Salvation Army leaders attend two minute silence in Manchester

Today (Thursday) The Salvation Army's Territorial Leaders in the UK and Republic of Ireland attended the minute's silence in Manchester in memory of those who lost their lives in the attack at the Manchester Arena. The Salvation Army's Territorial Leaders for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams, and The Salvation Army's Divisional Leaders for its Central North Division, Majors Alan and Linda Watters attended the minute's silence at Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station. While Major Hanne Wahl and Major Kay Mandell also represented The Salvation Army at the minute's silence at St Ann's Square in memory of the victims. 

Commissioners Clive, Marianne and Majors Alan and Linda have spent the day at St Ann's Square and Albert Square in honour of the victims, their families and friends, and to offer a listening ear to those in need of support. Commissioner Clive said: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who have died, and our best wishes to those who are injured."

The Salvation Army's Divisional Youth Specialist, Jonathan Hampton, will also be on hand in St Ann's Square on Friday, along with young Salvationists to offer compassionate support to those in need of a listening ear in light of the attack at a concert attended mainly by young people.

The Salvation Army's emergency response team in Manchester were called to support emergency services in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Monday night. Volunteers, manning three emergency response vehicles which came from across the region, offered support and served tea and coffee to around 400 emergency personnel between 1am and 5am that night, and are ready to offer further help if called upon.

The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for its Central North Division, Major Alan Watters, and Lieutenant Kay Blues, church leader at The Salvation Army’s Manchester Central church, attended the vigil in Albert Square on Tuesday.

About The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response team in the North West:

Outside of London, The Salvation Army’s North West team responds to the most number of incidents – attending more than 1,000 incidents in 14 years. Major Nigel Tansley, in 2015, received an MBE for his work supporting emergency services, and co-ordinates The Salvation Army’s response teams across the North West.