Join the Celebrate team: Festival Coordinator Expression of Interest (paid role)

Festival Coordinator

Expression of Interest

Whalley Range Community Forum (WRCF) and Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association (WRYOA) are looking for a highly organised Freelance Festival Co-ordinator to oversee the Celebrate Festival 2024.

 Fee: £3,500 (equivalent to 20 days at £175, to include all expenses).

You will work with an experienced steering group, volunteers, and music coordinator.

The 27th Celebrate Festival day will take place on

Saturday June 8th in Manley Park, Whalley Range.

The theme of the festival will be Crossing Oceans and will utilize environmental, and migration themes. We will be preparing for the festival by lead up dispersed activities in venues around the community, e.g. in local schools and shared housing schemes.

We need a creative individual, with experience of organising similar community events to take this theme and create a vision to inspire participants.

Key elements of the role:

  • To develop and deliver Celebrate 2024, including a diverse range of activities.
  • To be responsible for the creative vision of the festival with a focus on quality
  • To communicate effectively with partners, community organisations, schools, artists, participants, venues, suppliers, licensing authorities etc
  • To recruit and manage freelance artists,
  • To be responsible, with the Steering Group, for managing the Festival budget
  • To promote the festival
  • To produce a final report for funders, including monitoring and evaluation.

Priority requirements:

  • Experience of successful project management including drawing up and managing budgets
  • Proven record in organising community events
  • Experience of successful participatory creative work in low income and diverse communities
  • Experience of partnership and team working
  • Experience of promotion and marketing
  • Experience of monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes

Work circumstances:

  • Based at JNR8.  A willingness to work unsocial hours when required

How to apply: Please email your CV, plus one side of A4 showing how you meet the requirements to celebratefestival2024@gmail.com          

Deadline: 9:00 am, Monday March 18th.

 Interviews will be held on Thursday 21st March 2024

Download a word document to print: Celebrate Festival Coordinator 2024

Check out Celebrate on our Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateFestivalWhalleyRange

What’s happening locally…

  1. Events
  2. Regular Activities
  3. Health & Wellbeing
  4. Children and Young People
  5. News, Exhibitions & meetings
  6. Sport/Active lifestyle
  7. Volunteering
  8. Support
  9. Festivals and special events

And lots more to come!

Events and activities

What’s happening at the Leg Up club on Wednesday 6th March?

We have a Leg Up club International Women’s Day special this week!
(Women and men welcome)

Meet Deanne Heron: inspirational local author, who will be talking about her writing and encouraging participants to have a go at either writing a poem or a journal entry…

(Scroll down for more information about International Women’s Day from Deanne)

Create a Vision Board for Well-being with Lotte: come along to engage in a fun and artistic process that promotes self-expression.

Share delicious food from Tibetan Kitchen, chat with friends – and make new ones!

Play dominoes and other board games or borrow a book from our library corner.

Talk to the team about your health issues: Rabina the Care Navigator, Dawn – Health Development Coordinator – and Gemma the district nurse will be available for a chat.

Come and join us from 11:45 – 1:30!

Anyone with leg conditions and low mobility – and anyone feeling isolated – is welcome to join us from 11:45 am-1:15 pm at JNR8.

Call us for more information – see poster for contact details.

(we may be able to help with transport expenses if you struggle with low mobility)

Deanne Heron

 

 

International Women’s Day

Leg up club International Women’s Day event:

Some words from Deanne Heron – who will be discussing her work as a writer at our Leg Up club tomorrow (6th March 2024)…

LEG UP CLUB – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (Friday 8TH March 2024)

The Value of Art Therapy – Deanne Heron 6th March 2024

International Women’s Day began in New York City on 8th March, 1857. It commemorates the struggles of women for generations for equality, justice and their rights. It is a time for ALL of us, not just women, to stop and process life, make necessary changes which will allow us to focus on the POSITIVES in our lives not the negatives.

There are many different forms of art, such as maybe, baking and decorating a delicious cake, creating a beautiful garden, drawing and painting, music and dancing, writing poetry or prose and reading, architecture, to name a few.

I am a counsellor and I advise my clients, family and friends to JOURNAL. Writing, while listening to soothing old school music, from reggae and soul to classical is my therapy. At the moment, I write mainly poetry which I call my therapeutic poetic processing. I’ve had seven books published so far.

ART THERAPY along with journaling, allows us to step back from overwhelming day-to-day issues and connect with our inner peace. We are then better able to look at problems we’re having, explore and process them. This way, instead of feeling overwhelmed, we can choose ways to deal with them or get the courage to seek help.

Life can be very stressful, causing stress, anxiety, depression. Many of us, especially those over a certain age are suffering from a variety of physical health issues.

The mental and the physical are more closely linked than we know and often impact each other. Art therapy can help mental health in many ways which helps the physical.

Art therapy can:

Reduce stress and anxiety

Help relaxation and breathing

Open the path to inner peace

Help us to express talents we didn’t know we had

You do not have to be an ‘artist’ to gain the benefits. Just sitting and scribbling, using different colours to paint can be very relaxing.

Exploring with and playing with shapes and colours is good for us. It brings out our inner child and puts a smile on our faces.

Colours connects us with the beauty of nature – all the things around us such as plants, flowers, animals, birds, buildings modern and archaic, the sea, the beach, clouds, a blue sky or golden sun.

This connection allows us to tap into our FIVE senses which is good for our mental health and allows us to enjoy the simple but VITAL things of LIFE:

Sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch

What we SEE, SMELL, HEAR, TASTE and TOUCH, can awaken emotions, negative and positive, and determine how we react to and cope with people and situations.

This is why in our current confusing 21st Century times, ME TIME, in a quiet space, with carefully chosen family and friends or in a friendly space like this, is very important.

ME TIME is good for our health in general. It allows us to breathe and relax, meditate or listen to soothing music. This can lower blood pressure and help with other issues.

Therapy takes MANY official and unofficial forms.

ART THERAPY is a priceless nutrient for our mental health which is passed

on to the physical.

 

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/iwd

 

Regular Activities

 


JNR8 (pronounced generate) is a warm and welcoming space for our community to meet with others, and on Fridays you are welcome to drop in to our Warm Hub, have a cuppa and a crumpet/piece of toast, fruit – and soup and a roll when the weather is colder!

Visit a warm space near you: meet people, enjoy a hot meal, get advice.

Whalley Range Community Forum Warm Welcome Space page:

https://www.warmwelcome.uk/space?l=17701

Find other local Warm Welcome Spaces at: https://www.warmwelcome.uk



A place to belong, make friends and have a place to talk…
????????????
WEDNESDAY YOUTH NIGHTS | 7 – 8.30pm
????St Werburgh’s Chorlton

This weekly, free youth club is open for young people of all backgrounds in secondary school.

Keen to come join? It’s easy.
All the info and consent forms on our website.
www.stwchorlton.org/youth
Or if you’re getting dropped off we’ve got paper copies for parents to fill out too.

We can’t wait to see you! ????

Save the Date! Upcoming events for your diary…

Watch this space for more details 

 

 

Health & Wellbeing

This exciting new social group for people with leg conditions and those who are feeling isolated is on Wednesdays at JNR8 from 11:45-1:30pm

Who’s who at your GP practice

Our campaign aims to improve the understanding of the different professionals working in a general practice, including the skills, experience and benefits that different roles bring to patient care.

We want to help you understand what different members of the general practice team do and why you may be seen by someone other than a GP.

Click the link to find out more:

Who’s Who at your local GP Practice

Children and Young People

Spaces in our rainbow unit for girls aged 4 to 7 years in Whalley Range.

Rainbows have fun learning new things with friends and earn badges by taking part in activities.

We meet at St Edmunds church on Alexandra Road South on Fridays (during term time) from 6.15 to 7.15 pm.

We have spaces in our guide unit for girls aged 10 to 14 years in Whalley Range

Our activities are for all abilities and girls enjoy trying new things and have the opportunity try different activities

We meet at St Edmunds church on Alexandra Road South on a Friday evening (in term time) from 7.30 to 9.00pmdays out further afield (contains links outside our website)

News, Exhibitions & Meetings

 

Russell Road LGBTQ+ Extra Care Scheme.

What is extra care?

Extra care is an affordable housing option from not for profit social landlords offering self-contained homes for older people aged 55 or over.  It includes flexible and responsive services to enable them to maintain their independence and stay where they live if their care needs change.

You would have your own apartment and tenancy with access to flexible care and support services if needed. A team of care staff is on site 24/7 rather than being brought in on a visiting basis. This is to ensure better joint working between housing and care teams and to provide a model that can adapt to people’s needs as they change, rather than people having to move when this happens. 

Care provided is in line with domiciliary care, e.g. up to 4 care visits per day. Carers on site over night are there for emergencies and peace of mind. 

Amy and Louise from Great Places and Angela and Kath from MCC can speak to people about Extra Care services in more detail. Information on other Extra Care schemes, and how to apply, will be available if people are interested.  This will also help answer any questions from people who may think this will be the only EC scheme in the city. 

How can someone register for the properties?  

Waiting lists are not open.  Add your name to the mailing list and you’ll receive updates on the scheme. 

How will properties be allocated? 

The shared ownership apartments will be sold on a first come first served basis.

The extra care apartments will be allocated by a panel according to level of care need but someone doesn’t have to be in receipt of care to move.

Is the Extra Care scheme just for Manchester residents?

Yes, but exceptions may be considered by the panel on a case by case basis. 

Who will provide the care?

A care provider hasn’t been appointed yet.  The care and support services will be commissioned by Manchester City Council.

Can the local community access and people in the adjacent block access the facilities in the extra care housing scheme?

Yes. It will be a welcoming and inclusive scheme. Some areas, such as the café area, will be open; some will only be accessed by pre-arranged appointments, such as treatment or meeting rooms; some areas, such as the residential apartment areas on the upper floors, will be for extra care residents and their guests only.

Height/size?

Height of similar size to the previous Spire Hospital building that occupied the site.

The height of the scheme will be 4 and 5 storeys which falls into line with adjacent buildings.

Building has been set back from Russell Road & Carlton Road so as not to feel overbearing on existing two-storey semi-detached dwellings which line these streets.

Extra Care of 5 storeys (around 80 1- and 2-bed apartments).

Shared Ownership block of 4 storeys (around 40 1- and 2-bed apartments).

For further information speak to Alison or Maddi from Triangle Architects.

Will it be net zero?

The development will be as low-carbon as possible.

A ‘fabric first’ approach will be taken which prioritises the energy efficiency of a property from the start of the design and development process.  

An energy and sustainability strategy will be developed with a specialist consultant.

For further information speak to Alison and Maddi from Triangle Architects, Chris from Great Places, and Dave C and Dave H from Rowlinson.

Traffic/parking?

Parking numbers will be discussed and agreed with Manchester City Council Planning. Parking numbers indicated are in line with similar nearby developments.

Planning policy requires 20% of spaces will need to be electric vehicle charging spaces, with provision in place to adapt the other spaces in the future.

Cycle parking spaces will be set by Planning.

Two vehicular access points are provided into the Extra Care parking area, utilising existing access points and taking into account the Whalley Road School Street trial that is currently ongoing.

One vehicular access point is provided into the Shared Ownership parking area, utilising an existing access point.

Parking spaces have been carefully positioned within existing hardstanding areas, to ensure existing trees/roots are not damaged.

Planning conditions attached to any decision will determine site operating and delivery times. A construction traffic management plan will be developed and agreed with Planning officers.

For further information speak to Alison or Maddi from Triangle Architects.

LGBTQ+ majority?

Not exclusive, minimum of 51% LGBTQ+ community. Allocations will be made within the current process for Extra Care, with the additional support of the LGBT Foundation.

Evidence of need within LGBTQ+ community, supported by survey and report by LGBT Foundation (paper copies available for reference (not to give out), links to reports are on consultation website). Issues facing older LGBTQ+ community include social isolation, feeling they may need to go ‘back in the closet’ when accessing housing to meet their needs, partners not being included as family members, less likely to have children, plus more specific needs of trans people, first generation living to older age with HIV.

The aim of RR is to create a centre of excellence in housing, care and support provision for older LGBTQ+ people. This will be supported by Pride in Ageing accreditation which is being rolled out across all Extra Care schemes in the city. This is a quality assessment to ensure Extra Care housing landlords and care providers are, as a minimum, LGBTQ+ affirmative and exclusive.

The scheme will be inclusive and welcoming.

Evidence of need
LGBT Foundation’s 2020 report, Housing, Ageing and Care

  • 89% wanted more supported housing options for older LGBT people
  • 74% wanted to move into the proposed LGBT extra care scheme 

51% would be uncomfortable in non-LGBT specific care or housing (for over 75s this was higher at

Latest update on Russell Road LGBTQ+ Extra Care Scheme.

Work continues to move forward with the plans for the first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care scheme in the UK at Russell Rd. The scheme will offer high quality, affordable, low carbon housing for social rent and all partners are working towards the pre-planning works as quickly as possible. Preparations are underway to begin site investigations which will help to inform the design.

Despite some slight delays we envisage that we will be able to share our proposed plans with you in the next few weeks and are continuing to work towards submitting our planning proposals before Christmas – following community consultation.

The co-production with the Community Steering Group (CSG) for the proposed scheme has continued positively over the summer with three co-production design meetings since July.

At these meetings, members of the CSG have met with the design team (Great Places, Triangle Architects, Rowlinson Construction and Simon Fenton Partnerships), Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation to co-produce the top-level design of the scheme ahead of the public planning consultation.

Meetings to date have included making decisions about flat layouts and design features (bathroom access, kitchen access, bedroom layouts) and internal communal spaces (public and customer use, access arrangements, facilities for customers and the wider community and access to outdoor spaces).

These discussions have built on the expertise in the room of designing, building, and managing Extra Care schemes as well as looking at the specific needs of future customers through lived experience.

As part of the co-production, the CSG has also learned about the planning process and the conservation area in Whalley Range to ensure that the building and its purpose enhance the local area.

In September, members of the design team attended a meeting of the Whalley Range Community forum to talk about the planned scheme and were met with a very positive reception from members of the Whalley Range community.

Co-production is not just about the design of the building and will also look at how services will be designed and managed when the scheme opens, and co-production activities with the CSG and wider community are planned throughout the whole process and beyond the doors opening.

To support the co-production process and share news about the proposed scheme, colleagues from Manchester City Council and Great Places joined members of the CSG and LGBT Foundation at Celebrate Festival, Pride on the Range, Manchester Pride, Sparkle Weekend and Chorlton Pride over the summer, and will continue to have a presence at local events as the scheme develops.

In addition, the project team also provided updates at a recent Whalley Range Ward Co-ordination Meeting. The plans were met positively by the group who also shared really useful local knowledge with the design team. Regular progress updates will also be given at future meetings.

The involvement of the CSG is invaluable in ensuring that this first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care scheme will meet the needs of the community when it opens and into the future. You can hear from members of the CSG in the first of a series of videos we’ve made to document the development of the scheme.

If you’re interested in becoming involved in this exciting project, the Community Steering Group is still looking to expand its membership and particularly wants to expand the diversity and inclusion of the group.

For more information on how you can get involved contact Adam Preston from LGBT Foundation at adam.preston@lgbt.foundation

Plans for Russell Road, including the first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care scheme in the UK, are now moving forward following the recent appointment of Great Places Housing Group as the new preferred provider.

The Extra Care scheme will form part of the new development on the site of the former Spire Hospital. It will offer affordable self-contained homes for people aged 55+ with access to flexible care and support services on-site if needed, enabling residents to keep their independence and stay in their home if their care needs change. All partners involved are delighted that the project is moving ahead. This is a great opportunity to develop and deliver a Centre of Excellence in Manchester providing safe, respectful and identity confirming Independent Living and Extra Care services for the LGBTQ+ community.

Co-production will be a key part of the scheme’s development. Great Places is working in close partnership with the Community Steering Group (made up of representatives from the local, LGBTQ+ and older people’s communities), LGBT Foundation and Manchester City Council to ensure the scheme achieves its agreed purpose and creates a lasting positive addition to Whalley Range. The Community Steering Group is already meeting with the project team. Initial meetings included a walkabout of the local area to look at how the scheme will fit in with existing buildings and architecture and to map out the existing nearby amenities and services. Planned future sessions include a visit to Elmswood Park Extra Care Scheme, and a trip to the LGBT Foundation Archive at Central Library. These sessions will form an important part of informing the co-production process as the Steering Group works with Great Places to develop design proposals for the planned development.

We also anticipate that site surveys and investigations will also begin at Russell Road in August, so neighbours are likely to see activity on the site at that time. As the project progresses, we will provide further updates, sharing proposed plans with the local community ahead of sending these for planning permission later in the year.

If you’re interested in becoming involved in this exciting project, the Community Steering Group is looking to expand its membership and particularly wants to expand the diversity and inclusion of the group. For more information on how you can get involved contact Adam Preston from LGBT Foundation at adam.preston@lgbt.foundation

 

Volunteering

Sport/Active Lifestyle

 

 

Support

Advice Services Consultation

Manchester City Council commissions an advice service that helps residents with welfare benefits advice, housing advice, and managing debt.

We’d like to hear your views on what the future service should look like. Your feedback will help us to improve the support and advice we provide to residents in the future.

Share you views before Thursday 29 February 2024.

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200024/consultations_and_surveys/8683/advice_services_consultation

 

 

 

 

Our mobile food clubs give access to nutritious and affordable food taken into the heart of communities starved of money, food and resources. This low cost weekly shop provides essential produce for family eating – fresh fruit and veg, fridge favourites and cupboard staples.

Read more:

https://www.breadandbutterthing.org/become-a-member

Festivals and special events

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/iwd

IWD Walk for Women 2024

Saturday 9 March 2024

City Centre,

Time: 12pm – 2:30pm

Cost: Free

The Walk for Women is back again for International Women’s Day 2024. Meet at 12noon on Mount Street behind Central Library (by the John Cassidy ‘Ardrift’ statue)

We’ll be making our way along Mount Street and through Albert Square to Brazennose Street, before turning right into Deansgate and continuing all the way to Manchester Cathedral.

There are rest stops along the way and dropped kerbs for wheelchair access. If you’re not a regular walker we’d recommend bringing a bottle of water with you.

Register for the Walk for Women:

This walk is an opportunity to come together with family and friends, colleagues – and strangers too – to share our passion for equality and creating opportunities for Manchester women.

You’re encouraged to bring along fun, safe and noisy instruments to bang and clang, or make the most of your voice and join us with our chants.

Whether you’re a lone ranger or part of a group, we’d love to see you walking with us: there’s no fee to join the 2024 Walk for Women and anyone can take part.

To give us an idea of how many people will be there on the day, we’d appreciate you completing our online registration.

Walk for Women – the route:

We’ll gather to begin our walk on Mount Street, just behind Central Library. We’ll then head through Albert Square onto Brazennose Street, turn into Deansgate then continue all the way down to finish on Victoria Street, right outside Manchester Cathedral. See the route map on this page.

Please dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Refreshments are available to buy from shops and cafes along the route, but we recommend bringing a bottle of water with you.

Roads will be closed, and parking suspensions in place for the duration: find out which roads will be affected.

Accessibility:

There are rest stops along the way and dropped kerbs for wheelchair access are located:

  • At the junction of Mount Street and Peter Street, next to where we’re meeting
  • On Deansgate, outside John Rylands Library
  • At the junction of Deansgate and John Dalton Street, outside Katsouris Deli
  • At the junction of Deansgate and King Street, outside House of Fraser
  • At the junction of Deansgate and St Mary’s Street
  • At the junction of Deansgate and Blackfriars
  • At Cathedral Yard, opposite Harvey Nichols.

Volunteers, Manchester City Council staff and Security Officers will be around to assist anyone along the way.

If you need access to the hearing loop for this event, please report to the Events Team next to the John Cassidy ‘Ardrift’ statue behind Central Library on Mount Street. You will be provided with a hearing pack that gives access to the frequency channel.

British Sign Language interpreters will also be present.

Support for the Cost of Living Crisis

The Winter Warm Welcome Spaces website has been updated and relaunched so you can search for local spaces.

Find our JNR8 Community Warm Hub details here:


Cost of living advice line

We will share information from support agencies and community groups regularly on this page.

  1. News & Events
  2. Advice Line
  3. Whalley Range Climate Action Group advice
  4. Whalley Range Community Forum Cost of Living support leaflet
  5. Benefits, protecting your health
  6. Easy Read winter health advice
  7. Warm Hubs
  8. Other advice

 

Council support if you’re in financial difficulty

If you are struggling with your finances there are a number of different ways we may be able to support you.

Cost of living advice line

Need help with your food, debts, bills, benefits or to get online?

Request Cost of Living Advice  

Discretionary Housing payments

For residents who are entitled to Housing Benefit or the Housing Element on Universal Credit, discretionary payments may be available to help if you are struggling to pay your rent. Find out more and apply for Discretionary Housing payments

Discretionary Council Tax payments

If you are experiencing severe financial hardship through unusual circumstances discretionary payments may be available to you if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax. Find out more and apply for Discretionary Council Tax payments.

