub – what could be better!?

The national draw  will take place on 25 June 2022. If you are already supporting us, there’s no need to buy separate tickets, you will be automatically entered into this prize draw. Of course, you are welcome to buy additional tickets. Every ticket you buy is an extra chance to win, and an extra fundraising boost for Out In The City. It’s a win-win situation!

If you wish to start supporting us, please buy your tickets here.

Thank you & good luck!