Les photos officielles du Matanga Weekend en mémoire de Léon Ngoy Pafu sont maintenant disponibles.

Merci à toutes les personnes qui ont participé à ce moment de recueillement, de partage et d'hommage.

Revivez les meilleurs instants du week-end et retrouvez les photos de l'événement dès maintenant sur :

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N'hésitez pas à partager ce lien avec votre famille et vos proches afin que chacun puisse conserver un souvenir de cet hommage rendu à Léon Ngoy Pafu.

The city of Manchester is celebrating National Play Day today, a nationwide event that highlights the importance of play in children's development. To mark the occasion, more than 100 free activities are being offered to families across the city. Events are taking place in parks, libraries, community centres, and youth clubs, giving children the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day of learning, creativity, and entertainment.

Among the highlights are two major family events taking place at Platt Fields Park and Boggart Hole Clough. These events run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and feature a wide range of activities suitable for children of all ages. Outdoor games, creative workshops, sports activities, and educational entertainment are all part of the programme, encouraging children to explore, learn, and interact in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Manchester City Council, which is organising the initiative, emphasizes that play is essential to children's physical, emotional, and social development. National Play Day also aims to raise awareness among families, communities, and policymakers about the importance of protecting and improving access to high-quality play spaces for every child.

By offering free activities throughout the city, Manchester hopes to promote inclusion, strengthen community ties, and provide families with an opportunity to spend quality time together during the school holidays. The event reflects the City Council's commitment to supporting children's well-being and ensuring that educational and recreational opportunities remain accessible to all, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

References

• Manchester City Council – National Play Day: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/
• National Play Day (Play England): https://www.playday.org.uk/

The town of Stockport, in the United Kingdom, is preparing for a colorful and exciting day as it hosts the popular Krazy Races soapbox competition on Sunday, August 9. The much-anticipated event will bring together around 30 teams, each competing in handcrafted soapbox vehicles designed to race down a specially prepared course through the town center.

The race will begin at St Peter’s Square, where participants will showcase their unique creations before setting off in front of what is expected to be a large crowd of spectators. The event celebrates creativity, teamwork, and innovation, with teams encouraged to design vehicles that are both eye-catching and capable of completing the challenging downhill course.

To ensure the safety of participants and visitors, several roads in Stockport town center will be temporarily closedthroughout the day. Local authorities are advising motorists to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes to avoid traffic disruptions caused by the event.

Over the years, the Krazy Races have become a popular attraction in several towns across the United Kingdom. The races draw thousands of visitors thanks to their festive atmosphere, imaginative costumes, and thrilling descents that combine speed, entertainment, and the occasional dramatic crash. The event is designed to provide fun for all ages while encouraging community participation and friendly competition.

For Stockport, this year's edition also offers an opportunity to boost the local economy by attracting visitors to the town center and supporting nearby businesses. Organizers are expecting a strong turnout and are encouraging families and tourists alike to enjoy a day filled with excitement, creativity, and community spirit.

References

• Stockport Nub News. Road closures, teams, timings and more: Everything you need to know for this weekend's Krazy Races event. Available at: https://stockport.nub.news/news/local-news/road-closures-teams-timings-and-more-everything-you-need-to-know-for-this-weekends-krazy-races-event-304286

Festivals held at Whitebottom Farm, in the Stockport area, have sparked mixed reactions among local residents. While some neighbours have complained about the disruption caused by these gatherings, others believe the events contribute positively to the area’s appeal and activity.

Among the main concerns raised are noise, traffic congestion, the accumulation of waste, and other disruptions experienced during festival periods. For some residents, the arrival of large numbers of visitors temporarily changes their everyday environment and makes travelling around the area more difficult.

However, not everyone shares these concerns. Some residents believe that festivals at Whitebottom Farm also bring advantages to the wider community. The events attract visitors and contribute to local activity, prompting debate over how to balance the positive impact of festivals with the need to protect the quality of life of people living nearby.