Furniture/White Goods

If you’re being resettled or supported to move out of temporary accommodation, the Welfare Provision Scheme might be able to help you with basic furnishings for your new home. No cash awards will be made available and, due to the limited funding available and high level of expected claims, only essential needs will be met, unless there are exceptional circumstances. All furniture or goods provided by the Scheme will:

  • Be of good quality
  • Be covered by a supplier warranty
  • Be delivered to and, where applicable, installed at the address provided
  • Meet all current regulations including fire protection; all electrical goods will conform to legislation relating to domestic electrical appliances within the UK.

Find out more and apply for basic items of furniture

Fuel Grants

This will be a one off non repayable grant of up to £49 to support residents with an emergency fuel purchase. This would be normally paid via a PayPoint payment that when collected at the retail unit is transferred to the utility account. Find out more and apply for a fuel grant

Travel Grants

Provision of a one off non repayable amount equivalent to the most economic cost of public transport to and from the resident’s home address for the first four weeks of employment (for example to purchase a bus pass). Find out more and apply for a travel grant

Cash Grants

This will be a one off non repayable grant of between £30 and £60 to support residents following an emergency or crisis. This would be normally received via a PayPoint payment that can be collected at a PayPoint retail unit. Find out more and apply for a cash grant

Free School Meals

Free school meals are available to all pupils in reception, year one and two. If you qualify for certain benefits you can get free school meals for your children all the way through school.  Find out more an how to apply for free school meals

https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits_and_support/8335/discretionary_payments_and_grants 


 

Blue Divider

LOW-COST RECIPE BOOK IS HERE

HAF LOW COST RECIPE BOOK

This Easter, we can announce a free low-cost recipe book we have developed in collaboration with local NHS nutritionist Lucy Blackstone. Over the Easter holidays, we will be distributing over 20,000 copies to families in need across Manchester. We believe that no child should go hungry. We believe in widening access not only to activity, but to the knowledge of healthy eating and nutritious cooking for Mancunians young and old. With this recipe book, we hope to do just that. Eating well doesn’t have to break the bank, by sharing simple and affordable recipes, we can help families stretch their budgets further. Ensuring that everyone in Manchester has access to delicious and nutritious food, helping you become healthier and happier. View and download your copy of the book here.

To support Manchester residents through the cost-of-living crisis, Manchester City Council will be providing an advice line that will offer:

1. Support with benefits and help with your rent (this is an existing offer made available through the contact centre)

2. Advice about debt and paying bills (this will be done in conjunction with Citizen Advice Manchester)

3. Food support (residents will receive a call back to understand their needs and connected into a local food offer)
4. Support getting online (residents will be linked in with the Council’s digital inclusion team)

How to contact

The advice line can be accessed via a free phone number 0800 023 2692. The line will be open 9:00-4:30 Monday to Friday.

Agents on the phone line will have access to language line for those residents whose first language is not English
Sign Video will also be available for residents who may require this facility.

An on line form will be available at https://www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands for those who do not
wish to contact by phone.

The advice line will also have its own web page that will have links to information of how residents are
able to access support. https://www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands


Whalley Range Climate Action Group  energy saving information

 

 

PDF:    leaflet_A4_pgs1_2 leaflet_A4_pgs3_4


PDF Version (clearer with clickable links) WRCF Cost of Living leaflet Print

 

 

Manchester – Don’t let these two get in your way. We can all keep Manchester moving this winter with a free Covid-19 autumn booster and annual flu vaccine. Find out if you’re eligible and book yours today.  manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab
Struggling to pay energy bills, or at risk of being disconnected, contact your energy supplier. Gas & electricity suppliers can support you if you cannot afford your bill or owe them money. Check with your supplier to see what support they offer. manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands

Kitchen cupboards looking bare? Need help to stock the shelves & feed the family? Your local food bank, mobile food club or social supermarket can help. Find them at manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands Or call the Cost of Living Advice Line: 0800 023 2692 Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm
50 or over? Don’t let these two get in your way.  Get prepared for winter with a free Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine to keep you protected through the season. Find out how to book yours today.  manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab

Easy Read format Winter Vaccination and Cost of Living advice 

Winter Help Leaflet v4

Warm spaces are opening up across the city: a place to keep warm and save on energy costs, a place to get advice, a cuppa, spend time with others or enjoy some quiet time.


St Margaret’s Centre welcome you to their Warm Cafe every Thursday from 13th October-1pm-3pm, over the colder months.

We want you to be able to switch your heating off at home to help save on your energy bills.
Drinks and snacks will be available free of charge.
So come to keep warm, have a natter and a brew with us.
Any questions or if you’d like to volunteer please email stmargaretscentre1@gmail.com
Donations and bakes are also welcome.

Help for households

Energy Price Guarantee 

From 1 October 2022, the Energy Price Guarantee will reduce the unit cost of electricity and gas so that a typical household in Great Britain pays, on average, around £2,500 a year on their energy bill, for the next 2 years. Beware of scams – there is no need to apply and you will never be asked for bank details.

This will save the average household at least £1,000 a year based on current energy prices from October and is in addition to the £400 energy bills discount for all households.

More information

 

 

 

Interpretation Board: Covid Commemorative Curve of snowdrops

The Snowdrop Curve film…

How did Covid affect you?  three events were organised earlier in the year for people to gather, discuss and write about their experiences through Covid…

Last year the Covid Commemorative Curve of Snowdrops was planted by people from Whalley Range, in Alexandra Park. The curve symbolises the ups and downs of the pandemic and the plants will make a green and living memorial, a place to reflect on the loss and pain that came with Covid.

This year we want to honour your experiences of living through Covid. We are organising gatherings where you can talk with others and share experiences. A local poet, Tony Curry, will work with you, to write and record your thoughts as poems.

Your words will be recorded and combined with songs performed by local schoolchildren to create a short film. The interpretation board QR code in the park will link to the film.

This will be a further commemoration of our responses to the Covid events.

GATHERINGS to talk and write; choose a date and time that works for you.

Tuesday 17th January 1045 to 1300 at the Pavilion Café in Alexandra Park.

Tuesday 17th January at 1715 to 1930 at British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road M16

Thursday 19th January 1045 to 1300 at the Pavilion Café in Alexandra Park.

Booking not essential, just come along on your chosen date.

On Feb 11th 2023 at 11am come and see the curve of snowdrops in flower.

Tea and coffee will be served from the Park Lodge.

Why will local community groups and residents be creating a MASS PLANTING OF SNOWDROPS in Alexandra Park Whalley Range Manchester on March 12th at 10.30am?
We will be gathered together because we want to COMMEMORATE THOSE WHO SUFFERED FROM COVID AND THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES, as well as the hard work of all those who cared for us during the pandemic. Planting snowdrops will CONNECT ALL OUR COMMUNITIES IN A COLLABORATIVE MEMORIAL to CREATE A CONTEMPLATIVE SPACE for us to remember the suffering and pain of loss every year.
Why Snowdrops?
Snowdrops flower in February, the time when the pandemic started in Europe, and once planted they will come back every year at that time as a living reminder. Snowdrops are pure white and tear shaped, symbolising grief, yet their arrival is often seen as the first sign of the returning spring and returning hope. This Curve will beautify the space permanently and expand every year as the snowdrops set seeds and spread under the trees.
We hope you can report this for us and inspire others to plan their own Covid Commemorative Curve of snowdrops!

Council to seek a new developer and operator of UK’s first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care housing scheme

New LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care housing project in Whalley Range, South Manchester

 Scheme Updates:

The Council will begin the process to bring a new housing provider with extra care experience on board to deliver the new LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ+ community.

The housing association partner will manage the scheme, with care services commissioned by the Council, support provided to LGBTQ+ residents by LGBT Foundation and allocations agreed by a panel made up of all three partners – along with the care provider.

The Council had been in negotiations with Anchor, a national older person’s housing provider, around a land deal for the site on Russell Road in Whalley Range and to operate the LGBT majority Extra Care development.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing, said:  

“The Russell Road scheme is a flagship, first-of-its-kind development that will create a safe and welcoming housing community for older LGBTQ+ people in Manchester – and we remain absolutely committed to delivering the homes the community needs.

“The three partners have agreed that the local management arrangements required to meet the specific needs of LGBTQ+ communities within Manchester mean there will be other organisations better-suited than Anchor to take it forward. The Council – in partnership with the LGBT Foundation – are in the process of seeking a new development and management partner for the Extra Care development.

“We would like to thank Anchor for their work on developing this scheme so far – including working with the Community Steering Group on best practice for this type of housing – and we look forward to seeing this important development come to fruition in the coming months.”

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.”

Jane Ashcroft CBE, Chief Executive of Anchor, said:

“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to play a part in such a significant development for the LGBTQ+ residents of Manchester, which will also inform our approach on future work elsewhere. We very much look forward to seeing the development take shape.”

It’s Nearly Spring at Manchester’s LGBT+ Majority Extra Care Scheme

Hello and welcome to the next bulletin for the LGBT+ majority Extra Care Scheme in Whalley Range.

Spring is coming and so is our second pre-planning consultation event.

Our first public event went really well. We got some great feedback which has helped inform the more detailed proposals which we are looking forward to presenting at our next event on 16th February 2022. The proposals will also be available to view online from 16th to 23rd February 2022. More details are below.

Please let us know what you think because your views will be vital to make this development a success.

While Covid restrictions have relaxed, we want to continue to keep everyone at the event safe. Therefore, we ask that everyone who attends wears a mask if they can, they observe social distancing and have a negative lateral flow test.

New proposals brought forward for, LGBT+ majority Extra Care housing scheme

Second consultation to take place for the development of the former Spire Hospital site in Russell Road Whalley Range Manchester

Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, is seeking views once more from local residents at a consultation event next week ahead of a planning application submission for around 100 new affordable homes. The development is planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, which was demolished in 2019, and the brownfield site has since remained vacant.

In partnership with Manchester City Council and a Community Steering Group led by LGBT Foundation, Anchor aims to develop an Extra Care scheme on Russell Road, Whalley Range, designed to be the UK’s first purpose built LGBT+ majority housing development exclusively for older people.

The first consultation event, which took place in January in person and online, presented the initial thinking for the proposed new development. At this second event, visitors will be able to view more detailed designs ahead of the planning application being submitted.

The proposals will deliver high-quality, inclusive new homes for older people and propose around 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments, in a brick building of three and four storeys. All homes will be designed for affordable rent and shared ownership, plus shared facilities including a restaurant/bistro, lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped outdoor amenity space plus parking.  Residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, and the scheme will be inclusive of members and non-members of the LGBT+ community from Manchester.

The development seeks to minimise its carbon impact through a number of smart design measures to improve thermal efficiency throughout. Designs propose the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power and air source heat pumps, and installation of resource efficient equipment throughout the building, such as heat recovery ventilation systems and intelligently controlled LED lighting. The current target is to achieve an accreditation of ‘BREEAM Excellent’ for the new extra care housing scheme and will install electric vehicle charging points to a proportion of the residents’ parking bays. This will place the new development within the top 10 per cent of new builds in terms of sustainability both connected to the building and the setting.

Charles Taylor, Anchor’s Director of New Business, said:

“The first consultation was well attended and we got some great feedback. We’re looking forward to presenting our updated proposals for further views before we submit a planning application to Manchester City Council.

“At Anchor we have developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality homes where people love living in later life. We share the collective ambition with Manchester City Council to create an exemplary, inclusive development on this well-located site in the heart of the Whalley Range community.”

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said: “It’s brilliant to see this project starting to move at pace. This is the second consultation for the LGBT majority extra care scheme and the feedback received has been really useful in developing the proposals that will go to planning in the coming weeks.

“We want this to be an exemplar for inclusive older person’s housing and to do that we need input from the communities that will eventually live there. This is a great opportunity to see how the development is progressing and we’d love to get as many people’s views as possible as we move into the next stage of the project.”

Paul Martin OBE, CEO LGBT Foundation, said: “LGBT Foundation is proud to have been involved in the development of the LGBT+ majority Extra Care scheme in Whalley Range since it was proposed some years ago. We were delighted to hear the overwhelming support for the scheme during the first consultation.

“The views of the local community are key to making this development a success and we encourage people to use their voice to help shape the future of this landmark project, to ensure it offers a safe and welcoming home for older LGBT+ people.”

The consultation will be held at Whalley Range Methodist Church between 2pm and 8pm, Wednesday 16th February. In addition to the in-person event, all the information presented will be displayed online at www.anchor.consultationonline.co.uk from 16 February 2022. Local residents will be able to provide their views via a feedback form at the event or online until 23 February 2022.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information, contact:

Sam Freedman / 020 3219 7956

Esme Roberts / 020 3697 7633

 

About Anchor

Anchor began more than 50 years ago and today is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life.  It provides retirement housing to rent and to buy, retirement villages and residential care homes, including specialist dementia care. In total, Anchor serves more than 65,000 residents in 55,000 homes across almost 1,700 locations. Its residential care services employ the majority of the 9,000-strong workforce, providing services to residents at 114 care homes.  Anchor operates in more than 85% of local councils in England. For more information visit www.anchor.org.uk.

 

About LGBT Foundation

LGBT Foundation is a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities. With a history dating back to 1975, they campaign for a fair and equal society where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential. Through their services, they reduce isolation amongst LGBT communities, help people feel more confident and in control of their lives and enable people to flourish. Together with LGBT communities and their supporters, LGBT Foundation are working to secure a safe, healthy and equal future for all LGBT people.

lgbt.foundation  | @LGBTfdn

What is an Extra Care scheme?

Extra Care schemes typically attract customers who are already living in the area that require more specialist accommodation to meet their personal needs; but do not require levels of wellness provision which justifies moving into a care home. This model is especially attractive to those who live on their own and may need some physical and/or emotional support; and it is also for those who want to live within a community of like-minded people.  The proposed development will therefore include specialist design features attributable to Extra Care schemes to enable residents to live independently in their own homes but with care and wellness services provided as and when required.

010222 Anchor Russell Road second consultation release, FINAL

 


Consultation to take place for development of the former Spire Hospital site in Russell Road Whalley Range Manchester

Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, is seeking views from local residents at a consultation event next week ahead of the application submission for around 100 new affordable homes planned for the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, Manchester.
The hospital was demolished in 2019, and the brownfield site has since remained vacant.
In partnership with Manchester City Council and a Community Steering Group led by the LGBT Foundation, Anchor aims to develop an Extra Care scheme on Russell Road, Whalley Range, designed to be the UK’s first LGBT+ majority housing development exclusively for older people.
The proposals will deliver high-quality, inclusive new homes for older people and the initial plans propose around 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which will be for affordable rent and shared ownership, plus shared facilities including a restaurant/bistro, lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped outdoor amenity space plus parking.
Residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, and the scheme will be inclusive of members and non-members of the LGBT+ community.
Charles Taylor, Anchor’s Director of New Business, said:
“At Anchor we manage over 55,000 homes nationwide, including locations in Manchester, and have developed a strong reputation for delivering high-quality homes where people love living in later life. We share the collective ambition with Manchester City Council to create an exemplary, inclusive development on this well-located site in the heart of the Whalley Range community.”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and employment, said:
“This development is landmark for the LGBT+ community in Manchester, bringing some of the first housing targeted at older LGBT+ people in the UK. This consultation is an early opportunity to have your say about how this scheme should be developed and I would urge people to take this chance to help guide this project before a planning application is submitted later in year.”
Paul Martin OBE, LGBT Foundation CEO, said: “LGBT Foundation are delighted to be involved in the development of the UK’s first purpose-built LGBT-majority Extra Care scheme in Whalley Range. It is exciting to see the first consultation event happening as we move a step closer to shaping the design of the scheme which will offer a safe and welcoming home for older LGBT people.”
The consultation will be held at Whalley Range Methodist Church between 2pm and 8pm, Wednesday 12th January.
In addition to the in-person event, all the information presented will be displayed online at www.anchor.consultationonline.co.uk from 12 January 2022.
Local residents will be able to provide their views via a feedback form at the event or online until 19 January 2022.

 

https://anchor.consultationonline.co.uk/

 

Summer Fun!

Lots of things to do locally and further afield during the summer holidays! (more coming soon!)

Local playschemes…

Cromwell Avenue…

May be an image of 4 people, child, people standing and text that says 'PLAY ONR8 SCHEME JNR8 SUMMER Holiday Provision 25th July- 19th Aug 12:30pm 4:00pm OPEN ACCESS serve basis First come first 6-12yrs ONLY Refreshments and food provided Come along and nave fun doing what children do best... PLAY! including TRIPS and FUN DAY MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL srtaaiwhc SOTTEREFUNOED Contact Alison, at JNR8 Youth and Community Centre 82 Cromwell Avenue, M16 OBG T: 0161 881 3744'

Manley Park…

May be an image of 2 people and text

Loads to do…

Our Year – Activities for Children and Young People in Manchester

From Laura Cassidy of buzz:

The Summer Holidays have arrived and we know how hard (and expensive) it can be to keep those little and not so little ones busy. So we have put together a list of activities that we’re aware of in our area of Chorlton, Whalley Range and Fallowfield which is attached here. Please do share to anyone who may find it useful. I have also attached a fab guide aimed at the Under 5s which local resident Sian has put together and asked me to share. The link is also below to Sian’s guide as she will be updating it as she hears more – Thank you Sian!

Free Summer Activities Manchester for under 5s

2022 Summer Holiday Timetable CHWRF

Laura Cassidy (she / her)

Neighbourhood Health Worker – Fallowfield, Chorlton and Whalley Range

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

buzz Health & Wellbeing service

1st Floor, Fallowfield Library

Platt Lane, Fallowfield

Manchester

M14 7FB

 

 

 

Local Covid-19 information and other news

Click the link below to find out more

A5 Flyer 102894 Omicron (1) Citywide easy read COVID info 12-15 year olds – A5

 

 

 

 

This project was established based on BMHC’s experience of working with young people belonging to the Pakistani Muslim and Bangladeshi Muslim Community. Young people had shown a reluctance to engage with the vaccination programme, and this project looked at the underlying reasons for this hesitancy and explore ways as to how the vaccination programme might be promoted.

https://bmhc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-08-27-Report-Covid-19-and-Young-People-FF.pdf


Read all the latest news and advice from the gov.uk website:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

and the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 


Archive

 

Information from https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

South East England: latest information and advice - Coronavirus (COVID -19) - Visit South East England

 

 

 

 


 

International Day of Older Persons events in Whalley Range!

The day was a great success: people joined us on the climate action walk – then back to JNR8 for our event.

Thanks to Jane from Whalley Range Climate Action Group and Anthony Morris for some great photos of the walk and event!

We had:

  • flu jabs,
  • health checks,
  • arts and crafts for wellbeing,
  • Whalley Range Climate Action Group
  • resilience coaching
  • I.T advice,
  • entertainment,
  • soup
  • information stalls.

Thanks to Anthony Morris for photos, Jane from the Whalley Range Climate Action Group, buzz, Chorlton Good Neighbours, Manley Pharmacy, Be Well, Manchester Cares, Central Manchester Falls team, Lotte (crafts), Steve (music) – and everyone who came along to help and to make the day a great success!

Thanks to Ambition for Ageing  for the funding!


 

We are really pleased to be holding a couple of events for International Day of Older Persons on Friday 1st October this week​ at the JNR8 Youth & Community Centre in Whalley Range​: see the poster ​for details.

We will make sure the building is well ventilated and follow covid-safe guidelines.
The events are organised by Age-friendly Whalley Range, the Forum and partner organisations – and are aimed at older members of the community to mark the day, to welcome people back to our community centres – and to make a stand against climate change as older people.
We have made some placards with slogans about issues that concern us – and we will meet at JNR8 at 10:30 am for a short walk ​around the age-friendly benches route – displaying actions we can take to address climate change and to show older people’s concerns as we approach the UN Climate Change conference in November.
At 1:30pm we have an age-friendly community event at JNR8 with information stalls from partner organisations, taster sessions of the exercise and activities we run at JNR8 for older residents, refreshments and some entertainment.
Lotte will run an arts and crafts activity for those who are interested.
Manley Park pharmacy will be giving flu jabs in one of our side rooms – and Debra will give short one-to-one well-being coaching sessions for people who are feeling anxious about going out/meeting people and who may be worrying about the uncertainty of the covid situation.
The event will be smaller than our usual events for covid-safety and we do have a travel budget for people who might struggle to get here for various reasons – so can refund taxi fares (please ask for receipts)
We look forward to welcoming you!

See our Climate Action slogans here:

slogans 2

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and information

See our Whalley Range Community Forum community directory of local contacts here:  WRCF_CommunityContactBook_2020


We realise there is a lot of  worry and concern about the current situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) – and we will post the latest information from our trusted sources as we get it…this page will be updated regularly. Please see a selection of links to current information, posters and wellbeing guides below.

