First Breath Meet and Greet - In-person

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A Manchester cityscape at nighttime with bright columns of light visible next to the Factory International building.
Date
14 Dec 2022
Tickets
FREE pre booking required
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Running time: 2 hours approx.

Find out more about our light installation and what's next for First Breath.

You’ll hear more from the team about the light installation, what’s happening after January 2023, and have a chance to meet other parents at a similar stage in their journey.

Our in-person event is on 14 December 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at our Manchester City Centre office.

Spaces will operate on a first come, first served basis.

While you can book tickets for your children, be aware that this event will not be as child friendly as other First Breath events. We'll have several family-friendly events after January 2023, which we'll share more details about soon.

What to expect

You’ll get to hear more about the history and concept of the light installation, exciting First Breath updates and lots more information on all the activities taking place for First Breath families from February 2023 onwards.

You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with other expectant parents on the programme and make connections.

At the in-person event, some catering will be provided, and we'll have plenty of seating.

Travel expenses

We are happy to cover travel expenses up to a maximum of £8 per day per ticket holder. This can include reimbursement for public transport tickets, travel by taxi, car parking, mileage (45p per mile) or cycling (20p per mile).

Please note that expenses can only be reimbursed via bank transfer upon production of a genuine receipt and completion of an expenses claim form which will be sent after the event so please make sure to keep hold of your receipt or take a photo of your receipt that you can send to us.

If you have any other significant barriers to attending the event, then please let us know by emailing us at first.breath@factoryinternational.org.

Access information

The Factory International office is located at Blackfriars House, Parsonage, Manchester M3 2JA. The building is approximately 500m on flagged pavements from the closest tram stop – Exchange Square Metrolink (which has step-free access to the platform).

It is approximately 650m from Victoria train station, and 800m from Shudehill bus interchange. Piccadilly Gardens bus interchange is approximately 1km away along paved streets, and Piccadilly train station is 1.5km away.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about visiting our office, please ask your Factory International contact or email officehelpdesk@factoryinternational.org, or give us a call on +44 (0) 161 817 4501.

There are several all-day car parks close to the building, as well as metered parking on the street outside. King St West carpark (160m from Blackfriars house) has accessible bays (M3 2WY), as does Selfridges car park (M1 1WT, approximately 160m away). There are additional Blue Badge bays along St Mary’s St (off Deansgate alongside Kendals), St Ann St (off St Ann’s Square) and Market St (opposite M&S).

The main entrance is located on the Parsonage and has security staff on duty between 8am and 6pm.

There are large steps from the street to the main door. These do not have a handrail. The main doors are automatic, and the inner doors, which are manual, open inwards. These are very heavy, but there is usually a member of security staff nearby if you need assistance.

The accessible entrance is via a ramp located to the left of the main doors. There is an entrance buzzer at the foot of the ramp, and the door at the top slides open automatically.

There are security barriers to pass through in the foyer. A member of the security staff will be able to hold these open for longer if that would be helpful for you. There is one wider barrier which is accessible for wheelchair users.

Once you’re inside, we may be able to lend you a fob for the security barriers to use during your visit if needed.

The Factory International office is located on the lower ground floor which is accessible either by the stairs just beyond the security barriers or by the two lifts located on the left at the rear end of the entrance lobby. There is relatively low lighting on the stairs, and there is a handrail on one side.

The main entrance to the Factory International office is to the left if you come down the stairs, and on your right as you exit the lifts. It has two glass doors which are open during working hours, and a slight ramp as you enter the office. The reception desk is directly in front of you as you come in and has a lowered accessible counter. We will ask you to sign in on a tablet, and a member of staff will be on hand to assist you if needed.

There are several sets of toilets in the building – including on the lower ground floor (where the Factory International office is).

There is no accessible toilet on the lower ground floor, the nearest accessible toilets are located on the ground floor, and are accessible via the lift or stairs from the Factory International office.

These facilities are located right next to the café counter on the ground floor (on the street side of the security barriers) – if you are coming up from the Factory International offices, turn right as you exit the security barrier and go through the archway entrance to the toilets, turn immediately left and then right and you will see the accessible toilet at the end of a short corridor.

The accessible toilet door opens outward, and there is right-hand transfer.

There is step-free access to all areas of our office. There is a wooden-panel floor, which can be uneven in places.

We have a range of seating, including chairs with arms and backs.

We have a kitchen with self-service hot and cold drink making facilities – unfortunately this isn’t fully accessible, but colleagues will be more than happy to assist you.

We also have fridges available should you need to store anything while you are in the office.

Occasionally, there are a couple of small dogs based in our office.

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