In response to residents’ concerns, Stockport Council and event organisers say they are working together to reduce the disruption. Their aim is to better manage the impact of festivals on surrounding communities while allowing events to continue.

The situation highlights a common challenge associated with large local events: finding a balance between hosting popular gatherings and respecting the expectations of nearby residents. At Whitebottom Farm, continued dialogue between organisers, local authorities and residents is therefore likely to play an important role in identifying solutions that can minimise disruption.

References:
• Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council — local information and regulations concerning events and nuisance: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/
• Whitebottom Farm — official website: https://whitebottomfarm.co.uk/
• BBC News — local news coverage for the Greater Manchester area: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/manchester

Drivers across Greater Manchester are facing increased roadside checks from Monday, 17 August 2026, as part of Operation Tramline, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling dangerous behaviour on British roads.

The operation notably uses unmarked HGVs, allowing police officers to observe drivers from an elevated position. This approach makes it easier to detect offences that can be difficult to spot from a conventional police vehicle, particularly using a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seat belt.

Police can also use cameras and other monitoring equipment to identify behaviour that could lead to serious road accidents. Both private motorists and professional drivers may be subject to these checks.

Operation Tramline is carried out in partnership with National Highways and police forces. Since its introduction nationwide, the initiative has focused particularly on offences involving driver distraction, failure to wear seat belts, and other forms of dangerous driving.

In Greater Manchester, this latest phase of enforcement is intended to improve safety on some of the region’s busiest roads. Authorities continue to warn that even a few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences, particularly when motorists use their phones behind the wheel.

Beyond issuing penalties, the operation also has a preventive purpose: encouraging motorists and professional drivers to behave more responsibly and helping reduce the number of collisions caused by avoidable offences.

Reference

National Highways, Operation Tramline – Tackling dangerous driving behaviour, operation scheduled from 17 August 2026:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/operation-tramline-tackling-dangerous-driving-behaviour/

STOCKPORT, 18 August 2026 — Businesses across Stockport are being invited to take part in a consultation aimed at creating better work experience opportunities for young people, particularly those studying in alternative education settings.

The initiative, known as “Aspiring Pathways,” seeks to build stronger links between local employers and young people who may not always have access to traditional routes into employment. Businesses are being asked to contribute their experience and ideas to ensure that the programme reflects both the needs of young people and the realities of the local labour market.

By participating in the consultation, employers can help determine what effective work placements should look like, identify potential barriers to participation and suggest ways of making workplace experiences more accessible and beneficial.

Work experience can play an important role in helping young people develop practical skills, confidence and an understanding of professional environments. It can also introduce them to different careers and provide valuable experience when they later apply for jobs, apprenticeships or further training.

For businesses, involvement in Aspiring Pathways could provide an opportunity to support the local community while helping young people understand the skills and expectations required in the workplace. Cooperation between education providers and employers is therefore expected to be central to the programme’s development.

Local employers interested in contributing are encouraged to respond before the consultation closes on 28 August 2026. Their feedback will help shape the future delivery of Aspiring Pathways and determine how businesses can participate in providing meaningful professional experiences for Stockport’s young people.

References

• Stockport Council — Local information and consultations: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/
• GOV.UK — Careers guidance and work experience information: https://www.gov.uk/

STOCKPORT, 19 August 2026 — Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued an appeal for information following the reported harassment of a woman travelling on a bus in Stockport.

According to police, the incident occurred while the woman was travelling on the 192 bus between Stepping Hill Hospital and Mersey Square, one of the main public transport routes serving Stockport.

During the journey, the woman was allegedly subjected to harassment by a man. The situation reportedly continued after she left the bus, with the man believed to have followed her through the area.

Concerned for her safety, the woman eventually entered a local business to seek refuge. Police are now working to identify and locate the man connected with the incident.

The appeal is particularly important because the 192 route and the area around Mersey Square can be busy, meaning other passengers, pedestrians, motorists or employees of nearby businesses may have witnessed part of the incident. Relevant CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage could also potentially assist investigators.