Be aware that information is changing regularly so check trusted sources of information for the latest news…

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

ARCHIVE

LOCAL UPDATES 11/02/2021

The Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), Charles Kwaku-Odoi was live on Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 18:00hrs on BBC North West and ITV News.
He is encouraging the Caribbean and African community living in Hulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range to take the offer of testing after a new COVID-19 Variant was discovered in the area.
Read more here and please share:

“Act as though you have the virus”

Manchester’s Director of Public Health, David Regan explains the new lockdown rules and why now it’s more important than ever for us all to play our part.

Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

#StayHome

Easy Read version of lockdown restrictions full lockdown easyread leaflet

National Lockdown – Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

The Caribbean and African Health Network held a virtual panel event- the link to event film  below



Working with the Army, five lateral flow test sites are now up and running across the city.

This targeted programme is testing people without COVID symptoms.

Focusing first on those who are at higher risk of getting coronavirus, and places where the risks of getting the virus may be greatest.

Link to MCC Covid Testing webpage

Public Health England – Better Health – Every Mind Matters help with stress

Stressed out? Take a break, a deep breath and visit Every Mind Matters… for expert advice on managing your stress levels and your mental health www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress/


 Beware of loan sharks when surfing online and don’t fall prey to unscrupulous loan adverts on social media. Get advice and support from @LoanSharkNews or call 0300 555 2222 or at www.stoploansharks.co.uk

The Whalley Range Community Forum have unfortunately had to close down the JNR8 building, suspending all activities and classes for the time being, but we are working hard to make the building safe for our groups and activities and look forward to seeing everyone again…

See below for current links and a range of advice from support services…

Coronavirus advice and vaccination information in accessible formats for disabled people can be found on the Breakthrough UK Resource Hub

https://breakthrough-uk.co.uk/covid-accessible-information-hub/

Latest Manchester City Council Bulletin

Read the bulletin by clicking the link below:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMANCHESTER/bulletins/2bac1bf

COVID-19 Government restrictions

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus


Manchester City Council Covid-19 information: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500362/covid-19

The Community Response Hub offers support to Manchester’s most vulnerable people to help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can help with:

  • Access to food
  • Delivery of medication
  • Combating loneliness
  • Managing fuel top-up payments
  • Getting access to services online

Help is also available for other reasons, for example, if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer. If you need help freephone: 0800 234 6123 email: COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk or text: 078600 22876 (messages responded to by the next working day) or visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus


 

You can help to protect your friends and family by downloading the NHS COVID-19 App to keep updated on the latest guidance from Thursday 5 November

 

Support for people Self isolating with COVID-19 

Where people have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace and their income has been affected, they could be eligible for a one-off support payment. Find out more. 


 

 

 

 

Useful links…

Face coverings: separating fact from fiction – a report from Age UK

Age UK - love later life

Despite being a public health measure, face coverings remain a source of controversy and confusion for many people. Do they primarily protect the wearer or the people they come into contact with? What’s the correct face covering to wear? What about those for whom a face covering might not be suitable?

Professor Trisha Greenhalgh is a GP and Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford who co-authored a British Medical Journal paper on the protective effect of face coverings in public spaces. Trisha is therefore the perfect person to answer the persistent questions and separate fact from fiction.

Read more: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/discover/2020/08/face-coverings/


Click image above for the bulletin…


NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

The Government website: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

LGBT Foundation advice: http://www.lgbt.foundation/coronavirus

BAME COVID-19 support services in Manchester: https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/500361/coronavirus/7968/coronavirus_-_health_advice/4

Here are some videos explaining the latest lockdown advice for Manchester in 5 languages:

English
https://youtu.be/AMbakfJ1nLY

Urdu – اردو
https://youtu.be/Mwxj0KKCnUc

Sylheti – ছিলটী
https://youtu.be/k20GwaAQPqo

Gujarati – ગુજરાતી
https://youtu.be/OjI6mU465TI

Arabic – عربى
https://youtu.be/9HHG8QTU12g


Chorlton, Whalley Range and Fallowfield Neighbourhood Partnership update

Please find the latest neighbourhood update (link below) which contains information on services to help keep local people safe and well, as well as information on the CWRF: Stepping Out into a New Normal leaflet / poster, and the second VCSE Forum meeting which took place this week.

There is also a call to action from MCC Chorlton Neighbourhood Team who are running a day of action at Chorlton District Centre on Tuesday 15th September from 10am to 1pm to talk to local residents and businesses about preventing the spread of covid-19. If you would like to join the team around the neighbourhood in getting the key messages out to as many people as possible then please contact me on dawn.harris15@nhs.net.

If you have any questions about anything included in this email then please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best Wishes,

Dawn Harris, Health Development Coordinator

Chorlton, Whalley Range and Fallowfield

Tel: 07305943204

Neighbourhood Update – 28.08.2020


COVID-19: guidance on protecting people most likely to get very poorly from coronavirus (shielding) – an easy-read guide


Financial Support for Vulnerable Customers – RBS and Natwest

Both Natwest and RBS offer additional services for their vulnerable customers who are self-isolating, such as having cash delivered at home by a courier, letting a friend or relative withdraw money at a cash machine, or ordering a Companion Card to pay for shopping (which can be topped up over the phone).

The team who manage the Natwest and RBS vulnerable customers helpline will develop a finance plan which fits around the abilities, wants and needs of their customer…..and you don’t need to do online banking or visit a branch to get support.

Call Natwest Vulnerable customers helpline on 0800 051 4176

Call RBS Vulnerable customers helpline on 0800 051 4177



Updated advice has been published by the Government for people who are shielding – it is guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including children. It’s also for their family, friends and carers.

·         Here are Frequently Asked Questions about the NHS Test and Trace: how it works from Manchester City Council.

·         Public Health England has published their report (89 pages) from the review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes

·         Here is information on the COVID-19 antibody tests

This is the current government guidance for the public: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID‑19)

Help control the virus

To protect yourself and others, when you leave home you must:

  • wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly
  • cover face – wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces
  • make space – stay at least a metre away from people not in your household

If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days.

North of England: local restrictions

Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the north of England.

Some more information and general advice

Information from NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) to help you decide what steps you and your charity or voluntary organisation need to take in light of the spread of the covid-19 virus.

https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/coronavirus

 


COVID-19 Community Resource Hub: https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/500361/coronavirus/7985/covid-19_community_resource_hub

 

Manchester Community Response

If you need help you can get it now by calling 08002346123

Alternatively you can text 07860022876 and we will respond to messages by the next working day.

We have set up a hub to support Manchester’s most vulnerable people, and help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

We want to help you if you are:

  • over the age of 70, are self isolating and have no support network,
  • if you have received a letter from the NHS advising you are high risk, or
  • you are medically vulnerable according to the government criteria.

We can help with things like:

  • Delivery of food
  • Delivery of medication
  • Combating loneliness
  • Managing fuel top-up payments
  • Getting access to services online

Help is also available for other reasons, for example if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer.

Across the City a community of charities, businesses, community groups and the Council have all come together to make sure you have the support you need during this challenging time.

Get help – 08002346123

If you live alone, are struggling to make ends meet, are self-isolating or generally in need of advice or support please contact us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

Call our helpline to access the support you need.

We are trying to reach as many residents in need as we can. You can also:



Image may contain: 1 person

 


Manchester Cares Online Social Clubs

Manchester Cares are running Virtual Social Clubs at the moment, You can see a few screenshots on their Facebook page.  The form to refer people to potentially join in our Virtual Clubs can be accessed here

Social Club Activities include:

·         one focused on creativity/video/memory/wellbeing (run by an external facilitator)

·         either Desert Islands Discs/Pub Quiz

·         a virtual Coffee afternoon/catch up

·         and a Cares Family Disco (basically just lots of great music and dancing in the living room!)

In addition to Social Clubs at Home the referral form also has options for Friendship over the phone, Postal Activity Packs and  Practical Support.


Greater Manchester Bereavement Service logo

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.

Click here to find out more


Image may contain: text that says 'MANCHESTER CITYCOUNCIL NHS KEEP MANCHESTER SAFE COVID is not over. Don't risk another lockdown. Protect your friends and family. If you have COVID-19 symptoms Stay home with people you live with Get a free test www.nhs.uk/coronavirus Or call NHS 119'

 


A useful list of online links to resources and helplines that has been prepared by the library service at Buzz Health and Wellbeing Service. There is a section for local (Manchester) and national helplines and so it is useful for use by all front line workers and community groups when supporting local people with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly during these challenging times.

Helpline Resources

Have you joined your  Covid-19 Local Mutual Aid Group?

 

The Local Mutual Aid Groups are for residents that want to support each other and their neighbours with shopping, support and sharing information during the Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic.

Follow the links below to find our local groups.

Chorlton Coronavirus Community Response

Whalley Range Covid-19 Mutual Support Group

Fallowfield Vs Coronavirus

What is Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK?

Local organising to support the most vulnerable in our communities

Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. We focus on providing resources and connecting people to their nearest local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.

We recognise that injustice doesn’t affect everyone equally and whilst we’re all at risk of Covid-19, there are some people who are more vulnerable and need greater support from the community.

The basic idea is to coordinate care efforts for people who are self-isolating, especially if they are part of a more at risk demographic including the elderly, disabled and people with other pre-existing health issues.

We’re also trying to offer support to those people who are feeling most isolated/anxious throughout the pandemic. For people with mental health conditions this scale of panic can be overwhelming and so community support is vital.

Find a local group: https://covidmutualaid.org/local-groups/

 


Manchester Carers Network Bulletin:

Read the latest Manchester Carer’s bulletin here:

https://mailchi.mp/ff8524142753/coronavirus-bulletin-manchester-carers-network-7781042?e=66c2e418cb


Manchester Carers Centre

The Manchester Carers Centre telephone helpline is running Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm for unpaid carers to contact them on 01612727270 for information, advice or emotional support with any enquiries they may have COVID-19 related or related to their caring role in general. Their Young Adult Carers service is still running with telephone and virtual peer support activities and Young Adult Carers can call the Young adult carers worker on 07957 836 058.

Age UK Coronavirus

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus/coronavirus/

Please share these numbers

It can be helpful to know who you can call, especially if someone’s feeling isolated.

For practical information and advice, call Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65

For a cheerful chat, day or night, call Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90


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Every Mind Matters has now released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It also includes guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak.
Please visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

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Advice to support those who are undertaking social distancing to get through the next few weeks.

The government is advising everyone to adopt social distancing measures. If you have an underlying health condition(s) or if you are aged 70 or older, you need to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.

We know that during this period it’s really important that you look after your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health.

As occupational therapists we are in a strong position to advise people on how to stay well while when social distancing. Indeed many people look to us for guidance and now is the time for us to step forward. We strongly urge you to share this advice with other occupational therapists, the people who access your services, their families, your colleagues and other health and care professionals on what they can do to help them cope with social distancing.

  1. Establish a daily routine. Routines provide structure and purpose.
  2. Balance your weekly routineso you have a good mix of work (activities that have to be done), rest and leisure.
  3. Think about the regular activities that are most important to you. What are the important elements to these? Can you adapt them to carry out in the home? For example, instead of a class, following an online strength and balance routine.
  4. Set daily goals to provide purpose and a sense of achievement. This might include working through that list of the things you keep meaning to do but never get round to?
  5. Identify the triggers that make you feel lowand look for ways to reduce or manage them.
  6. Talk with family, friends and neighboursto help them understand how you feel and how they can help. Can they talk you through using apps on your mobile phone, for instance?
  7. Take care of yourself. Eat and drink healthily with plenty of fruit, vegetables and water to support your immune function and energy levels. For more information see the BDA website.
  8. Avoid staying still for too long. Exercise and regular movement will maintain fitness and strength. If you are working from home, take breaks and eat away from your “desk.”
  9. Have a good sleep routine. If you are struggling, try avoiding tea and coffee in the late afternoon and evening, take a bath, using blackout curtains, listening to gentle music or deep breathing exercises.
  10. Keep in touch. Arrange to speak to someone most days on the phone, through social media or over the garden fence. Age UKand Silverline have people to speak to.

Download a PDF version to share and print:

_______________________________________________________________

Dietitians and the BDA ( British Dietetic Association) have been asked many questions about nutrition and dietary issues related to the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.

Read more: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/covid-19-corona-virus-advice-for-the-general-public.html

___________________________________________________________________

Coronavirus related fraud

Watch out for Coronavirus related fraud

There’s been a 400% rise in fraud related to COVID-19 in March according to Action Fraud We’ve put together helpful information on what to look out for:

COVID-19 related fraud has increased by 400% in March. Between 1 February 2020 and 18 March 2020, Action Fraud has received 105 reports from victims of COVID-19 related frauds, with losses totalling close to £970,000.

The Majority of the reports are related to online shopping scams where people have ordered protective face masks, hand sanitisers, and other products, which have never arrived. Read more: https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/500361/coronavirus/7928/coronavirus/17

 

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Recognized Health Organizations

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COVID Symptom Tracker

Take 1-minute to self-report daily, even if you are well.

Help our scientists identify:

  • High-risk areas in the UK.
  • Who is most at risk, by better understanding symptoms linked to underlying health conditions.
  • How fast the virus is spreading in your area

Join the Research: https://covid.joinzoe.com/?fbclid=IwAR1eGIcY_WjYoo3uN11j4vMi82SijYVN1Gdw3dchsUek5xrlNbdblwxc8Zs

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To all of our Urdu speakers and those who know people who speak Urdu – please watch this video and share with your friends and family. This is some information on Covid-19

Urdu Covid-19 Information

To all of our Urdu speakers and those who know people who speak Urdu – please watch this video and share with your friends and family. This is some information on Covid-19

Posted by Cheetham and Crumpsall Integrated Neighbourhood Team on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

 

MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW SOON

Celebrate Festival Community Connections Gallery!

See some of the amazing attractions and fantastic artwork created during our Celebrate festival with a difference for 2021…Celebrate Connections! 


Festival Houses and the Celebrate Connections Art Trail!

Our fantastic artists created these amazing designs in windows across Whalley Range – to inspire more people to decorate their windows!

Photos by our Celebrate photographer Anthony Morris


The Age-friendly benches of Whalley Range…

As part of Celebrate Connections, the amazing artists Jan Hanson and Christine Johnson  created signs for each of our age-friendly benches. Some are words from poems or favourite words/meanings from our groups/friends/local people – and maybe an obscure reference to a famous person who once lived in Whalley Range…
Thanks to Steve for help fixing the signs and Craig for cutting the wood to size…
Oh and two bonus signs at JNR8 on the gate – and a sign with blackboard paint in the park – with chalk – for people to write their own messages…????

Photographed by Anthony Morris

Age-friendly Whalley Range & Chorlton held a walk around the age-friendly benches, to meet up and admire the bench art as part of the Celebrate Connections Art Trail! Photos for Celebrate by Anthony Morris…


Members of Time to Change mental wellbeing group held a Big Bike Revival  family bike repair and maintenance session at Whiz youth project at JNR8 for Celebrate Connections…

Pavement Art from Manley Park School with artist Lotte Karlsen!


More photos – including our pop-up music performances and buskers!

Joining in with the Art Trail…

 

 


Whiz Youth Project created a banner for Celebrate Connections…

Trafalgar Court Celebrate Connections Hanging Baskets workshop with Friends of Tibetan Kitchen!

Fantastic guided tour with the knowledgeable Alexandra Park heritage group – and delicious tea/coffee and cake from Coffee Cranks. Part of Celebrate (festival) Connections! ☀️????????????????

Celebrate Connections Wellbeing Workshops in Whalley Range

Come along for a BOOST!

Join us in small, friendly workshops to help build confidence, help re-connect with life again and lift your spirits and positivity.

(There are still places available for the next course: see contact details below)

 

Would you like to get out and about and involved in your community again – but feel nervous about ‘stepping out into the new normal’?

 

Why not get yourself prepared with free wellbeing sessions from our experienced life coach and trainer…

 

These friendly Workshops for up to 6 people will run for 1 hour for 5 weeks at

JNR8 Youth & Community Centre on Tuesdays, 10:00 -11:00 am from 22nd June – 20th July 2021.

(Please note that the 3rd session on 6th July will run in the afternoon from 1-2pm)

We all need a pick me up in these challenging times and we are creating a warm and positive space for you to change how you think to feel more up-lifted, more resilient, and more able to tackle any challenges you face.

Feedback from the first sessions:

“A really useful group: I always leave the group feeling uplifted and better prepared to take on the day!”

“It’s been very helpful: made me much more self-aware and has given me useful tools for managing my life better”.

“Positive energy to wake up fresh in the morning”.

Please contact Christine on 0161 881 3744/text 07751666150 to find out more and to book your place on the course or email communityforumwhalleyrange@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Festival 2021: Celebrate Connections

We are doing something different this year!

Click on the headings to find out what this years’ festival is all about – and keep checking this site and our Facebook page for the latest news!

Download the Celebrate Connections Festival Programme here!

Celebrate programme-2021-final

1. About Celebrate 2021

2. Call Out to Artists

3. Celebrate (Musical) Connections

4. The History of Celebrate…

5.  Festival Zoom Sessions: getting ready for Celebrate and learn something new!

6. Meet the Artists and contributors

7.  Music line-up and Buskers

8. Celebrate Connections on the art trail…


Ways to get involved in the Festival…

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Festival Packs

No photo description available.

Our free Celebrate Connections festival packs are  ready for people to collect from JNR8! (or receive via our volunteers) Art packs, seeding growing packs and wellbeing packs  – and  decorate your window packs too!

COLLECT ON THURSDAY JUNE 10th –  between 10-12  noon


Keep checking this page and Celebrate on Facebook for festival updates!

Celebrate – Whalley Range Community Festival

 

Age-friendly Whalley Range and Chorlton Celebrate International Older People’s Day 2020

The Age-friendly team walked around some of the benches in Whalley Range (socially distanced of course!) on Thursday 1st of October – to celebrate International Older People’s Day 2020…

See the route at the bottom of this page…

Members of Chorlton Good Neighbours created posters stating positive messages e.g. “I’m ageing fabulously” and statements about how they were marking Older People’s Day.

Some small groups safely visited coffee shops on the day,  and held their statements/placards up and took photos – see below.

CGN also held their monthly history talk which happened to fall on the same day.

 

“We just held our first play street – here’s what made it a success”

“We Just Held Our First Play Street – Here’s What Made It a Success”

Words by Jack Hunter (Walk Ride Whalley Range)

Last Sunday, residents of York Avenue, in Whalley Range, held our first play street. With permission from the council, and help from Walk Ride Whalley Range, we closed our road to through traffic for an afternoon. Residents’ cars were still able to come and go, and the street was open to allow for chat and play.

Despite the rain, it was a really great day, with neighbours sitting out on a road that is more used to seeing speeding cars. Everyone benefited from a day with less traffic on a residential street, and there was lots of opportunity to talk about how we might make our street nicer and safer.

York Avenue Play Street talking

Here’s a few things that made it successful:

WE MADE A BIG EFFORT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW AHEAD OF TIME

Our street has a well used WhatsApp group, originally set up as a mutual aid group during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was really useful to gauge interest and let people know what was happening. We also posted flyers through the doors of residents, as well as those on neighbouring streets and local businesses. Mindful of the mix of people who live in our neighbourhood, someone provided an Urdu translation to go on the flyers.

EVERYONE MUCKED IN

Because we’d let everyone know, lots of our lovely neighbours then helped in various ways to make it a success. As well as those who helped set up, and those who were road stewards on the day, we had donations of chairs and equipment. Someone helped with printing, someone else with the translation to ensure we were being as inclusive as possible. Others helped post our flyers. It was a brilliant team effort and, because so many people got involved, it was lots of fun.

WE DIDN’T MAKE IT INTO AN ‘EVENT’

A play street is not a street party – it’s an experiment, designed to test what your road would be like if it was designed for people, rather than cars. We wanted it to look and feel as though it could be a normal day, not a one-off event. Keeping it low key was also essential given the local lockdown in Manchester – given the rules around gatherings and social distancing, we definitely didn’t want big crowds of people in our road.

WE DID LOTS OF TALKING AND LISTENING

There’s lots of interest on our street about how to tackle speeding. The play street was a great opportunity to talk together about what we could do, working with the council where necessary. In the days afterwards, we circulated a short, anonymous survey on our WhatsApp group to get feedback and suggestions for how to improve it next time.

WE’RE KEEPING THE MOMENTUM!

Everyone has been super positive about the day, so we’re already planning our next one in September. If people are up for it, we could even think about doing it much more regularly.

York Avenue Play Street signage

Manchester City Council have recently announced steps to encourage people to hold play streets, including removing the application fee previously attached to similar traffic orders. If you are living in Whalley Range and are interested in organising a play street for your road, email WhalleyRange@WalkRideGM.org.uk for support and help to make it happen.

If you live elsewhere in Greater Manchester, check our list of local groups, and if there isn’t one where you live then get in touch with Walk Ride GM for support on how to go about finding people who also want to improve their streets and forming a Walk Ride subgroup together – content@walkridegm.org.uk.

