Mahayana New Year – 3rd January 2026
The Mahayana New Year on the 3rd January 2026, marks the beginning of the New Year for many Buddhists who follow the Mahayana tradition, one of main branches of Buddhism. The Mahayana New Year coincides with the first full moon of the first month. It is a period to...
TIN-Bee 2025 Round-Up
As the New Year draws near, we're looking back at the first year of UoM's first trans+ network, and what a year it's been. Following our foundation, as described in our first StaffNet Article, we were quickly thrown into the harmful political battles brought about by...
Omolade Allen: Christmas as a Season for Everyone
From a Christian chaplaincy perspective, Christmas is often spoken about in religious language. Yet at its heart, Christmas carries meanings that reach far beyond Christianity alone. It speaks to something deeply human that many people, of all beliefs and none, recognise.
Prof. Jitesh S.B. Gajjar and Bharti Gupta: Celebrating Diwali at the University of Manchester 20 October 2025: Lighting the Way for Inclusion
On 20th October 2025, one of the popular EDI staff networks – the Dharmic Cultures Network (DCN) organised a landmark Diwali ceremony at the University of Manchester. This event, attended by colleagues from across the University and our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison, marked the first-ever Diwali celebration on campus—a significant milestone for our diverse community.
Sally Flint: Disability, Life and Death: Living with ME/CFS and Invisible Condition
When I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in 2012, my life changed overnight. I went from being a 16-year-old just starting college, making new friends, enjoying my independence, and planning for the future, to being bedridden, unable to go anywhere without help, and feeling a complete sense of loss over my body and mind. Over the years, I have also lived with other conditions that affect me both physically and mentally. Together, these conditions shape my daily reality and often leave me balancing pain, fatigue, and brain fog against my work and personal life.
Matthew Sanderson: More Than One Lifetime: Redefining Disability and Living Fully
What is disability? Ask me at any time of day, and I’ll probably give you any one of a range of answers. Though most will be of the theme “it’s a bloody nuisance, but I’m not letting it stop me”.
Matthew Harrison: Ageing with Autism – My Journey
For years, I thrived on minimal sleep. I didn’t rest well, but I kept my overactive mind busy—anything to avoid lying awake creating shapes from shadows or spiralling into anxiety. Socialising was my lifeline. If there wasn’t a plan, I made one. I had to stay busy so I texted friends most days trying to fill every evening.
TIN-Bee Staff: Trans Parent Day Letter
Being a parent who is a trans woman can be a complicated experience at times. While I knew I was trans for a long time, I did not come out until later in life. Becoming a parent was wonderful, scary and very emotional time. The joys of being a parent were also reminders that I was not as mum.
Dr David Firth: Rethinking Introductions – Ditching Ritual Name-Rounds
This post challenges the tradition of name-rounds in large meetings and workshops, arguing they often fail to foster genuine connection. The post explores inclusive, purposeful alternatives that build comfort and engagement – without the awkwardness.
Dr David Firth: Poetry for Wellbeing
This post explores how reading poetry can support wellbeing by fostering emotional processing and resilience and offering a moment of calm, as well as supporting academic development.
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