Greater Manchester Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information that could help identify the man to come forward. Members of the public should avoid speculation about the identity of individuals involved and provide any relevant information directly to police.

The investigation comes amid continuing efforts to ensure that women and other passengers can use public transport and move through town centres safely. Witness testimony can play an important role in helping officers establish exactly what happened and progress their investigation.

Reference

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) — News and public appeals:
https://www.gmp.police.uk/news/

This support is aimed especially at students who are unsure about their next step: continuing their studies, choosing vocational training, looking for an apprenticeship or considering a first experience in the world of work. For many young people, GCSE results represent a decisive moment, often accompanied by stress or uncertainty. Local authorities are therefore stressing the importance of seeking advice rather than making a rushed decision.

After the closure of the dedicated telephone line, enquiries can still be sent by email to: educationandcareers@stockport.gov.uk. The relevant services will be able to guide students towards available options, taking into account their results, interests and personal goals.

Stockport Council is thus underlining its commitment to supporting young people during an essential period of transition. The aim is to ensure that every student can access a suitable pathway, whether through an educational institution, an apprenticeship programme or support towards employment.

This approach also highlights the central role of local authorities in guiding young people. Beyond exam results, the goal is to help each student build a realistic, motivating and sustainable path.

Source: Stockport Council.

In Stockport, young people who have just received their GCSE results are not being left alone to make important decisions about their future. In an update dated 20 August, the council reminded students and their families that they can still receive advice on education, apprenticeships and employment, even after the closure of the helpline set up for the results period.

This support is aimed especially at students who are unsure about their next step: continuing their studies, choosing vocational training, looking for an apprenticeship or considering a first experience in the world of work. For many young people, GCSE results represent a decisive moment, often accompanied by stress or uncertainty. Local authorities are therefore stressing the importance of seeking advice rather than making a rushed decision.

After the closure of the dedicated telephone line, enquiries can still be sent by email to: educationandcareers@stockport.gov.uk. The relevant services will be able to guide students towards available options, taking into account their results, interests and personal goals.

Stockport Council is thus underlining its commitment to supporting young people during an essential period of transition. The aim is to ensure that every student can access a suitable pathway, whether through an educational institution, an apprenticeship programme or support towards employment.

This approach also highlights the central role of local authorities in guiding young people. Beyond exam results, the goal is to help each student build a realistic, motivating and sustainable path.

Source: Stockport Council.

In Congolese culture, Matanga refers to the period of mourning surrounding a death and funeral. Relatives, friends, acquaintances, and members of the wider community come together to support the grieving family. Even far from their homeland, this tradition remains deeply rooted in the lives of many Congolese people.

In Manchester, organising a Matanga can mobilise a large part of the community. Relatives and friends attend wakes, prayers, and funeral ceremonies, while others provide practical or financial support. Community contributions are sometimes collected to help cover funeral expenses or the cost of repatriating the deceased to the Democratic Republic of the Congo when the family wishes for burial to take place there.

Matanga is also a gathering that brings different generations together. Religious songs, personal tributes, prayers, and certain traditional practices help maintain a strong connection with Congolese culture. For young Congolese people born or raised in Europe, these gatherings can also provide an opportunity to understand how their community approaches mourning, family responsibilities, and solidarity.

However, observing Matanga in Europe also requires families to adapt to local realities, including venue regulations, funeral costs, administrative procedures, and work commitments. Practices therefore continue to evolve without losing their deeper meaning.

In Manchester and elsewhere across Europe, Matanga remains much more than a funeral tradition. It is a powerful expression of mutual support, reminding us that within the Congolese diaspora, solidarity continues to unite families and communities, even thousands of miles away from the Congo.

À Manchester, les personnes immigrées dont le titre de séjour comporte la mention « No Recourse to Public Funds » (NRPF) peuvent solliciter des conseils auprès des services compétents de la ville lorsqu’elles traversent de graves difficultés.