What’s happening in and around the Range?

 

 

Scroll down for: Community events, meetings and festivals, pub quizzes, open mic, classes for little ones, older ones, music nights, litter picks, play activities and opportunities to volunteer and get involved!

 

1. Local Events

We will provide updates when we can – but due to the current situation we have removed the current listings for now…

What’s on the Range

Are you a musician, artist, photographer, crafts person living or working in Whalley Range/M16?
If so you need the What’s On the Range Christmas Web Page. What’s on the Range (WOTR) is a new project brought to you by Whalley Range Build Back Greener though the Arts. WOTR links Crafts, Creators, Communities, Cultures and makes Connections between the people of Whalley Range.
Our WOTR Christmas page will highlight the artists, crafts people, cooks, musicians who have lovely stuff to sell as Christmas Presents.
Perhaps you can sell art works? Create an event whereby a musician will play outside a house for a private micro-concert (great gift for neighbours or friends!) Some lovingly hand crafted things? A yoga class? A sample music lesson? A CD of your music or a download?
WOTR is providing this page as a way of putting Whalley Range people in contact with each other. We are not responsible for the buying and selling of goods and services. Everyone needs to make their own decisions about the things on offer here.
If you would like to join in by selling things you create, contact wotrange@gmail.com and tell us

Dear Friends
St Margaret’s Church is delighted to be opening its doors again on Saturday 5th December for a Flute recital by Amy Yule. Amy is a Flute player for the Hallé Orchestra in normal times and she will play a repertoire to include Debussy’s Syrinx, J.S. Bach Partita in A minor and Image by Bozza. Amy will be sponsored by Build Back Better – through the Arts Project.
Doors will open at 10.45am. Please observe Covid rules of wearing a mask, hand sanitizing and keeping a distance of 2 metres and no socialising with people not in your bubble.

We are also conducting an amazing Art Auction on Facebook, poster and two examples attached. Please visit the site to view the art and make a bid?

Sunday Services will resume on Sunday 6th December at 10.30am.
With best wishes
Joan Gem
St Margaret’s Church

HOW TO DONATE WORK, WHAT TO DONATE & HOW TO BID
HOW/WHAT TO DONATE
Please email art4roofs2020@outlook.com attaching a good photograph of your donation and a description (creator name, title of piece, medium used*, dimensions, whether original* or a print, and whether mounted/framed). People donating their own work can provide their online links for display on the auction site.
Donations can be 2D or 3D art, craft or photographic work (including jewellery) created by a professional or non-professional artist/maker. Prints must be art quality.
Life drawings accepted if not erotic or too explicit.
Non-Manchester donators who want the winning bidder to pay postage, please state the cost of posting to Manchester.
HOW TO BID
Please enter your bid in a new comments box under the image of the work. Starting bids at least £10 rising in increments of £5.
Bids are for the work only. Any postage costs will be additional.
Established artists/makers whose work sells for high sums may request a higher minimum bid, but their ability to market their work and the offer of displaying their online links may negate any need for this.

 

Read more about the project and view the artwork here:

https://www.facebook.com/art4roofs/?ref=page_internal


WHALLEY RANGE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE


For almost 20 years, Whalley Range for Peace and Justice (WRPJ) has held a card-writing event in St Margaret’s Church in Whalley Range on the first Saturday in December.
These have been in support of Amnesty International’s “Write for Rights” campaign.
This is a campaign where people are encouraged to write messages of support to people around the world who have suffered injustice.
Or to write to those in authority who could help end the injustices.

This year’s campaign runs from 2nd November until 31st December.
It covers 10 cases of injustice. Amnesty provide information booklets which describe the cases and advise where to write to and what to say.
Your communications may be by post, email or social media. Covid 19 has meant a rethink by WRPJ this year.
If Lockdown#2 ends as stated on December 2nd there will be a card writing event at St Margaret’s Church, Rufford Road, M16 8AE on Saturday 12th December from 12 noon to 5pm.

Numbers will be strictly limited and all social distancing measures that apply to community facilities will be in full force, including a one way system for entry and exit.

There will be 4 ‘sittings’ of one hour each at 12 noon, 1.15, 2.30 and 3.45.
A maximum of 6 people from one household or bubble may sit at a table together. Smaller groups and individuals will be seated in a COVID appropriate fashion.
Masks must be worn in the church by anyone aged 11+ unless you have an exemption.

We cannot replicate the atmosphere of our normal events when we pack well over 100 people into the church at any given point, but some elements will be preserved. For example there will be stalls by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, News from Nowhere and Kimbilio plus the popular second hand bookstall.
There will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

Sadly refreshments cannot be served so you will have to bring your own flask!
And there will be no children’s activity table but children are welcome to bring their own activities to do at your table.

If you would like to come along please email WRPJ2020@gmail.com
and indicate your preferred time and the names of the people in your party, giving your mobile phone number.
Your preferred time may not be available, but we will do our best.

Find out more here: https://www.whalleyrange.org/…/WRPJ-flyer-online-2020.pdf


 

 


2. Regular Local Events (Check with venues)

 

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Some say it is the hardest quiz in town, some say it is the weirdest. come join us for a great time in the Carlton Club.

Every 3rd Wednesday in the month.Meet new people and have some midweek fun in our friendly venue with reasonably priced drinks. Bar opens 8pm ,Quiz starts 8.30 prompt and ends around 10.30pm. 4-6 people per team Entry £2 non members: £1 members. prize for winning team plus snowball rollover, with mystery question!

See you soon!

________________________________________


Mondays

  • Conversation Spanish 11-12 at JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range, M16 0BG  £1 donation   0161 881 3744 (back on Friday 28th Feb and Monday 2nd March)

Tuesdays

  • Health Walk: 9.15am, Alexandra Park, meeting at the Cafe near the lake
  • Art Class: 10am – 12.30pm, St Margaret’s Social Centre, Brantingham Rd, Manchester M21 0TT
  • Women’s ESOL Term times 10-11am @ JNR8  Community Centre M16 0BG
  • Women’s Hatha Yoga Term times 11-12 noon
  • Open Door Coffee Morning: 10am, St. James Church, 95 Princess Rd, Manchester M14 4TH
  • The Friendship Group: 2.30pm every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, Whalley Range Methodist Church, 51 Withington Rd M16 7EX

Wednesdays

  • Women’s Keep Fit 10-11am JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range M16 0BG
  • Coffee Time & Choir Practice: 10.30am – 12.30pm, Whalley Range Methodist Church, 51 Withington Rd M16 7EX
  • Conversation & Crafts 11:30-1:30pm JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range M16 0BG – Wellbeing & Crafts
  • Cromwell Community Cuppa 2-3pm JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range M16 0BG
  • Whalley Rangers Fly Tipping/Recycling Action Group meetings: 7 – 8pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, Manley Park Play & Community Centre, York Ave, Manchester M16 0AS
  • Open Voice Choir: 7.30 – 9pm (term time only), St. Margaret’s Church, Rufford Rd. M16 8AE

Thursdays

  • Computer Classes for beginners 10-1pm JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range M16 0BG Includes 1 hour CV/job support
  • Be Well can link you to social and physical activities in your community that can improve your life. Contact your GP surgery  for a referral to JNR8 or call 0161 470 7120
  • Tai Chi 1:30-2:30 – Local residents, all ages + abilities: £1 donation
  • Chair Exercise for  low mobility starts Thursday 27/2 at 2:30-3:30pm at JNR8
  • Chorlton Good Neighbours coffee morning 10-12, Wilbraham St Ninians Church
    Egerton Road South, Chorlton-cum-Hardy
    Manchester M21 0XJ
  • Keep Fit and Stay Healthy Group: 10.45am – 11.45am, Whalley Range Methodist Church, 51 Withington Rd M16 7EX
  • AA Meetings: 7 – 8pm, St Margaret’s Church, Rufford Rd. M16 8AE

Fridays

  • Jummaa Friday Prayers: 1.15 pm – 2.15 pm, British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8BP
  • Conversation Spanish 10-11 @ JNR8 – learn together group – contact kazkarim@yahoo.co.uk
  • Time to Change mental wellbeing support group 6-8pm JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Avenue, Whalley Range M16 0BG Call Carol in advance on 07788855544

Saturdays

  • Whalley Rangers Community Garden: 1.30pm – 3.30pm, The Carlton Club
  • YSG Youth Club at 82 Cromwell Avenue
  • Monthly Whalley Range Climate Action Group meetings

Sundays

  • Beaver Scouts (for boys & girls age 6 to 8 years of age): 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8BP
  • Cubs Scouts (for boys & girls age 8 to 10 years of age): 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, British Muslim Heritage Centre, College Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, M16 8BP
  • Sizzling Sundays (women’s dance workshops): 3rd Sunday of the month, 11am – 12.30pm, The Carlton Club, Rowan Lodge, 113 Carlton Rd, Manchester, M16 8BE

 


3. Events Further Afield

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WHEN POSSIBLE…

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4. Regular pub/bar/cafe events… (Check in advance)


Every 3rd Wednesday in the month.Meet new people and have some midweek fun in our friendly venue with reasonably priced drinks. Bar opens 8pm ,Quiz starts 8.30 prompt and ends around 10.30pm. 4 people per team Entry £2 non members: £1 members. Small prize for winning team plus snowball rollover

 


hslogo

Jazz Information

Live Jazz is a regular event on Whats Happening at The Hillary Step. Every Sunday and Wednesday from 9 pm we will be hosting a jazz gig featuring musicians largely from the NW, but also those on a national tour that our booking guru Bob Jones brings to Whalley Range.

For further information please contact us at The Hillary Step on 0161 881 1978 or email jazz@thehillarystep.co.uk


Hillary Step Pub Quiz

Every month on the first Tuesday, maximum 6 per team, £1 a head. Winning team gets the cash, runners up get booze. Hurrah!

http://thehillarystep.co.uk/


nip

Varied live music events at The Nip. Acoustic gigs, Irish music, open mics, special guests, you name it.

For more information find our event page on Facebook.

Be the first to know about news and the latest events here at the Nip and Tipple by following our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Need space for your event?

We can cater for birthdays, engagements or any celebration you might have. Get in touch to discuss your requirements including catering using our contact form or call 0161 8607330.

For regular updates, and to find out how to get involved, join the group below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/427419630625428/



5. Exhibitions, Arts and Festivals

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6. Children’s Events


https://www.facebook.com/zartsmcr/

 

 

Nature in and around the Range

Residents have been taking photos during their daily exercise and sending them into us…

From Liz – Manley Park in bloom!


Manley Park Methodist Church/JNR8 Community Centre grounds: from Russell Kirby


From someone living on Cromwell Avenue – and a selection of photos from her kids taken on their daily walks in various local parks…

 

 


More from Manley Park Church and JNR8

  

 


    

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Clean and Safe: free non-food essentials packs

 

Read the Report here: Clean and Safe Report 2020

We still have some of our Clean and Safe packs available for Whalley Range residents.

Get in touch if you or a friend or neighbour are finding it difficult to get hold of cleaning products and personal care items.We also have period packs from the fab team at Every Month.
See the flyer and email wrcfcleanandsafe@gmail.com to request a pack

Older people: events, news, health, seminars and information sharing


Manchester Care and Repair: Big Energy Saving Week 2020 – 20 Ways to Save

Save in the kitchen

  • Use a bowl to wash-up rather than running a tap, reduce your washing machine use by one cycle a week, and only fill the kettle with the water you need and you could save around £36 a year in the kitchen.
  • A dripping tap can waste more than 5,300 litres of water a year, so make sure your taps are properly turned off and change washers promptly when taps start to drip.
  • Save in the bathroom
  • Spend one minute less in the shower each day and a family of four could save £75 a year on energy and water bills.
  • A running tap wastes more than 6 litres of water every minute, so turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.
  • Replacing an inefficient shower head with a water efficient one could save a household of four people around £70 a year off gas bills and around £115 a year off water bills.
    Save on lighting
  • Turn your lights off when you’re not using them. If you switch a light off for just a few seconds, you will save more energy than it takes for the light to start up again. This will save you around £14 a year on your annual energy bills.
  • Replace your bulbs as and when you can with energy efficient LEDs – on average it could save about £35 a year on bills.
    Save on appliances
  • Turning your appliances off standby mode can save you £30 a year and remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones on charge unnecessarily.
    Save on heating
  • If you have a timer on your central heating system, set the heating and hot water to come on only when required.
  • If you turn down your main thermostat by 1 degree, you can around 10% on your energy bill. But make sure your home is warm enough during cold weather. Cold homes can damage your health.
  • Installing a room thermostat, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves and using these controls efficiently could save you around £75 a year.
  • Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows and check for draughts around windows and doors.
  • Draught-proofing of window and doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can save around £20 a year on energy bills.
    Save by switching
  • Use the Citizens Advice energy price comparison tool to see if you can save money by switching energy tariff or supplier.
    Save by getting extra support
  • Do a home energy check to find out about savings of up to £130 a year on household energy bills. Visit the Simple Energy Advice website and get personalised energy savings advice.
    Visit your local Citizens Advice office to get advice in person about how to reduce your energy bills.
    If anyone in your household is receiving benefits, contact your energy supplier and see what support they can provide. They should be able to tell you what help is available through the Energy Company Obligation.
    If you need a little extra help from your energy company – including large print bills or more support during a power cut – you can apply to be added to your electricity network priority services register.
    Check if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount. Energy suppliers can provide rebates to households on certain benefits. The rebate is £140 for 2019/20 and you should contact your electricity supplier directly to see if you qualify.
    If you live in Wales, contact the Welsh Government’s Nest scheme on 0808 808 2244 to see if you are eligible for a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating or insulation.                           If you are aged 60 or over and live in Manchester, you can also contact Manchester Care & Repair for help support with your energy costs. Or come and visit us at one of our upcoming events this Big Energy Saving Week, to see how we can help you.
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News from Manchester Cares

MCR Cares – February Programme

Winter Wellbeing Flyer (updated for 2019_20)


Computer Classes



News, meetings, courses and events

 

Latest Newsletter from Age-friendly Manchester

 

 

https://mailchi.mp/manchester.gov.uk/celebrating-the-international-day-of-older-people-the-state-of-the-city-choir-singing-warming-up-for-winter-events-advice-volunteering-and-more-599897?e=2c8a210af0

Winter Wellbeing Flyer (updated for 2019_20)

Latest news and events from Manchester Cares:

https://manchestercares.org.uk/blog

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Pride in Ageing

In June we celebrated the launch of Greater Manchester’s brand new Pride in Ageing programme alongside Sir Ian McKellen.

Led by the LGBT Foundation, Pride in Ageing aims to ensure that the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people who are aged 50 and over are recognised and met by services across Greater Manchester, particularly in social care and housing.

It will also tackle the social isolation faced by LGBT people over 50, which we know is commonplace and has a significant impact on their health, happiness and wellbeing.

An Advisory Group of older LGBT people has been set up to ensure that the views from their communities feed directly into the project and its delivery. The Group is now full but please contact Lawrie Roberts if you would like to be involved.

Age-Friendly Manchester have funded this new programme of work, together with the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub, Manchester City Council’s Adult Social Care and Barclays Spectrum.

If you would like any further information on Pride in Ageing, please email Lawrie or call 07541 977 854.

Bringing Manchester’s Older Chinese Community Together Through Art

Older Chinese communities in the UK often experience high levels of social and cultural isolation. Supported by the Baring Foundation, Manchester’s Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA) is exploring how art and creativity can bring older Chinese residents together.

Zoe Dunbar, the Director of CFCCA has written a blog for the Baring Foundation about their activity to date.

CFCCA have delivered a series of creative workshops to develop writing and language skills, ran script writing sessions for residents to tell their life stories and practised traditional Chinese block printing using recycled materials. Activity has been delivered in collaboration with Wai Yin Chinese Community Centre and the local Sheung Lok radio station.

Read Zoe’s blog on the Baring Foundation website to find out more.

The CFCCA is currently recruiting for a new Age-Friendly Projects Coordinator role. See further details under the Employment, Volunteering and Training Opportunities section later in this eBulletin.

Elaine, Chair of the Age Friendly Manchester Older People’s Board pedalling up a smoothie at Celebrate Festival in Whalley Range.
Changes to the TV License Fee for over 75s

The BBC recently announced that from June 2020, the free TV licence will only be available to older people aged 75 and over if they are in receipt of Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit designed to help older people on very low incomes.An estimated 1.3 million households are currently not taking up their right to pension credit, worth an average annual £2,500 – some 600,000 of whom are currently eligible for a free TV license. To find out whether you may be eligible, ring the pension credit claim line on 0800 991 234.You will need your national insurance number and bank account, savings and investment details.

 Archive news about Transport…

Are we getting there?
Age-friendly transport across Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Older People Network Conference Report – Liz Jones, Macc

The following 23 questions were raised by participants during the course of the morning workshop.

Some were posed to Andy Burnham and the expert panel in the afternoon. The rest have now been submitted to Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub for responses.

  1. How will we prioritise investment and coordination of community transport schemes (such as Ring and Ride)?
  2. How do we get a complimentary, localised, fully accessible, funded, door to door transport service?
  3. How can the design of transport be improved? This can include better information, bus stops, seating, interchanges, training etc.
  4. How can we ensure that there is a consistent good level of training for understanding various needs across all transport?
  5. How can we expand and better tap into existing community assets, such as volunteer schemes, minibuses, taxi sharing etc?
  6. How are you going to better involve older people in decision-making around public transport? Are bus drivers currently given training run by older people/people with disabilities? If not, could they be in future?
  7. How do we involve older people in designing new provision For example, there are issues with the new Bolton interchange which could potentially have been avoided with a better commitment to co-design.
  8. Why cant free bus pass be used before 9:30am when a lot of hospital and health appointments are made before 9:30 am?
  9. Can we develop a more comprehensive network for Park and Ride?
  10. It is difficult to access toilets at main transport stations/interchanges. Can transport maps highlight local toilets and flag up community toilet schemes and/or publicise other nearby toilets?

11.Why isnt parking on pavements illegal in Greater Manchester?

12.Is a congestion charge for Manchester a consideration looking ahead?

13.How do we propose to make community transport more age-friendly, along the lines of the Ring and Ride scheme?

14.When is re-regulation of buses going to happen?

15.Can transport links/routes be linked or better integrated with hospital and health care locations? For example, having maps on display of bus, tram and train routes, indicating stops and routes for local hospitals and health centres.

16.Promotion what currently available, such as taxi vouchers, hailer cards etc. While these are available, they are not sufficiently known about. How do people find out about these? Can they be promoted more widely and at relevant times?

17.Are you surveying older people satisfaction of public transport? If so, can you share the results with the GMOPN?

18.Do you think it is right to ask people to surrender their bus pass in order to qualify for the taxi voucher scheme? Could both offers be flexible?

19.How do we help people not on main routes? Even a five-minute walk can be a real challenge.

20.Who can we can communicate with to get answers to questions and to be able to feed our ongoing concerns into transport planning?

21.Can we have real-time information displays at bus stops, as the case with trams and trains?

22.How are you going to better synchronise the bus, tram and train services?

Once we have received responses, we will publish a set of replies on our website at

www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/policy-and-influence/gm-older-peoples-network

Read the report below:

https://www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/sites/manchestercommunitycentral.co.uk/files/Transport%20Report%20GMOPN.pdf


 

 


Consultations, Surveys & Studies

Healthwatch Manchester: Have Your Say!

In Greater Manchester, we have a much higher number of people that are in contact with mental health services than many other parts of the country.Yet research into mental health has also not always focused on the issues that are relevant or important to local people.

This is why Health Innovation Manchester (HInM) and the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership (GM HSCP) want to work together with residents to make sure research focuses on what matters to local people.

Have your say on the mental health research priorities in Greater Manchester by completing this short survey: Click here

Bus consultation

A consultation on the proposed bus franchising scheme for Greater Manchester is currently taking place.

It’s your chance to help shape the way bus services are run in the city region.

The proposal would place buses under Greater Manchester’s control, which would allow decisions about fares, timetables and routes to be made centrally – much like in London.

Three-out-of-four public transport journeys in Greater Manchester are made by bus, so we’d appreciate it if you took the time to share your views.

An improved and more widely used bus service would have a positive impact on health – fewer cars being used would result in less congestion and less air pollution.

Read more

Have your say on local pharmacies

If you live or work in Manchester, we are interested in hearing about your experiences of using local pharmacies. Your views will help shape the way services are being delivered in the future. Complete the 2019 pharmacy needs assessment online; it will take approximately ten minutes

Over the Counter Medicines
People in Manchester are being asked to give their views on the recommendations by NHS England to change how some medicines are prescribed.

On average the NHS spends around £569 million a year on prescriptions for medicines that you can buy yourself from a pharmacy or supermarket without needing a prescription from a doctor. For example, pain killers like paracetamol.