La mention NRPF signifie généralement qu’une personne soumise au contrôle de l’immigration ne peut pas bénéficier de certaines prestations financées par l’État britannique. Cette restriction peut notamment concerner plusieurs allocations sociales et aides au logement. Elle ne signifie cependant pas nécessairement qu’aucun soutien ou conseil n’est possible.

Sur son site officiel, Manchester City Council invite les personnes concernées à se renseigner sur les possibilités d’accompagnement lorsqu’elles sont confrontées à une situation difficile. Les problèmes peuvent être d’ordre financier, familial ou social, mais aussi concerner le logement et le risque de se retrouver sans solution d’hébergement.

Cette possibilité est particulièrement importante pour les familles et les personnes vulnérables. Selon la situation individuelle, les services municipaux peuvent examiner les difficultés rencontrées et orienter la personne vers une assistance adaptée ou vers d’autres organismes compétents.

La mairie souligne également l’importance de vérifier précisément son statut d’immigration et les conditions attachées à son autorisation de séjour. Les règles relatives au NRPF sont complexes et l’accès à certaines formes de soutien dépend notamment du statut et de la situation personnelle de chacun.

Les migrants concernés ne devraient donc pas conclure automatiquement que la mention NRPF les empêche de demander de l’aide. Prendre conseil auprès d’un service compétent peut permettre de connaître ses droits et les solutions éventuellement disponibles.

Références

• Manchester City Council — Permission to stay in the UK / Migrant communities : https://www.manchester.gov.uk/people-and-communities/migrant-communities/permission-to-stay-in-the-uk

• GOV.UK — Informations officielles sur la condition No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds

In Manchester, immigrants whose immigration status includes the condition “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF) can still seek advice from the city’s relevant services when facing serious difficulties.

The NRPF condition generally means that a person subject to immigration control cannot access certain benefits funded by the UK government. This restriction may apply to several welfare benefits and forms of housing assistance. However, it does not necessarily mean that no advice or support is available.

On its official website, Manchester City Council encourages people affected by this condition to find out what assistance may be available if they are experiencing serious hardship. These difficulties may be financial, family-related or social, and may also involve housing problems or the risk of homelessness.

This possibility can be particularly important for families and vulnerable individuals. Depending on a person’s individual circumstances, council services may assess the difficulties they are facing and direct them towards appropriate assistance or other specialist organisations.

The council also highlights the importance of checking a person’s exact immigration status and the conditions attached to their permission to remain in the United Kingdom. NRPF rules can be complex, and eligibility for certain forms of assistance may depend on an individual’s immigration status and personal circumstances.

Migrants affected by NRPF should therefore not automatically assume that the condition prevents them from asking for help. Seeking advice from an appropriate service can help people understand their rights and identify any support that may be available.

References

• Manchester City Council — Permission to stay in the UK / Migrant communities: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/people-and-communities/migrant-communities/permission-to-stay-in-the-uk
• GOV.UK — Official information on No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-funds

The scheme applies in particular to pupils who are housed more than two miles, or around 3.2 kilometres, from their school. Assistance may also be provided when the walking route is considered unsafe or unsuitable. Local authorities are responsible for assessing individual circumstances to determine whether children are eligible before issuing free travel passes.

The initiative addresses a particular challenge faced by families placed in temporary accommodation. When a household has to leave its home, it may be rehoused several miles away from its original neighbourhood. Children may then face longer journeys in order to continue attending the same school. Daily transport costs can place an additional burden on families already experiencing financial difficulties.

Free travel is therefore intended to help maintain continuity in children's education. It can enable eligible pupils to remain at their current school, maintain relationships with their teachers and classmates, and reduce the barriers caused by living further away.

However, access to the scheme is not automatic in either Manchester or Stockport. Local councils check whether applicants meet the eligibility criteria. Families who may qualify should therefore contact their local authority to find out about the application process and have their circumstances assessed.

Source: Stockport Nub News — “Children in temporary housing to get free bus travel”.