NHS England have created new guidance to stop doctors giving prescriptions for medicines for 33 small illnesses. Please complete this survey so that we can understand how these changes will effect Manchester’s patients, public and local communities.

PRESS RELEASE: Whalley Range recognised as age-friendly by Mayor of Greater Manchester

Whalley Range has been officially recognised as an age-friendly neighbourhood by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

The Mayor announced the winners of his Age-Friendly Challenge during Greater Manchester “Doing Ageing Differently” conference.

Held, in February 2019, the event brought together over 300 key figures in ageing from across the country.

Whalley Range was one of 32 areas from across Greater Manchester to be recognised by the award scheme designed to showcase the best places to grow older in the city-region.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said:

“I launched this challenge last year to unearth the positive work I know is going on in Greater Manchester, to find practical examples of what age-friendly really means, and to share best practice across the city-region.

The response to this challenge has been fantastic. The variety of age-friendly work displayed from all our winners clearly shows the commitment from our local communities to make sure that people in Greater Manchester are living not just longer, but happier and healthier too.”

Chris Ricard from Age-friendly Whalley Range/Whalley Range Community Forum who applied on behalf of the area said:

“We are thrilled to hear the news that Whalley Range has been recognised as an age-friendly neighbourhood for 2019!

We will be celebrating this award with groups and residents of all ages as a neighbourhood committed to working towards making      Whalley Range a great place to grow older.”

The award recognises the hard work that organisations and older people in Whalley Range have carried out to make their area a great place to grow older.

An age-friendly neighbourhood is a place where: residents are committed to looking out for each other, older people feel they can have a say in what going on in their local area, and there are spaces where people can get together.

The award also showed that Whalley Range is committed to helping older people feel: independent, safe and secure, and informed about what is going on in their local area.

Submissions to Mayor Age-Friendly Challenge were reviewed by an expert panel chaired by Prof. Chris Phillipson from MICRA at The University of Manchester. Other panellists included representatives from Greater Manchester Older People Network, Ambition for Ageing, and the Centre for Ageing Better.

Notes to editors

Greater Manchester is the UK first age-friendly city region, as recognised by the World Health Organization.

The Mayor Age-Friendly Challenge represents a commitment to shape a city-region that recognises the contribution older people make and the value in keeping all residents socially, physically and economically active for longer.

The challenge was launched by Andy Burnham during Greater Manchester Festival of Ageing in July 2018, where he called for the voluntary and community sector, public services, and older people groups to submit their best age-friendly schemes and help deliver more age-friendly neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester.

https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/news/mayor-launches-agefriendly-challenge-at-greater-manchester-s-festival-of-ageing/

The Mayor Age-Friendly Challenge was delivered by Ambition for Ageing on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Ageing Hub which works to improve older people quality of life in Greater Manchester, addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities the UK is facing in response to a rapidly growing older population.

www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/agefriendlygm

Age-friendly neighbourhood information from Ambition for Ageing report Building

Age-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester.

https://ambitionforageing.org.uk/neighbourhoods

Whalley Range Climate Action Group

We are a group of local residents who are starting a local climate change action group. Climate change is a huge threat to us and the planet. Although it is easy to despair, we can make a difference by working with others for change and we want to do this in our area.

This new group will work to support each other to make positive changes to our lives and community and to act for change. Members will decide what we do and can get involved in as much or as little as you like – ideas so far include learning sessions, supporting each other, climate campaigning, and linking with other groups in and beyond the area.

We are hoping to build a supportive group that meets locally to share ideas and strategies and organise activities and campaigns. Everybody is very welcome to join no matter what your current level of knowledge. You are invited to contribute your skills and energy to build a self sustaining, learning, active group.

Come to our meetings from 11-1pm at the JNR8 Youth and Community Centre 82 Cromwell Avenue Whalley Range M16 0BG.

There is the option to eat lunch together afterwards, please bring your own veggie food. For more info see the Whalley Rangers Facebook Group, Twitter @RangeAction or contact climateaction@whalleyrangers.org

WRCF News and Events: January 2019 Edition

Coming soon to Manley Park…

STOP PRESS: CHANGE OF DATE FOR CELEBRATE FESTIVAL!!!!

We’ve had to reschedule Celebrate to Saturday 15th June!

More info to follow!

https://www.whalleyrange.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Newsletter-Winter-18-19.pdf

 

Read the latest issue of our Whalley Range News & Events – featuring local news, activities and reports

Click the link below:

Volunteers Wanted: Manchester Winter Night Shelter

The Greater Together Manchester Winter Night Shelter is a rolling shelter, based at ten different churches close to the city centre between October and April. It provides 12 homeless men, referred from other organisations, with a bed and a hot meal each night in a relaxed and homely atmosphere.

The Night Shelter will be coming to St John, and St Edmund in Whalley Range, in January 2019.

Volunteers are needed for the shelter on shifts of your choosing, including evenings, overnights and mornings. Outside shelter hours, help to cook or to do laundry is also needed. No previous experience is needed as full training is provided. The next volunteer training session is on Monday 17th December.

They are looking for volunteers from all walks of life who can get involved with a variety of shelter tasks. Shifts are flexible to fit around many people’s own commitments. Many of their guests have English as an additional language and can sometimes be limited. Knowledge of other languages and ability to communicate without English is very useful at times. Applications are particularly encouraged from those with experience of cooking.

The role is suitable for those over the age of 18.

The shelters run every night from January to April.

Shift times are Morning – 6am – 9:30am;

Evening – 5:30pm – 10pm;

Overnight – 9:30pm – 6:30am.

There is an application process to volunteer with GTMNS and it must be completed before attending a shelter. You will need to complete an online application form which will ask for 2 references. When they have received satisfactory references, volunteers will be invited to introductory training either as part of a large group or a small one. Once training is completed, volunteers are then added to a calendar and will be able to select their own shifts.

Online application https://timecounts.org/gtmanchester/assignments/2013

Or contact

Email: nightshelter@greatertogethermanchester

Tel: 0161 828 1400

For more information, or to register as a volunteer, please go to https://greatertogethermanchester.org/homelessness or email nightshelter@greatertogethermanchester.org

If you, or someone you know, are homeless and need help, please visit Street Support.

New Manchester to Chorlton Walking & Cycling Route

Manchester unveils proposals for new world-class cycling and walking route

The Manchester to Chorlton cycling and walking route is being proposed by Manchester City Council, the One Trafford Partnership, Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Chris Boardman.

Running along Barlow Moor Road, Manchester Road, Upper Chorlton Road and Chorlton Road, the new five kilometre route will benefit local residents and anyone wishing to cycle between the city centre and the thriving Chorlton area.

Local residents, businesses, community groups and other interested parties are now invited to review the proposals and have their say at www.manchester.gov.uk/consultations.

 

 

Better Buses for Greater Manchester

Better Buses for Gtr Mcr open meeting

Public Meeting:  Wednesday 6 February, 6.30pm
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester M2 3JL
Our buses in Greater Manchester are not working currently. It’s a wild west where companies do what they like.
Come to the campaign’s first public meeting to find out more about how we can win, and join the campaign to take action for better buses.

Speakers
Fatima Abid (University of Manchester Students’ Union)
Cllr John Hughes (Bus Driver and Unite rep)
Neil McInroy (CLES)
Luke Raikes (IPPR North)
Helen Rimmer (Friends of the Earth)
Chair – Jennifer Williams (Manchester Evening News)
There will be snacks, time to meet others from your local area and feel free to bring the kids.
We have a huge opportunity to make our buses better over the next year. Come along to join the fight against the fat cats!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fight-the-fat-cats-lets-win-better-buses-for-greater-manchester-tickets-54601492534
Sign the campaign petition here: https://betterbusesgm.org.uk/
If you’d like to get more involved in the Better Buses for Greater Manchester campaign, please contact Pascale Robinson: Pascale@betterbusesgm.org.uk

Better Buses for Greater Manchester campaign launched with a bus ride

Sign the petition here.

Thank you to everyone who chose us as your local Co-op Community Cause!

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Well it’s been a great year – those of you who voted for us have enabled us to start a new course around nutrition – and to ensure our community classes and activities/events for adults can continue at least until December!

The money raised will also fund a revised edition of the popular Whalley Range Community Directory:

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There are some new local causes in your area – visit https://causes.coop.co.uk/

to find out who you can support!

And again…

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Generate our Kitchen: proposed health & wellbeing centre at JNR8

We now have a fabulous shiny new community kitchen for our existing groups – and to start up some exciting new ones!

 

 

Incredible transformation! Almost there – just some finishing touches to go!

Posted by Generate our Kitchen on Friday, June 21, 2019

We're nearly there!!! Fantastic work from Gary and Rik Moores of Moores Maintenance…just a few weeks to go before this amazing transformation is complete! ????

Posted by Generate our Kitchen on Thursday, June 6, 2019

Work in progress…We're nearly there!!! Fantastic work from Gary and Rik Moores of Moores Maintenance…just a few weeks to go before this amazing transformation is complete! ????

Posted by Generate our Kitchen on Friday, June 7, 2019

 

 

 

 

How it all began…

The work has begun at JNR8…

Many thanks to Mick for organising the work from the ISG construction company who have been supporting our project.

The team have knocked down the redundant chimney above the kitchen so that the work can commence…wet rot caused a few problems – but moving forward we are working with local building teams to get on with the work!

 

Many thanks to the team from Hyde Demolition who removed the chimney

Crescent Roofing who have patched up the roof ready for the next stage

Timberwise – roofing experts who came along to check out the roof for any issues

Watch this space for updates!


 https://www.facebook.com/hungryJNR8/

We are well on our way to realising our dream for our community kitchen!

We have now secured grants for a new energy efficient boiler from the Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Fund…

and a new commercial cooker thanks to a grant from the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund! 

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We have received a fantastic donation of ‘pre-loved’ stainless steel kitchen equipment and an offer to carry out some of our building work – from ISG – a dynamic construction company currently working in schools across Greater Manchester…

 

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The Whiz project young people who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award have recorded interviews with building users to find out their thoughts about the current facilities and the benefits of a new kitchen.

Listen to some of the interviews here:



Please Help!

We are struggling to feed and support our hungry community.
Our kitchen is a shambles and weve had to suspend lots of our vital cooking activities!

Food has always been a very important aspect of our work in terms of bringing people together, cook and eat: we have produced cookery guides and recipe books: our under 12 cookery class appeared on Ready Steady Cook!

We love Whalley Range and talked to residents about what they want – and this is what they said:

Cookery lessons, Meal budgeting advice, Catering courses, Cook & Taste sessions, Community Meals
Healthy meal ideas, Cheap nutritious meal plans, Heritage & ESOL food courses, Intergenerational cooking
Learning about vitamins & food sources, Healthy nutritious meals for one, Family cooking sessions,

With a fully accessible professional kitchen we know we could meet these priorities – and more!

Since 1998 we have been based at the JNR8 Youth & Community Centre – the leased community rooms of
Manley Park Church – providing a range of inclusive projects for our richly diverse community.

There are 2 main charitable organisations based here.
Whalley Range Community Forum (WRCF) sources funding and facilitates daytime activities for the community and a weekly social and cooking group for people experiencing mental ill health.
Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association (WRYOA) runs an evening Youth Club and holiday play schemes.

The Church has made major improvements over the past years: a new hall floor, energy efficient boiler and new double glazed windows and doors. WRCF has sourced funding for furniture, laptops and storage for the many groups who provide activities/classes.
We have decided to all come together to fundraise for a new professional, accessible kitchen to improve health & wellbeing. We named our project: Generate our Kitchen – as our building – JNR8 – is pronounced Generate!

With one part-time member of staff and a voluntary committee for WRCF and WRYOA – along with fantastic teams of volunteers and sessional youth workers – we are the only local centre serving the community with activities for all ages and cultures, providing crisis support and celebrating the area by bringing people together to improve mental and physical health and wellbeing and raising aspirations.

Based on consultations at our events we aim to:

Help reduce isolation by providing social groups,
Encourage people to engage with others: Coffee mornings, Afternoon Tea, Support groups
Improve employability and confidence/self-esteem building
Provide ESOL support with English speaking and writing
Provide basic and improvers computer skills with internet access
Run Work clubs and Computer classes
Provide Youth provision and Play schemes including Duke of Edinburgh Award, Girls Night
Promote Healthy eating Health & Wellbeing and Fitness classes
Reduce the stigma around mental ill health
Provide crisis support including Hate Crime reporting centre and Foodbank voucher distribution
Thai Boxing
Tai Chi
Women Health
Age-friendly
Child Friendly
Hate Crime Awareness and International Women Day events
Debates
Book and film launches
Babies & toddlers groups
Meetings
Advice sessions

Something for the youngest to the oldest, the Celebrate festival at our community centre – along with a wide range of other activities for everyone of all ages in our richly diverse community!

We love living in Whalley Range and as a Community Forum we have talked to residents about what they want!

  • Cookery lessons
  • Meal budgeting advice
  • Catering courses
  • Cook & Taste sessions
  • Community Meals
  • Healthy meal ideas
  • Cheap nutritious meal plans
  • Heritage food courses
  • Intergenerational cooking
  • Learning about vitamins & food sources
  • Healthy nutritious meals for one
  • Family cooking sessions
  • A fully accessible professional kitchen
  • Practical ESOL cookery sessions
  • Production of a tried & tested cook book
    And much more!

The JNR8 Youth & Community Centre is the base for the Whalley Range Community Forum, Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association Whiz Youth Project, Celebrate, Age-friendly Whalley Range & Chorlton and Whalley Range Mental Health & Wellbeing.
We lease the building from Manley Park Methodist Church from Monday to Friday providing a range of classes, events and activities including an evening week-day youth club and holiday play for children.

On Friday evenings the volunteer-led wellbeing group Time to Change meet up offering support and removing the stigma around mental ill health by running a social group with pool, music, Tai Chi, bike repairs and to prepare, cook and eat a meal together.

The Church provides regular fundraising coffee mornings and soup lunches for the community and they let the building out on Saturday evenings to Youth on Solid Ground for their weekly youth club.
Our groups love to cook and want to promote and share cooking and eating together to reduce isolation, improve skills and employability and to improve their health.
We could provide so much more if our currently inadequate and practically unusable kitchen was updated and fit for purpose!
Representatives of the groups who share the building are applying for funding under the banner

Generate our Kitchen

Please could you help us by completing our survey to support our request for funding?

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5P3BN82

The survey is anonymous but you can add your details if you are interested in getting involved.
Visit the Age-friendly and well-being marquee to read more and to collect a hard copy of the survey.

 Thanks for your support! 

 

Email us at generateourkitchen@gmail.com to get involved


Generate our Kitchen – All about us!

 

The JNR8 (pronounced ‘Generate) Youth & Community Centre is the weekly base for the Whalley Range Community Forum, Whalley Range Youth Opportunities Association (WRYOA) Whiz Youth Project, Celebrate, Age-friendly Whalley Range & Chorlton and Whalley Range Mental Health & Wellbeing.

The JNR8 centre is a fantastic community resource – and we run a wide range of activities during the week for all ages, including ESOL, fitness, confidence building and social and self-help groups for people to come together to reduce isolation/encourage participation and friendships.

Cookery has always been a big part of our community engagement at JNR8 (our under 12 group even featured on Ready Steady Cook!) and we have a long history of providing community meals and food projects including the Food 4 Us cookery toolkit, Heritage cookery projects and intergenerational recipe sharing.

We are currently fundraising to improve our kitchen – as many of our cookery and nutrition classes have had to be put on hold as the kitchen is not fit for purpose.

Please find the link to our short survey here: 

Our exciting plan is to access funding to turn our current inadequate facilities into a professional kitchen so we can resume all the regular classes – and provide so much more!

We run a work club under the banner Generating Opportunities: a professional kitchen will enable us to provide catering, cooking and nutrition classes to improve skills and employability and projects that use cookery to improve English

In addition we want to resume our shared community meals – such as the successful Come 4 Tea, Festive Feasts and share recipes from around the world.

The Building is lovely – fantastic multi-use hall, storage for our projects, a chill out room, an IT room for computer beginners and improvers, a classroom for learning, teaching, presenting, planning and meeting.

Now look at our existing kitchen…

And look at some of the fantastic projects that go on here:

 

Imagine what we will all be able to do when we – 

Generate our Kitchen!

Please find the link to our short survey here: 
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5P3BN82

Generate our Kitchen JustGiving Page: www.justgiving.com

The British Muslim Heritage Centre has been made a recipient of Her Majesty the Queen Award for Voluntary Service

The British Muslim Heritage Centre has been made a recipient of Her Majesty the Queen Award for Voluntary Service.

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) is very proud that its work in building trust and finding common grounds between communities through shared heritage and culture has been recognised in this year Queen Award for Voluntary Service.

The unique UK national honour was created by Her Majesty to mark the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups of volunteers.

​Reacting to the announcement, Mr Nasar Mahmood Chair of BMHC said: “The trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters of BMHC are grateful for the recognition, which can only spur us all to strive even harder to build a stronger and more cohesive society. The BMHC is an organization of committed people, the vast majority of whom are volunteers, dedicated to this cause and have proven over the years that together we can achieve our aspirations”.

Mrs Huma Ali, a volunteer on one of BMHC flagship projects Heritage Community Radio said: “The BMHC has given me the opportunity to serve my local community, develop new circle of friends and gain new skills in Broadcast Radio. I feel that my contribution conveying the message of peace is hugely valued by all, which boosted my confidence in many aspects of my life”.

Mrs Hanna Shafiq, a parent Scout Leader of the BMHC Scouts Group said: “The BMHC provides immense support and an amazing venue for the BMHC Scouts Group. It has enabled us to provide children with the opportunity to be part of a global organisation, the Scouts. Through our hard work, the children learn valuable skills which will take them into adulthood, skills such as: teamwork, time management, leadership, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment. We are proud to be part of the BMHC and we are honoured to learn that our volunteering has been recognised at the highest level”.

With over 120,000 visitors a year, benefiting from a range of services, the BMHC always welcomes and encourages people to come forward and support the many community projects on offer, such as BMHC Scouts Group, exhibitions, community radio, and over 30 different initiatives supporting youth, women and other groups.

Notes to Editors
For further press information, please contact us on 0161 881 8062 oradministrator@bmhc.org.uk.
The BMHC is a UK registered charity. Registered Charity Number: 1110104

Celebrate 2018 in pictures!

Fantastic photos by our Celebrate volunteer photographers!

See Anthony Morris’s record of our 21st Celebrate Festival in Manley Park below.

Scroll down for more photos and videos from the team!

See the Celebrate 2018 Report here: https://www.whalleyrange.org/whalley-range-celebrate/celebrate-report-2018-final-small-1/

 

 


Photos + video from Thea

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Fabulous Celebrate Photos from Andrew Thompson once again…

Visit Andrew’s Flickr page to see more of his work at https://www.flickr.com/photos/eebygumcaptain

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Photos from Alison Chisholm

 


Random photos and videos from festival folk

Universal Credit: Important news from Alex Park Jobcentre (in English, Arabic and Farsi)

October  2017

Image result for universal credit logo manchester Image result for Jobcentre logo manchester

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS **

During the next few weeks you may notice a few changes within your Jobcentre

These changes may include temporary changes to your work coach, the layout of the jobcentre and you being asked a few more questions when you attend about your digital skills.

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All of these things are to prepare for

Wednesday 25th October 2017

when we will become a UNIVERSAL CREDIT FULL SERVICE Jobcentre.

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**** PLEASE READ ****

The way the Department of Work & Pensions delivers its services to claimants has been gradually changing as part of the Government Welfare to Work programme.

As part of those changes all our customers will need to make sure they can access the new online Digital Service to complete their claims online and notify of us of changes to their circumstances.

You will be notified by letter of when the changes will affect you.

If you are familiar with using digital online services, i.e. you have an up to date email account which you use regularly, shop or bank online then you will have no problem following the changes to claiming or contacting the Jobcentre via the new online service.

IF YOU ARE NOT CONFIDENT WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE THEN YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT YOUR WORK COACH AND ASK FOR HELP ON WHAT TO DO NEXT.

 FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN YOU HAVING DIFFCULTY IN CLAIMING OR ACCESSING YOUR BENEFITS.

You will have an online Universal Credit account to manage your claim. You can use your account to report changes, send messages to your work coach and find support.

Eventually all claims will be on the full service and you will have a Universal Credit online account.

 

The Team

Alex Park Jobcentre


 

                    **                       ** معلومات هامة للعملاء
خلال الأسابيع القليلة المقبلة قد تلاحظ بعض التغييرات داخل مركز العمل الخاص بك.
قد تشمل هذه التغييرات تغييرات مؤقتة على مدرب العمل الخاص بك، وتخطيط مركز.

العمل وكنت يطلب بعض الأسئلة أكثر عند حضور حول المهارات الرقمية الخاصة بك.
*******

 

كل هذه الأمور هي للتحضير
الأربعاء 25 أكتوبر  2017
عندما سنصبح مركز كريديت كامل خدمة مركز العمل.
    *******

                       ****** ارجوك اقرأ *******                     

والطريقة التي تقدم بها إدارة العمل والمعاشات خدماتها للمطالبين تتغير تدريجيا كجزء من برنامج الرعاية الاجتماعية للعمل.
وكجزء من هذه التغييرات، سيتعين على جميع عملائنا التأكد من إمكانية وصولهم إلى الخدمة الرقمية الجديدة عبر الإنترنت لاستكمال مطالباتهم عبر الإنترنت وإخطارنا بالتغييرات التي تطرأ على ظروفهم.

سيتم إعلامك بكتاب عندما التغييرات سوف تؤثر عليك.
إذا كنت معتادا على استخدام الخدمات الرقمية عبر الإنترنت، بمعنى أن لديك حساب بريد إلكتروني محدث تستخدمه بشكل منتظم أو تسوقه أو تتعامل معه عبر الإنترنت، فلن تواجهك أية مشكلة بعد إجراء تغييرات على المطالبة أو الاتصال بمركز العمل عبر الخدمة الجديدة عبر الإنترنت.

 

إذا لم تكن متأكدا من أي مما سبق سوف تحتاج إلى الاتصال بك العمل كوتش وطلب المساعدة على ما يجب القيام به المقبل.
الفشل في القيام بذلك قد يؤدي إلى أن يكون لديك صعوبة في المطالبة أو الوصول إلى المنافع الخاصة بك.

سيكون لديك حساب ائتمان عالمي عبر الإنترنت لإدارة مطالبتك.
يمكنك استخدام حسابك للإبلاغ عن التغييرات، وإرسال رسائل إلى مدرب العمل الخاص بك.

والعثور على الدعم في نهاية المطاف جميع المطالبات ستكون على الخدمة الكاملة وسيكون لديك حساب الائتمان العالمي على الانترنت.

 

الفريق

أليكس بارك مركز العمل


                    **                      **اطلاعات مهم مشتریاند

چند هفته آینده ممکن است چندین تغییر در مرکز شغلی شما مشاهده شود.این تغییرات ممکن است شامل تغییرات موقتی به مربی کار شما، طرح مرکز کار و همچنین سوالاتی باشد که شما در مورد مهارت های دیجیتالی خود به آنها مشغول هستید.

*******                                        

     Ù‡Ù…Ù‡ اینها برای آماده شدن آماده

استچهارشنبه 25 اکتبر 2017

هنگامی که ما تبدیل به یک مرکز خدمات کامل خدمات اعتباری UNIVERSAL می شود.

*******

لطفا *************

راهکارهایی که وزارت کار و حقوق بازنشستگی آن را ارائه می دهد، خدمات به متقاضیان است به تدریج به عنوان بخشی از برنامه رفاهی دولت برای کار در حال تغییر است.

به عنوان بخشی از این تغییرات، مشتریان ما باید اطمینان حاصل کنند که می توانند به سرویس جدید دیجیتال آنلاین دسترسی داشته باشند تا ادعاهای خود را به صورت آنلاین تکمیل کنند و از تغییرات در شرایط آنها مطلع شوند.

 

شما از طریق نامه اعلام می کنید که تغییرات.

شما را تحت تاثیر قرار دهداگر با استفاده از سرویس های آنلاین دیجیتال آشنا هستید، به عنوان مثال شما دارای حساب ایمیل روزانه خود هستید که به طور منظم، فروشگاه یا

 

بانک آنلاین را استفاده می کنید و پس از تغییرات به ادعای یا تماس با مرکز شغلی از طریق.

 

اگر شما با هیچ کدام از موارد فوق موافق نباشید، باید با شما تماس بگیرید و درخواست کنید که چه کاری انجام دهید.

ناکامی در انجام چنین کاری ناشی از عدم وجود مزایا و مزایای شما است.

برای اداره ادعای شما یک حساب اعتباری آنلاین جهانی خواهید داشت.شما می توانید از حساب خود برای گزارش تغییرات، ارسال پیام به مربی کار خود و پیدا کردن پشتیبانی استفاده کنید.

در نهایت تمام ادعاها در سرویس کامل خواهند بود و شما یک اعتبار آنلاین اعتباری جهانی خواهید داشت.

 

تیممرکز

 

تجارت الکس پارک

 

Befriending, connecting and more: Age-friendly news


 

Members of Age-friendly Whalley Range and Chorlton were happy to welcome a group of delegates from the Standing Committee for Health and Social Welfare from Oslo City Council to our community centre recently.

We received a message from the group upon their return to Oslo:

Good morning 🙂

On behalf of The Standing Committee on Health and Social Welfare in Oslo I want to thank you a lot for hosting us last Monday.

You have a very inspiring place, attitude and experiences and the group visiting you expressed that in plenum.

We have arrived safely in Oslo after interesting and great days in Manchester and Leeds.

Good luck with your future work.

Yours sincerely

HansOlav Toft

Secretary of The Standing Committee on Health and Social Welfare

 

(Thanks to Russell and Dave for letting us use the the church as it was enrolment day in the JNR8 hall for our ESOL learners!)


Manchester Cares is a brand new community network of young professionals and older neighbours hanging out and helping one another in our rapidly changing city.

We do this because our home town of Manchester is a wonderful place, with innovation and influence, history and heart at its core. There’s always so much going on, from new music to new businesses to new people arriving all the time.

But the city we love is now growing and changing at double speed, and that leaves some people feeling anonymous, isolated and left behind.

For our older neighbours in particular, many of whom have spent a lifetime in their home neighbourhoods, the rush and pace of the city can often now feel too much. Getting around can be difficult, and trends including globalisation, gentrification, migration and digitisation are transforming communities faster than ever before.

The multiplying effect of those pressures is that many older people have deep roots â€“ from Ancoats to Ardwick, Longsight to Levenshulme – but few connections. Meanwhile, young professionals – often graduates from across the country and around the world – can have hundreds of connectionsin the social media age, but often no roots in their communities.

The separation of those parallel worlds wastes human potential, entrenches loneliness and isolation, perpetuates social division and is ultimately corrosive for our society.

Manchester Cares seeks to address this modern blight of disconnection by harnessing the people and places around us for the benefit of all.

Our objectives are to:

  • Reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older people and young professionals alike
  • Improve the connection, confidence, skills, resilience and power of all participants so neighbours can feel part of our changing city rather than left behind by it
  • Bring people together to reduce the gaps across social, generational, digital, cultural and attitudinal divides.

Find out more: https://manchestercares.org.uk/about-us



ABOUT CYRIL FLINT BEFRIENDERS

With over 5 million elderly people living on their own, and 50% citing television as their main source of company, loneliness is an ever-present problem within our community (Campaign To End Loneliness).

Cyril Flint, an elderly pensioner living on his own in the Trafford area, was a classic example of one such individual. Having spent 20 lonely Christmas holidays on his own, since the passing of his wife, Cyril story not only evoked a wave of compassion within the community, but it also made us want to do something to help. Setting up an informal befriending service, designed to help prevent social isolation, seemed like the perfect solution. Since its creation, our scheme has grown throughout the Manchester area and we now have an increasing number of active volunteers throughout the community. https://www.cyrilflint.org

 
 

Celebrate Festival Photos 2017

Photographs from our volunteer photographers who captured the fantastic atmosphere of the 20th Whalley Range ‘Celebrate’ festival.

Our theme this year: The Heart of Whalley Range.


Photographs from the New Rose Garden

Photographs from Anthony Morris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Photographs from Andrew Thompson

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A short video capture and photos of the Whalley Range Celebrate Festival by Andrew Thompson

Filmed by Andrew Thompson

Celebrate 2017 snapshot…

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The History of Whalley Range Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club

Cricket

The first volume of the club history is now available. It is A4, 200+ pages long, lots of photos etc, and retails for £20, but is just £10 to current members. Copies are available from the club when there is access to the bar.

To buy mail order, please send cheque for ££20 inc p&p made payable to Whalley Range CC, and address it to Mike Hill c/o WRC & LTC, Kingsbrook Road, M16 8NR. Please remember to include your postal address.

Two England cricket captains, three Olympians, a famous music composer, a sprinkling of county cricketers, international rugby players, a prolific author, a renowned amateur astronomer, and the cream of the country lacrosse players are just a few of the stars who have graced the club from Whalley Range down the years.

One of the oldest clubs in the area, with cricket dating back to 1845 and tennis first staged in 1881, Whalley Range truly boasts a most colourful and illustrious pedigree, and this volume charts the first 100 years, from its early existence on College Road, its brief tenure at Hough End, through to its current residence on Kingsbrook Road, where it benefited from a rich influx of talent from the nearby William Hulme Grammar School.

The book is as much a social history of this area of Manchester as a sports book and recounts the many ups and downs and the devastating heartbreak caused by the wars, as well as stunning performances, record scores, and regular appearances at Old Trafford.

http://whalleyrange.play-cricket.com/

Age-friendly walkabout in Whalley Range…

A community group, Age-Friendly Whalley Range, went for a walk near the Whalley Range Community Forum base to discuss ways in which the streets could become more age-friendly.

Cllr Mary Watson and Patrick Hanfling of Age-Friendly Manchester joined the group in their investigation.

New free telephone number from Electricity North West

105

From Monday 6 September Electricity North West (ENW) have launched a new telephone number (105) for customers to call should they need to report or get information about a power cut in their area.

 

105 is a free service and you can call the number from most landlines and mobile phones.
A consumer awareness campaign will run from September through to next spring and will include PR, media advertising, social media and coordinated messaging through partner channels.

Attached is a slide deck with more details about this valuable new service.

Key points to note about this service are:
Dialling 105 will put customers through to their local electricity network operator – the company that manages the cables, power lines and substations that deliver electricity into homes and businesses in their area
105 is just one of the ways that customers can contact their electricity network operator. They can also contact them by phone or via their website, and most network operators are on social media too
105 is a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales
Customers can call 105 no matter who they choose to buy electricity from
Customers can also call 105 if they spot damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put anyone in danger. If there’s a serious immediate risk, they should call the emergency services too.

Tai Chi (Taiji) and Qigong for Beginners: all adults welcome.

 

Thursdays at 1:30-2:30pm @ JNR8 Youth & Community Centre

82 Cromwell Avenue, M16 0BG

(Back of Manley Park Church)

Taiji has been developed by the Chinese as a complete system for promoting mental health and physical health.

It consists of a series of choreographed slow relaxed movements called the form.

It is suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities and requires no special equipment; and can be performed in a small area.

Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems.

This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.   Harvard Medical School.

 

Call Chris on 0161 881 3744 for more details.

www.whalleyrange.org

Withington Road First Steps

logo

500 Fares a Day is the report of the Withington Road Bus Survey and presents the business case for a bus service on Withington Road.

You can read it here http://withingtonroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/500-fares-a-day.pdf

 

500faresaday

 

 

 

A NEW BUS ROUTE THROUGH WHALLEY RANGE?

new bus route
Here is the route of the proposed 85A which we are aiming to get Stagecoach to trial. This is not a replacement for the 16 bus which has now stopped running. We are hoping for a half hour service that will:

Make it easier to get to Withington Road shops including St Margaret School, the medical centre, laundrette, dentists, Mosque and the fabulous Med Cafe.

Mean you can catch a bus from Withington Road to Chorlton, Hulme Asda, Oxford Road and the city centre.

And,

The traders will benefit through increased business and their staff can get to/from work more easily.

It will be easier to nip in for last minute shopping on the way home.

Increased passive surveillance by passengers queuing and travelling on the bus will mean a safer shopping environment.

Stagecoach are interested in the idea. They are supporting improvements to Withington Road and have donated £500. Plus, the bus stops are already there so no serious investment needed. But, they do need see that there is a demand.

If frequent buses along Withington Road would make your life easier then please complete this very quick survey so we can put a strong business case to Stagecoach and make it happen!

withingtonroad.org/bus


Volunteer needed:
Withington Road ShopWatch will be getting going during July for a 6 month trial. This will bring together traders/businesses, the police and local residents groups to make Withington Road shops and the surrounding area safer. We are looking for a volunteer to be the scheme coordinator.This will not be an onerous task, as the frequency of incidents is fairly low. It will be the first time our local shops have worked together in a common interest.

Ideally you will live locally, be a regular visitor to the shopping area and interested in getting this scheme up and running.

We’ll be using the Littoralis DISC system as used in the city centre. Littoralis are waiving their usual set up fee as they are keen to test out their system in a smaller shopping environment like ours and we have agreed they can use our experience as a case study..

The Withington Road Survey results pull no punches.

They demonstrate both a need and a desire for change. 239 people responded…
…over half volunteered to help deliver improvements!

There are over 1200 comments, gripes, suggestions and ideas. The results clearly identify what needs tackling and how they should be improved.

Read the results on the website: Survey

 


 

Tell us what you think about Withington Road Shops and you could win a prize
Take the survey at www.withingtonroad.org/survey
Withington Road First Steps is bringing together shoppers, traders, local residents and the council.
Our goal: – To make our local shopping area…
“a safe, attractive and thriving high street where people want to shop, work, live, access services, trade and come together.
You could win a meal for 2, a car valet or shopping vouchers…
So far around 150 people have given their thoughts and ideas. Everyone was impressed with the model made by Class 3J of St Mary’s Primary School.
Many people wanted to see better use of the wider pavement areas, with good quality and attractive seating and planting mentioned a lot. Removing street clutter (redundant signposts etc.) and taking care of existing planted areas would help.
By far the most expressed wish for shopping was for a decent bakery. Opticians, traditional fish and chips, independent greengrocers and a butchers were also in demand. The idea of regular street markets was popular with farmers, crafts and street food markets suggested.
A lot of people miss the No. 16 bus and a popular suggestion was to divert some No 85’s to become 85A’s.
There was lots of support for the Save Nello James campaign, matched by complaints about the state of the building and grounds.
There was a lot of concern about the difficulty of crossing the road at the northern end (towards Tescos)of the shopping area. Parking on the pavements, and on double yellow lines was a cause of annoyance. The pavement between Nello James Centre and May Road needs resurfacing and the hedge cutting back.
Better street cleaning, including along the side roads, and overflowing bins was a concern for many. The fly tipping hotspots were also identified a lot. There were also complaints about the back alley which exits on to May Road, the 2 short ginnels on the main shopping parade and Tesco’s waste facilities.
Anti-social behaviour, the drinking area and begging caused concern for some, and 2 people mentioned prostitution around Carlton Road.
Tell us what you think at www.withingtonroad.org/survey

jess nello first steps
Meeting: Tuesday 25th August

While it was the Whalley Rangers who applied for the First Steps Funding, it was the concerns and observations of local residents that resulted in our proposal being successful…

Withington Road First Steps is about getting residents, traders and shoppers talking about the Withington Road Shopping Area. Its about finding out what we like and hate, about our ideas and aspirations, and developing a shared vision for what this local centre could be.

Get involve in Withington Road Project

Start any discussion about Withington Road and invariably opinions are divided. Many dislike the area to the extent they will not use it. People often complain about street cleanliness, anti-social behaviour, business practises, the impact on local residential areas. This is the first time everyone will be asked to give their views with the aim of making Withington Road somewhere everyone feels welcome.

  • Business owners and traders will be asked about what affects them and their ideas for a better trading environment
  • Pupils from St. Mary Primary School have made a model of the street which you can use to flag the issues you think are important. Your ideas for making things better can also be identified and shared
  • And an online survey will collect the views from as many local residents, shop workers and shoppers as possible
Withington Road
Withington Road

 Visit the website at for more information: http://withingtonroad.org/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/withingtonroad

Fantastic video from Together Dementia Support – featuring Alexandra Park!

 

Together Dementia Support is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company offering support and therapeutic activities for people living with dementia, their carers and supporters in Manchester.

We provide high quality activity and support groups to help people with dementia to maintain skills and hobbies, and to enable both them and their carers to make friends and maintain wellbeing.

Click here to find out more about the work we do.

Tai Chi /Qigong at JNR8

 

 Weekly Tai Chi/Qigong

Thursdays at JNR8 from 1:30-2:30pm

Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art and fitness regime to develop a healthy body and tranquil mind, with physical, mental and health benefits.

This Monday well-being class can also benefit people with back problems.

For men and women of all ages: please tell you family, friends, neighbours and colleagues!

Free of charge – but £1 donation appreciated


A guide to Tai Chi

All you need to know about tai chi, including the health benefits, different styles and getting started.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/taichi.aspx

 

 

Volunteering Opportunities

Sure Start Volunteer

Interested adults will be given application forms/course details from Manchester College and benefit advice regarding creche support during the programme from JC+ on the 10th November.


 park Volunteer

Volunteering at Alexandra Park

If you would like to find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities at the park including training course – check out the Alexandra Park Volunteer page – here you can register your interest in being a volunteer and discover up and coming events.
Volunteering is a great way to make friends with like minded people and help out the community – just click on the link to find out more
http://alexparkvolunteers.org/index.htm

 


Volunteering Opportunities; Digest 25/09/2015

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO APPLY FOR THESE OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINKS TO THE LISTING OR REFER TO THE CONTACT POINT FOR AN OPPORTUNITY.


Volunteering Opportunities in Greater Manchester


– Follow the links to view each opportunity and apply via the Volunteer Centre Manchester website (you may be asked to login!).
 
ONLY Volunteers that have attended an Induction Event will be able to apply – to book onto an upcoming Volunteer Induction Event contact the team via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk.

The Heatons Girls Club Volunteers, The Heatons Girls Club

Treasurer, Theatre of the Senses

Event Volunteer, Prostate Cancer UK

Bag Packing for Henshaws, Henshaws Society for Blind People

Bag Packing for Henshaws, Henshaws Society for Blind People

Project Assistant, Riverside ECHG

Project Assistant, Riverside ECHG

Patient Help Desk Volunteer, Henshaws Society for Blind People

Ambassador, Volunteer Centre Manchester

Administrator, Volunteer Centre Manchester

Volunteer Driver, Future Directions CIC

Volunteer Reception Assistant, Shelter

Day Centre Volunteer (Openshaw), Age UK Manchester

Day Centre Volunteer (Gorton), Age UK Manchester

Kitchen Assistant Volunteer (Openshaw), Age UK Manchester

Kitchen Assistant Volunteer (Gorton), Age UK Manchester

Arts and Crafts Group Support, Henshaws Society for Blind People

Wednesday Group Driver/Supporter, Henshaws Society for Blind People


Web Designer, Mr D’s Healthy Body Healthy Mind

Brook Manchester Education Volunteer, Brook Manchester

Fundraising Volunteer, After Adoption

Books for Free Volunteer, Healthy Planet

Charity Event Volunteers, ME1 Personal Development

Youth Justice ‘Referral Panel’ Member, The Youth Justice Service

Mentors, The Youth Justice Service


Upon making your application to an opportunity, you should expect to be contacted with further information within 10 days – in the event that this does not happen contact Volunteer Centre Manchester via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk.


Events Map and Calendar for Citywide Festival of volunteering and community groups is now live!…

Showcasing the spirit of the voluntary and community sector in Manchester

The Spirit of Manchester Festival is a citywide celebration of the amazing and invaluable services delivered by the voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises in Manchester.

Between 1st and 10th of October events will be taking place targeting a vast range of people of all ages, backgrounds, communities and neighbourhoods across the city. These events, organised by local groups are open to everyone living, working in or visiting Manchester. They are free to enter and are about using the wealth of talent in hundreds of local groups to entertain, inform and celebrate the true community Spirit of Manchester.

The Festival now has over 55 events lined up with more being added every day. There is a host of different organisations participating all across the city including:

  • For volunteers we have Southway Housing Trust, Manchester Carers Forum and the British Red Cross hosting fairs to join up volunteers with exciting projects
  • For younger people Greater Manchester Youth Network is hosting a house party to showcase its work and engage the young people in Manchester, Z-Arts are putting on Capoeira, music and drama classes for all ages
  • Manchester Action on Street Health are hosting an open morning raising awareness about the incredible work they do helping women in sex work.
  • Manchester Museum Silver Sunday and Friendly Faces Fun Day are great events for older people
  • The Festival is is being previewed with an incredible warm-up Art Jam with Mantra Live and CAN, showcasing young musical talent in Manchester on 27th of September

You can read more about the Spirit of Manchester Festival and view the Events Map and Directory at: http://bit.ly/1LTff58


Volunteering Opportunity: Digital and Work Club Mentors

Are you interested in volunteering?

Volunteering as a Digital or Work Club Mentor might be for you!

By volunteering as a Digital or Work Club Mentor you can:

  • make a difference to the lives of others                                
  • share your expertise and knowledge
  • get training
  • develop your skills
  • get some valuable work experience
  • apply your experiences
  • enhance your CV
  • ……and much more!!!

Digital Mentors help people to improve their computing skills    –    you will use your own computing skills and knowledge to help people who are less confident using computers to use the internet, e-mail and social media, as well as a range of computer programmes. Digital settings can range from ICT courses, libraries, community centres and learning hubs.

Work Club Mentors help people back into work   –    you will support people to search and apply for jobs in a caring and supportive atmosphere. Work clubs take place all over Manchester and support jobseekers to stay focused and motivated in their search for employment.

What’s in it for me?

Manchester Adult Education Services (MAES) will provide a 6 week Mentoring Skills  Course which will give you the skills and knowledge needed to support people using computers or in work clubs. You will gain valuable work experience through a volunteer placement at a suitable venue and can also claim travel expenses within Manchester to and from your volunteering placement for up to 6 weeks.

If you already volunteer or would like to start doing so, you can get a free place on one of the following courses:

Forum Adult Learning, Forum Square, Wythenshawe, M22 5RX, 0161 935 4080

Tuesday 3rd November at 12.30-3.30 for 6 weeks (Information Session on 13th October at 12.30)

Longsight Library and Learning Centre, 519 Stockport Road, Longsight, Manchester, M12 4NE, 0161 227 370

Thursday 5th November at 9.30-12.30 for 6 weeks (Information Session on 15th October at 9.30)

What do we require from you?

  • commitment to a 6 week course (3 hours each week)
  • availability to undertake a volunteer placement (providing support to people using computers or in work clubs for 1 session for 6 weeks)
  • good written and spoken communication skills
  • good ICT skills

You can read more about this volunteering opportunity and apply via:http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/IWLTU/

For further information, contact Emma Langlois via E-mail: e.langlois@manchester.gov.uk

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1iA86gf

More information about being a Digital and Work Club Mentor is availabel to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1WmJ0An


Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteer Mentor, Reach Out

“ReachOut is a mentoring charity working with children in disadvantaged communities to raise aspirations and help them grow in character and competence.

We improve self-confidence and develop numeracy, literacy, communication and memory skills whilst reinforcing our core values of fairness, self-control, good judgement and staying power.

We do this through one-to-one mentoring with positive role models and team activities to promote leadership, trust and responsibility”.

Become a mentor

Our mentoring projects simply wouldnt happen without the brilliant men and women who give up their time to support disadvantaged young people week in, week out.

What to expect:

As a mentor we ask that you give 1 or 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months and are committed, enthusiastic and positive.

We will help you face the challenges of mentoring and get the most from your volunteering experience by providing comprehensive pre-programme training and continued support from our experienced project leaders.

You can read more about volunteering opportunities and apply with Reach Out via their website at: http://bit.ly/1MxJjm7


Training Opportunity: V.I.P. Intro to youth work training events from Greater Manchester Youth Network

“Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) is a registered charity (reg no. 1151897). We work to enable young people and organisations to participate, develop and achieve. We aim to do this by offering a variety of activities that will engage and empower young people and by capacity building the organisations that work with them”.

GMYN Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) supports organisations in Manchester to involve volunteers in their work with young people. Following the VIP training programme previous success GMYN, in collaboration with VYM, are once again offering the Intro to Youth Work training aimed at volunteer youth workers in Manchester.

Who is it for?

Primarily for those 18+ who are volunteering with young people in Manchester and wish to develop their understanding and practice of youth work. Some places for paid staff are available. The programme is made up of six separate training events.

How much does it cost?

Volunteer places are free although a £10 returnable deposit is required. Paid staff can book places at £45 per event. Discounts for multiple bookings are available. Volunteer places and some aspects of these events are funded through VIP. Paid places cover the additional training costs such as partners trainer fees.

How do I book?

Bookings are made through the Eventbrite website which explains full details about payments and cancellations – Click this link http://goo.gl/kt04nN

All attendees will be asked to fill in a simple pre and post learning assessment form which will be emailed in advance of any events booked on. Volunteers can book on a maximum of 3 events and will be placed on reserve lists for any others they wish to attend. Whilst not essential we recommend booking onto the Intro to Youth Work Values training as this session underpins the other training sessions.

What will the training be like?

The events will be spaces for learning but will not be too formal. We expect groups of about 10 people. Each event will provide understanding around the topic & relate this to practical application in youth work settings.

Is there anything else I should know?

We ask that when choosing to book onto events, interested participants remember that each session is an Intro to aspects of youth work. We recognise that participants will have a range of experience and knowledge and therefore suggest they book on training that will advance their youth work practice. If you are already experienced in a topic covered, challenge yourself, book onto a different event!

Each training event will run 5:30pm -8:30pm at

Brunswick Parish Church, Ardwick, M12 9TQ.

Light refreshments will be available.

A Programme of Events for Intro to Youth Work is available to view, download and print at:

http://bit.ly/1JtqZHd

For further information contact Myrtle Finley via E-mail: myrtle.finley@gmyn.co.uk orTelephone: 0161 274 3377


Spirit of Manchester Festival Event: Volunteer MP Event, Miles Platting Manchester


Spirit of Manchester Festival Event: Greater Manchester Youth Network House Party

“Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) is a registered charity (reg no. 1151897). We work to enable young people and organisations to participate, develop and achieve. We aim to do this by offering a variety of activities that will engage and empower young people and by capacity building the organisations that work with them”.


Event: Community Volunteering Fair at Manchester Metropolitan University from Volunteer Centre Manchester in association with The Union, Manchester

Community Volunteering Fair

Date/Time: Wednesday 14th October 2015, 11 am – 3 pm

Venue: The Union, MMU, Manchester

This event is run in partnership by The Union MMU and Volunteer Centre Manchester to invite members of the community as well as students to come and find out about volunteering opportunities.

A host of Volunteer-involving Organisations will be on hand to talk to you about their volunteering, training and development opportunities.

For more information contact:

Volunteer Centre Manchester via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk

The Union MMU via Telephone: 0161 247 6609 or E-mail: volunteering@mmu.ac.uk

A flyer for this event is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1MtUBsx


Event: Public Workshops at Manchester Art Gallery

Therapeutic Thursday

Thursday 8 October 2015, 5pm-8pm

Free, drop in

Experience all our regular public workshops and much, much more as well-being takes over for one special evening in Autumn. Now is your chance to try Take notice, make your mark in Mindful marks or take part in any of the workshops aimed at reducing stress and promoting positive health and wellbeing through art. Everyone welcome.

#MAGwellbeing

Take notice: de-stress with art

First Tuesday of the month, 12:15 – 12.45pm and 1 – 1:30pm

Free, no need to book

Take time out of your busy day and experience artworks within the gallery in a calming and rejuvenating way. Using mindfulness techniques, you will be guided in exploring specially selected works. Recent research has shown that practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, lift your mood and improve memory and concentration. It free and no previous experience is required. Simply come along to sit, look, notice and breathe. Well do the rest.

Mindful marks: de-stress and draw

Second Tuesday of the month, 12-2pm

Free, drop in

Join artist Naomi Kendrick and find your flow in these multi-sensory and experimental drawing workshops inspired by mindfulness techniques. Pick up a pastel and immerse yourself in the music-drawing experience in the beautiful setting of the gallery. Stay for two minutes or two hours, it up to you. Drawing or meditation experience not necessary. Everyone welcome.

Take notice at Thursday lates

Third Thursday of every month, 5:15-5:45pm and 6-6:30pm

Free, no need to book

Experience our world class art in a calming and rejuvenating way away from the stresses of the modern world.  Learn more about the meditative qualities of looking at art. Whether youre curious about mindfulness or are an experienced meditator looking to practice in a different way or you simply love to look at art; this session is for you. No previous experience necessary.

You can read more about these Public Workshops via the Manchetsr Art Gallery website at: http://bit.ly/1OybRAf


Event(s): A Comic Strip about Disability History from The Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People

“Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) was established in 1985 and is an organisation of disabled people; that is, run and controlled by disabled people.

GMCDP aims to:

  • promote the independence and integration of disabled people in society;
  • identify and challenge the discrimination faced by disabled people in society today; and
  • encourage and support the self-organisation of disabled people”.

GMCDP need you to help with a comic strip about disability history!

GMCDP young disabled people are working on a joint project with Manchester City Council to put an exhibition together to celebrate Disability History month.

A group of young people are meeting regularly and like the idea of putting this across in the style of a comic.

If you are a young disabled person 18-30, live within Greater Manchester and would like to come along and see how you can be part of this exciting project please get in touch.

We offer support with travel costs and other access requirements so please give us a ring to discuss this as we want everybody to have the opportunity to get involved.

Dates we will be meeting are: –

Windrush Millennium Centre

Thursday 24th Sept 12:30 – 3:00

Tuesday 29th September 11:30 – 13:30

Wednesday 7th October 10:00 – 12:00

Manchester Art Gallery

Thursday 8th October 13:30 – 16:00

Thursday 15th October 13:30 – 16:00

Thursday 22nd October 13:30 – 16:00

Thursday 5th November 13:30 – 16:00

Thursday 12th November (extra session if needed)

The launch will be on International Day of Disabled People on Thursday 3rd December 2015

For further information, contact Louise Hollingworth via Telephone: 0161 636 7538 


 

Volunteer Centre Manchester Training, Events and Information; Digest 21/08/2015

If you have anything that you would like to feature in a future bulletin, please contact Jack Puller via E-mail: jack@macc.org.uk with the subject heading “Volunteer Centre Manchester Digest”.

Register now! Volunteer Coordinators Forum, Manchester; 21st October 2015, 10 am – 12 pm

Volunteer Coordinator Forum (VCF)

The next Volunteer Coordinator Forum (MANCHESTER) will be on:

Date: Wednesday 21st Ocotober 2015

Time: 10 am – 12 pm

Venue: Ronald McDonald House Manchester, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0BH

Book:            http://bit.ly/1gYtF9c

If you’d like to present information at this VCF or if you’d like to provide an agenda item, contact Jack Puller via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: jack@macc.org.uk

Register now! Volunteer Coordinators Forum, Wythenshawe; 2nd October 2015, 10 am – 12 pm

Volunteer Coordinator Forum (VCF)

The next Volunteer Coordinator Forum (WYTHENSHAWE) will be on:

Date: Friday 2nd October

Time: 10 am – 12 pm

Venue: Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, 8 Poundswick Lane, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 9TA

Book:            http://bit.ly/1LmFtPT

If you’d like to present information at this VCF or if you’d like to provide an agenda item, contact Barkery Jammeh via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: barkery@macc.org.uk


 

It’s back! Spirit of Manchester Festival 2015! Get involved now!…

 

There are over 3000 voluntary and community groups in Manchester doing incredible work. Groups often put on events in order to raise their profile within the community. What if we all did this at once? We could magnify this impact and make it a city-wide celebration of the sector. This is what the Spirit of Manchester Festival is all about.

 

It is a symbol of what we all love about this amazing city. It is an opportunity for the community and voluntary sector to stand up and shout about just how brilliant we are. As we all know, these are uncertain times. In the face of cuts across the board vulnerable people are becoming ever more at risk. This is affecting the sector as a whole, and individual groups and organisations are feeling the pinch.

 

In this time of uncertainty it is vital that we demonstrate to stakeholders, local people and to ourselves, just how vibrant and essential this sector is! You are working hard. The work you do directly changes people lives. We need spread our community spirit as far as we can, reaching as many people as possible. We need to work together, collaborate, share skills and support each other to show exactly what is going on in our city.

The Spirit of Manchester Festival and Awards is an opportunity to showcase everything that we are doing, by joining together to promote each other we can reach out to people and show them that it is possible to make a difference. We can empower people to get involved, celebrate the incredible things we achieve every day and attract those essential resources of funding and volunteers.

Getting involved will enable your group and cause to get that crucial publicity to help attract supporters. Joining in is easy, all you need to do is put on an event, big or small, between the 1st and 10th of October. Macc with provide you with branding and support and promote your event online, through the council and in the press. By doing this together we can help draw attention to smaller groups and give them a voice on a larger platform.

Come and get involved!

Please contact maeve@macc.org.uk or 0161 834 9823, like us on Facebook or tweet with#Spiritof Mcr15Fest.


 

2015 Nominet Trust 100

“As the UK’s leading social tech funder, we bring together, invest in and support people making imaginative use of technology to address complex social challenges”.

Help us celebrate the world most inspiring digital social innovations!

Nominet Trust worldwide search for the 100 most inspiring social tech ventures of 2015 is on!
Now in its third year, the NT100 shines a spotlight on impressive people and organisations in the fast-growing global social tech sector.

This year we hope to uncover yet more inspiring examples of social tech ventures that are making a real impact and celebrate the phenomenal work being done by social innovators to tackle the world biggest social challenges – but we need your help!

From tackling human rights abuses or climate change to improving educational opportunities or access to health, we want to hear about the people, projects and organisations that are making a difference with digital tech.

If you have been inspired by a venture using digital technology to tackle a significant social challenge, nominate them here.


 

Event: Safe Organisations: Safe Young People, Voluntary Youth Manchester

“Voluntary Youth Manchester is an inclusive network that supports voluntary, community and faith organisations who work with young people in Manchester, and works in partnership with a range of others to ensure that young people receive the best possible outcomes. As such, participation in our network meetings, events, conferences, practice development opportunities, training, receiving bulletins, is open to frontline youth workers, managers, trustees, partner organisations, across the voluntary, public and private sectors”.

This event, to coincide with the September gathering of the VYM Network, will address issues identified by youth and play providers around governance and safeguarding.

Venue: The Grange, Pilgrim Drive, in Beswick

Date/Time: Thursday 10th September, 10 am to 4 pm.

The event will be split into 3 parts:

  • The morning session will address how to ensure your organisation is ‘safe’, which will primarily address governance issues – so policies, procedures, compliance, strategic leadership, financial responsibility, etc.
  • The afternoon session will focus on the key safeguarding issues in the city at this time, including child sexual exploitation (CSE), FGM, the Prevent strategy/ radicalization, etc.
  • In the middle of these two sessions we will have lunch combined with inputs and insights from within the VCS re safeguarding issues, discussion, and a consultation to identify the day to day safeguarding & governance issues arising within the sector to inform future training.  This session will incorporate the network meeting.

The event is being organised by VYM & the East Youth Partnership with contributions by Macc and Manchester City Council Quality team (Prevent Strategy), and is open to all Youth & Play organisations and anyone interested in these issues as they relate to Manchester.

So, sign up as soon as possible, and please do encourage your trustees to attend the morning session, if available, as this will be covering important matters that are likely to be under scrutiny in coming months.  We recognise that not everyone will be able to attend for the whole day, but if not we do invite you to attend either morning and lunch, or lunch and afternoon, so as to be able to inform wider sector discussions over lunch.

For further information and to confirm your attendance, contact Ross Grant via E-mail: ross@vymnetwork.org.uk


 

 

How to get financial help in an emergency from Gingerbread

“At Gingerbread, we think single parents do a brilliant job…

We provide advice and practical support for single parents. Expert advisers answer our helpline, this website is packed full of useful information and we offer training too. We also campaign to improve the lives of all single parent families. And because were a national charity, it all free”.

How to get financial help in an emergency

Payday loans arent the only option if you need money urgently. You might be able to get a budgeting loan, hardship payment, short term benefit advance, or even a grant.

Find out about all these options, plus links to debt advice and money saving tips from Gingerbread members below.

Get help in an emergency

In a crisis it may be tempting to take out a short term loan, but you can end up paying back double what you borrowed. There are other places you can turn for help:

Get help with rent

If you already receive housing benefit but youre still struggling to pay or facing rent arrears, you can apply for a discretionary housing payment. You will need to contact your local council.

Get help paying utility bills

If you need help paying your utility bills you can contact:

Get help with one-off costs

If you need help to cover longer term costs such as a new fridge, furniture, removal costs or clothing, you may be able to apply for a budgeting loan.

Budgeting loans are interest-free so you only pay back what you borrow. You can apply for a budgeting loan if youve been receiving income-related benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support for at least 26 weeks.

You can also contact Turn2Us to see if there are any grants available to help you cover costs.

Debt management, budgeting and money saving tips
If you are struggling with debt, take a look at our factsheets:

Plus, see our members top money saving tips.

Join Gingerbread

Remember youre not alone. Join Gingerbread for free and talk to other single parents in our online forum or at your local Gingerbread group.


 

FORWARD Youth Programme

FORWARD Youth Programme, Young People Speak Out, works with young people around the UK on the issues of female genital mutilation (FGM). We believe that young people play an important role in creating change and ending FGM, so we help to make sure your voices are heard. We also work to build your skills to be leaders and advocates against FGM and gender based violence.

The Youth Advocacy Programme is a six month programme for young people. During the programme, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge about leadership, campaigning and running your own project. You will then be asked to plan a project which you feel would help let other young people know about FGM. Finally, you will receive a small amount of money and support to put your plan into action!

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1gYo7eU

Let’s Talk About Money Session from Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People

“Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) was established in 1985 and is an organisation of disabled people; that is, run and controlled by disabled people.

GMCDP aims to:

  • promote the independence and integration of disabled people in society;
  • identify and challenge the discrimination faced by disabled people in society today; and
  • encourage and support the self-organisation of disabled people”.

Who the session for?

Any disabled person over 15 years old living in Manchester. That means anyone with a physical, sensory or other impairment, with mental health issues or learning difficulties.

What time, when and where?  

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm on 16 September 2015 near the centre of Manchester. (When you book we will give you the full address and directions).

Will food be provided?

There will be tea, coffee and cakes.

What will it be like?

You can talk about and get basic information about money, banking, debt etc. There will be a quiz, and other agencies here who can advise on specific areas. We will give you information to take away too.

Transport, support and access needs

GMCDP will provide transport, British Sign Language, Lipspeaking and personal assistance to those who need it. Also information in large print, audio and Braille. Please contact us as soon as possible so we have time to organize meeting your access needs.

For further information and booking, contact Maureen or Phil via Telephone: 0161 636 7537or E-mail: mday@gmcdp.com

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1Jk3z7g


 

Talk Cancer Bursary from Cancer Research UK

 

Having the skills and confidence to have a short conversation about cancer can make a real difference to the lives of people in your community. We want to offer those who are best-placed in their community to have such conversations, with the chance to attend a Talk Cancer workshop.

 

Cancer Research UK offers a limited number of bursaries to support individual health workers and volunteers to undertake Talk Cancer training. Bursaries can be used to cover the workshop attendance fee only, and cannot be used for additional expenses such as travel.

Who can apply?

We accept applications from individuals who work or volunteer to improve health and wellbeing in their community. To be eligible for a bursary, you must not have previously attended Talk Cancer training. You must also be able to explain how you will use the skills and knowledge gained from attending Talk Cancer to promote cancer awareness in your area. Preference will be given to those with limited financial means.

See the full bursary terms and conditions

To support your application, please refer to the Talk Cancer learning outcomes

How do I apply for a bursary?

After reading the terms and conditions, please complete and return the application form. You will need to download, print and sign the application form.

Download the bursary application form

One form must be completed for each individual applicant.

Please scan and email completed applications to talkcancer@cancer.org.uk and mark the email subject ‘Bursary application’.

Or you can post completed forms to: Talk Cancer team, Health Community Engagement, Cancer Research UK, Angel Building, 407 St Johns Street, London, EC1V 4AD.

Applications are reviewed all year round. To avoid disappointment of workshops being fully booked, please submit your application at least six weeks ahead of your chosen workshop date.

See our upcoming workshop dates

To discuss your application

If you would like to chat to someone about your bursary application, please E-mail:talkcancer@cancer.org.uk or Telephone: 020 3469 8111 to speak to a member of the Talk Cancer team.


 

Training: FREE Platinum Community Reporters Training – last few places remaining

Community Reporting is about helping people to have a voice. It is user generated content with individuals trained to tell their story. Training can be tailored to your needs and can involve any aspect of Community Reporting – written content, audio, video or photography. See the below document for details of the training we offer. It could be used for voluntary and community organisations to raise their profile, showcasing their work and highlighting their impact. Or it could be a way for running a consultation with tenants or service users to say what they think and tell their personal story. The Community Reporters training is accredited by the Institute of Community Reporters.

Free Community Reporter Train the Trainer Programme

7, 8 and 10 September 2015

The Train the Trainer programme is an exciting opportunity for people to learn the skills required to deliver Community Reporter training. It covers everything people need in order to deliver sessions on basic journalism, photography, audio and video production, as well as understanding the core elements that comprise Community Reporter best practice.

The training is accredited by the Institute of Community Reporters and participants who successfully complete the programme will be added to Macc pool of Platinum Community Reporter trainers.

Macc holds the license for Community Reporting in Manchester and as part of the pool you could be commissioned (and paid) to run training projects in the future.

The training is over three days you will need to commit to all the days and produce content as homework in-between sessions.

A note on eligibility:

Participants need to already have pre-existing content creation skills as the programme is not designed to be a skills training programme. People competency in this area is tested via a mid-point content creation challenge.

Your commitment:

The actual cost of delivering this course is £160 per person. Macc is subsidising this cost to enable the course to be offered FREE.

We expect interest in the training to be high and we need to ensure people are fully committed and are willing and able to complete the full programme.

Anyone who doesnt complete the training or the content creation will be asked to pay the full fee.

A charge will apply for last minute cancellation or non-attendance – further details are available on the online booking form – by confirming your booking on this training you are agreeing to the above conditions.

Running order:

DAY 1          

  • What is Community Reporting?
  • What is the Institute of Community Reporting?
  • Style and approach
  • Skills audit
  • Community Reporting best practice
  • Introduction to journalism
  • Photography composition
  • Image editing

Day 2

  • How we teach audio
  • How we teach video
  • Meet-ups
  • Presentation ceremony
  • Data collection/ethics
  • Initial/final skills audit
  • Content creation and teaching practise

Day 3

  • Teaching practise and feedback
  • Peer review of content
  • Troubleshooting
  • Devising programmes

For further information and to register your interest in this opportunity, please contact Jack Pullervia E-mail: jack@macc.org.uk or Telephone: 0161 830 4770.


 

Training: Scared of Interviews / Scared of Application Forms Training, Adactus Housing

Scared of Interviews?

Scared of Application Forms?

Attend our training and we can give you more confidence to get that job plus other useful job related tips

Wednesday 9th September 10am- 3pm (with lunch provided) – Application Forms

Wednesday 23rd September 10am- 3pm (with lunch provided) – Interviews

Open to anyone looking for employment or who wants to update their skills

For further information and booking, contact Issie or Vicki via Telephone:0161 203 2600 (option 2) or E-mail: isobel.howard@adactushousing.co.uk orvictoria.greer@adactushousing.co.uk

The course will take place at Adactus Housing Office, Baker House, 542 Oldham Road, Miles Platting M40 8BS

A flyer for these opportunities is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1E6ksXn (Interviews) http://bit.ly/1KxiRXp (Application Forms)

Apprenticeship Opportunity: Apprenticeships with GLL Social Enterprise

“A charitable social enterprise for all the community

GLL makes community services and spaces better for everyone. And it about more than just money. Our people invest time, energy and effort into helping and improving communities through the services we offer – and with great results.

Our success means were proud to be the first leisure operator in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark and the Big Society Award”.

Are you looking to start a career in the Fitness and Active Leisure industry? GLL are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the team. These are 12 month apprenticeships and training will be provided to work towards a Level 2 NVQ.

  • Good personal development opportunities
  • Work in a friendly and supportive environment
  • Gain a nationally recognised qualification
  • Give a great customer experience
  • Take on new challenges
  • Receive recognition for your work

Eligibility:

  • You must be aged 16+.
  • You must not hold an HND, degree or equivalent Level 4 qualification, or be in another form of education eg college or university.
  • You must have lived within the UK or EU for the last three years and have the right to remain indefinitely.

For further information, contact Helen Wheeler via Telephone: 0117 314 3004 or E-mail:Helen.wheeler@lifetimetraining.co.uk

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1JkMSgy


Does your career need a helping hand?
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust aims to support local young people gain skills, knowledge and experience to help achieve their personal vocational aspirations and career goals.

With our new programme, Inspiring Young Minds, we can support with any of the following:

  • Careers advice and guidance
  • Mentoring and advice from someone already working in your area of interest
  • Work experience
  • CV, application and interview support
  • Mock interview practice
  • Work Placements leading to interview opportunities

If you feel you would benefit from any of the above or would like some further information, contactGemma via E-mail: gemma.beesley@cmft.nhs.uk or Telephone: 0161 276 5843


 

Small travel grants for voluntary organisations of older or disabled people from Transport for Greater Manchester

“Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is the public body responsible for co-ordinating public transport services throughout Greater Manchester”.

What is a small travel grant?

Transport for Greater Manchester provide grants to help meet the needs of older or disabled people who have serious mobility difficulties and find it difficult to use ordinary public transport.

Each grant is worth up to £150 (any one year from April to March) and must be used to pay for transport, for example, commercial coach or minibus hire, community transport or taxis. Please note: we are unable to provide grants for trips on Ring and Ride services.

Who can apply

Small travel grants are for voluntary organisations of older or disabled people or for voluntary organisations who stage events which are likely to attract significant numbers of older or disabled people.

The trip or event must be a special one-off occasion and not a regular meeting. It must take place in Greater Manchester or within ten miles of the county boundary and the people involved must live in Greater Manchester.

All organisations must have a bank account. We are unable to accept personal bank details.

It is a condition of the grant that the voluntary organisation provides proof that the money has been spent on transport, for example, a receipt or an invoice signed “paid” from a coach hire company, community transport operator or taxi firm. All receipts or invoices must be received within one month of the trip taking place.

It is important to note that we are unable to process further applications if all invoices and receipts have not been received.

How to apply

An application pack for this grant is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1CA7rEp

For further information or advice about small travel, contact Customised Services via Telephone: 0161 244 1658 or E-mail: flexibletransport@tfgm.com


 

Recruiting and Managing Volunteers Resources ferom KnowHow NonProfit

“KnowHow – the place for voluntary sector people to learn and share what they have learnt with others.

Whether you work in a large charity, are setting up your own social enterprise or are helping out your local community group, this site is for you. Whatever your organisation or role within it, if you want information, to update your skills or to talk to others in similar situations, you’ve come to the right place”.

A series of resources on ‘Recruiting and Managing Volunteers’ are available to view, download and print via the KnowHow NonProfit website at: http://bit.ly/1BGd0kI

MMU Sport Volunteering: Register your Sports Volunteering Opportunities…

MMU Sport Volunteering is an online volunteering bureau that provides MMU students with a vast array of opportunities to volunteer in sport.

Coordinated by MMU Sport – A partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and The Union, the programme specifically concentrates on the following key aims:

  • To improve student satisfaction by making sure that every student has an beneficial, rewarding and enjoyable experience whilst volunteering in sport.
  • To develop, support and reward sports volunteering, both within the university and across the local community.
  • To provide students with an opportunity to put into practice their subject knowledge, in a real-life environment.
  • To empower students to make a difference in their local communities, by making sport happen.
  • To provide support to local sports clubs and organisations.

Do you need volunteers?

Do you have events that our volunteers might be interested in?

If you are a sports club, organisation or provider looking for volunteers, you can register with MMU Sport Volunteering via their website at: http://bit.ly/1eLiPTq or contact, Adam Howard via E-mail: adam.howard@mmu.ac.uk or Telephone: 0161 247 6427.

Organisations do not have to be Sports-Based and can also register if they have sports provision or activity as part of their programme or offer.


 

Still looking for Volunteers:

 

Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteer Mentor, Reach Out

“ReachOut is a mentoring charity working with children in disadvantaged communities to raise aspirations and help them grow in character and competence.

We improve self-confidence and develop numeracy, literacy, communication and memory skills whilst reinforcing our core values of fairness, self-control, good judgement and staying power.

We do this through one-to-one mentoring with positive role models and team activities to promote leadership, trust and responsibility”.

Become a mentor

Our mentoring projects simply wouldnt happen without the brilliant men and women who give up their time to support disadvantaged young people week in, week out.

What to expect:

As a mentor we ask that you give 1 or 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months and are committed, enthusiastic and positive.

We will help you face the challenges of mentoring and get the most from your volunteering experience by providing comprehensive pre-programme training and continued support from our experienced project leaders.

You can read more about volunteering opportunities and apply with Reach Out via their website at: http://bit.ly/1MxJjm7

Volunteering Opportunity: Sports Coach Volunteer, The Factory Youth Zone

“The Factory Youth Zone is a charity run state-of-the-art youth centre which provides a unique safe place where anyone aged 8-21 (up to 25 for those with additional needs) can discover somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to. Since opening in February 2012 over 4,000 young  people have joined with membership costing just £5 per year and 50p a visit”.

Volunteer Role Description Sports Coach Volunteer

What does a Sports Coach Volunteer do?

  • Supports the delivery of high quality sports offer for 13-21 year olds.
  • Encourages young people to engage in a variety of sports and activities.
  • Plans and delivers sessions specific to your selected sport.
  • Acts as a positive role model to members.

When would a Sports Coach take part in volunteering?

We are asking for volunteers to commit to a 12 month period, attending the centre one session a week.

Available sessions are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 pm – 10:15 pm.

What is The Factory Youth Zone?

The Factory Youth Zone is a youth centre in Manchester providing positive activities, practical support and personal development opportunities for young people. The aim is to enable young people to make constructive use of their leisure time, raise their aspirations and encourage them to live a positive independent lifestyle.

What should a Sports Coach Volunteer expect from The Factory?

  • Help and supervision from our Volunteer Coordinator
  • Funding for a Level 1 qualification in a selected sport
  • In-house training on basic youth work practice, policies and procedures at The Factory Youth Zone
  • Access to on-going internal training on issues affecting young people
  • A reference after completion of 6 months volunteering

Apply!

Email our Volunteer Coordinator via leanne.mcging@thefactoryyz.org and you will be asked to complete an application form. Successful applicants willrequire an Enhanced DBS check prior to starting their volunteer role.

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at:http://bit.ly/1Nnc0WH


 

Volunteering Opportunity: Charity Bagpackers (Altrincham and Fallowfield), Francis House Children’s Hospice

“Francis House provides a home from home where families can receive professional care, support and friendship.

Francis House is open to all families who have children diagnosed as having a life threatening or life limiting condition.

Care is given free of charge and regardless of faith or cultural background”

Francis House is keen to hear from people who’d liek to lend a hand with one or more Charity Bag Packing Events in September 2015:

Date/Time: Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September 10 am – 4 pm (or any time given you can give) 11 am start on Sunday.

Venue: Sainsbury Fallowfield, 347 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6SS

AND

Date/Time: Saturday 3rd October 10 am – 4 pm

 

Venue: Sainsbury Altrincham, Lloyd Street, Altrincham, WA14 2SU

 

For further information or to offer your support, contact Kate Puć via Telephone: 0161 443 2200 or E-mail: Kate.Puc@francishouse.org.uk

You can read more about Francis House via their website at: www.francishouse.org.uk


 

Volunteering Opportunity: I can Make IT Volunteering Roles with Disability Rights UK

“We are disabled people leading change, working to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens”.

We at Disability Rights UK would like to invite you to join us on “I can make it”, a new campaign that aims to create new job opportunities for you and people around you.

Why do we need the campaign?

I Can Make it was created because of the need to increase employment opportunities for young disabled people. If youre disabled and aged 18-24 then youre more than twice as likely to be not in education, employment or training, something which is unacceptable.

What it all about?

We aim to influence existing spending in local government and some large businesses. The campaign will be led by young disabled people with our support (i.e. you!) if youre aged 18 – 25 in Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Southampton. Other cities will be considered

You will be involved in persuading key decision makers in local authorities and businesses and you will connect to your team mates in the other cities via social media and email. To become as confident as you can be you will learn about:

  • Advocacy and presentational skills
  • How local government works e.g. local government procurement and tendering
  • Buying and supply chain policies and corporate social responsibility
  • Inclusive recruitment and retention practices and campaigning skills
  • Video production to allow experiences and stories to be shared.

We are looking for people that can spend on average one day a week working on this campaign and learning new skills as required.

How will being a volunteer help me?

  • You will build confidence in speaking for yourself and people around you.
  • You will develop a range of valuable skills that can be transferrable to different types of organisations including local government
  • You will be able to demonstrate initiative and engagement with the wider world.
  • You will meet new people from different backgrounds.
  • How other young disabled people benefit from this project?

If we succeed in shaping tendering and procurement policies then more disabled people could find jobs and become apprentices. Well be evaluating the campaign so we can get evidence to show different organisations and government to show this approach can work.

We want to see other barriers stopping disabled people from being employed removed.

Were also open to suggestions on how to make a difference. This campaign may have started with us but it ends with you!

Im interested, how do I get involved?

Please email Leo Capella (leo.capella@disabilityrightsuk.org) with your CV, a message saying why you want to volunteer for this project and what your access requirements are as soon as possible.

You can read more about Disability Rights UK via their website at: disabilityrightsuk.org


 

Volunteering Opportunity: “The Study” Volunteers, Manchester Museum

In September  2015, Manchester Museum will launch an exciting new space The Study, which aims to inspire researchers of all ages, from curious teenagers to amateur enthusiasts. We are looking for people with a passion – it can be anything (within reason) from geology or botany to comics or knitting – to volunteer in this beautiful new gallery.

Through this unique volunteer opportunity we invite you to actively research and share your passion while empowering visitors to be curious and take their interests further using Museum objects, bespoke activities and carefully selected resources.

As volunteers you will create a welcoming and engaging environment for visitors to feel comfortable to pursue their own interests and passions. You will encourage visitors to browse, search, study and contemplate within each themed area to prompt their own journey of research and discovery.

Overview of role:

  • Create a welcoming, relaxed and engaging environment for visitors to feel comfortable to pursue their own interests
  • Enable all visitors to effectively use the space, resources and tools – from the well-informed amateur enthusiast actively seeking new information to the curious general visitor stumbling across it
  • Actively contribute content to social and digital feeds
  • Understand, promote and add to activities in The Study
  • Organise and maintain the space, by helping to coordinate bookings and ensuring the gallery is presentable
  • As a volunteer you will become part of the highly valued Museum Volunteer team with opportunities to take part in further training and development
  • Expenses provided

How to apply:

For further information or to offer your support, contact Kate Glynn via E-mail:Kate.Glynn@manchester.ac.uk or Telephone: 0161 275 2473

Closing date: 17 August 2015

You can read more about The Study via the Manchester Museum website at:http://bit.ly/1AuFKXT


 

Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteer with The Royal Voluntary Service

“Royal Voluntary Service wants to help create a society where everyone feels valued and involved whatever their age.

We are one of the largest volunteer organisations in the country. Our 35,000 volunteers help older people stay active, independent and able to continue to contribute to society. They do this by providing practical and emotional help where and when it needed”

Volunteers urged to give a few hours to help improve quality of life and health of older people

People in Greater Manchester are being urged to volunteer a few hours of their time to help reduce loneliness among older hospital patients whose family and friends are unable to visit them regularly.

The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is appealing for volunteers in the Rochdale, Oldham and North Manchester areas to befriend older people on hospital wards to provide companionship and ease the boredom of long spells without visitors.

Some older people suffering from long-term illnesses such as dementia, have family who live far away or friends who can only visit during the evening or at weekends. Volunteers play a vital role in filling this gap by keeping patients company and helping to keep their minds active by reading, talking and playing games.

The charity is also keen to hear from people willing to be a Good Neighbour to help older people after they are discharged from hospital as they can be especially frail and vulnerable during this time.

Claire Yates, operations manager for the Royal Voluntary Service in Manchester, said: “Our volunteers play an important role in providing company to older people in hospital and when they return home in helping them get back on their feet. It is particularly important that older people are supported to manage health conditions and stay independent after being discharged from hospital to prevent readmission.”

“We work hard to help older people live the life they want, to be independent and active and to ensure that no older person is left struggling on their own. We couldnt do this without the help of our volunteers who are vital to our work. However demand for our services is growing and we are really keen to hear from more people willing to volunteer their time. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, men or women, young or older and by giving a few hours of their time, they can really transform someone life.”

Help provided by Good Neighbour volunteers may include providing regular, friendly social contact; carrying out safe, warm and well checks; practical help such as occasional care of pets, prescription collections and support with accessing local activities.

On Ward volunteers support older people through engagement in conversation, communication and practical support. This may also involve liaising with nursing staff regarding practical support required when the older person returns home.

Home from Hospital volunteers transport patients home after a hospital stay and settle them back in to their home environment.

The organisation is also appealing for volunteers in the Trafford area to help transport patients with balance, muscle weakness problems and often a history of falls to a programme of exercise and advice in their local community.

Skills required by volunteers include good communication skills such as listening and questioning; good time management; non-judgemental and knowledge of confidentiality requirements. Driving roles require the use of your own car and a full, clean driving licence. Training is provided by the Royal Voluntary Service and travelling expenses are paid.

The projects receive funding from Public Health, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Acute Trust.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer contact Royal Voluntary Service in Manchestervia Telephone: 0161 871 2011 or E-mai:l manchesterhub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

You can read more Royal Voluntary Service via their website at:www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk


 

Volunteering Opportunity: Mentoring with Pure Insight

Pure Insight is a Stockport charity supporting young people who have left local authority care and are living independently, usually at a much younger age than their peers leave home and often lacking any network of family support.

We work alongside care leavers in developing confidence, resilience and life skills, providing a wide range of practical and emotional support. Whether it help with finding work or somewhere to live, learning to cook on a budget, managing money and bills, improving fitness and taking care of their health or adapting to the challenges of young parenthood, Insight is there.

One way we do this is through our Mentoring program, where we carefully match local care leavers with trained mentors from the community who can offer support in the form of a listening ear, sound advice and practical assistance.

We are already seeing the amazing impact our mentors are having in the lives of some young people but there are more young people still struggling without support. We are now recruiting for more volunteers to undertake our bespoke mentor training program.

If you are a reliable, caring adult who can offer 2-3 hours of weekly, long-term support to a care leaver living in Stockport, wed love to hear from you! We will be holding an informal information evening on 16th September at our offices in Cheadle.

Anyone interested is warmly invited to come along for more information and to meet some of our current mentors and young people.

If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a mentor with Pure Insight, contact Mary via Telephone: 07711017393 or Sarah vis Telephone: 07595089787

You can also E-mail us at: info@pure-insight.org.uk

You can read more about Pure Insight via their website at: pure-insight.org.uk


 

Join the MASH Team of Adventurers!…

MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) is a Manchester charity that helps women trapped in prostitution. Last year they supported over 1,000 local women.

A majority of the women they help sell sex on the streets or in saunas. For many of them leaving sex work feels impossible. They help women with complicated issues – women who have no home, or are misusing alcohol or drugs, women with mental health issues or who are victims of domestic abuse.

This is a great opportunity for someone who has limited time but a great desire to help a charity that provides a crucial service to vulnerable women in Manchester. With your help and support, they can help these women work towards a safer, better future.

MASH are looking for people to join our little team of adventurers taking part in a Charity Abseil down the Bell Tower at the Trafford Centre to raise funds for MASH (on the 19th or 20th Sept).

You don’t need any experience of abseiling and the professional event management team will take care of you on the day.

It’s easy to take part. Simply fill in the form and send to us with your deposit (if you raise over £140 we will return your deposit afterwards – so you abseil for free!) and we will send you a fantastic MASH fundraising pack & t-shirt.

For further information and to offer your support, contact Helen Clayton via Telephone: 0161 273 4555 or E-mail: helenc@mash.org.uk


 

Next Ancoats Canal Project Event – Sunday 23rd August 2015, Ashton and Rochdale Canal

“We are a group of residents, working in partnership with the Canal and River Trust and the Ancoats Residents Forum to make more of the Rochdale and Ashton canals that run through Ancoats into the Northern Quarter. We hold monthly events to clean up the canals, publicise their history and encourage people to use and enjoy them”.

From Sonya – on behalf of The Ancoats Canal Project:

“Dear Ancoats Canal Project Supporter,

Firstly, I apologise the notice for this Sunday’s event is so tardy. Time just managed to slip by more quicly than usual. At any rate, I wanted to be sure to let you know about this event and also the canal festival the following Sunday.

This Sunday 23rd August will be a volunteer event focused on prepararing for our fabulous summer canal festival on Sunday 30th August. I will follow this email up with focused information about the festival, which will be based in the New Islington Marina. On the 23rd we’ll work on getting the marina site and the nearby Ashton and Rochdale canals looking tidy, litter free and welcoming to all visitors. There will be lots to do and a variety of tasks for all, and in anticipation, we’ve acquired sets of litter pickers and safety gear for kids, so feel free to bring the family. We’ll be doing things like re-visiting the planting we’ve done this year, tidying the beds, litter picking, general weeding and aftercare.

So come on out and meet some great folks passionate about creating inspiring, safe and beautiful canal spaces. In addition come and find out what the festival event has in store and keep Sunday 30th free in your diaries!

Date:

Sunday 23 August

Times:

10.30am-12.30pm (am session) / 13.30-16.00 (pm session) – come to one or both!

Meet-up spot:

In front of Vivid Lounge at M4 6DH (on the Ashton Canal); for the pm session youll find us spread down the Ashton canal, across the marina and on the Rochdale canal. If you join us at lunchtime, just show up at the New Islington Marina/Cotton Fields Park. As always, well provide lunch (thanks to the lovely folks at Vivid Lounge) and drinks so you just need to show up!

Details:

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes and possibly things you dont mind getting dirty (and waterproofs if rain is likely).

Hope you see you out!!

Kind regards,

Sonya

(on behalf of Ancoats Canal Project)”

For further information about this event and the Ancoat Canal Project, visit their website at: http://bit.ly/1CrCTTc


 

 

Other Newsletters / Mail Outs:

Manchester Community Central Bulletin

The information and support service for Manchester voluntary and community sector.

“Our bulletin provides a selection of items uploaded to the Manchester Community Central website over the last week. It includes news, events, job opportunities, training opportunities, volunteering and links to our information and resources”.

The latest ‘Manchester Community Central Bulletin – 17th August 2015’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1frr1I3

Voluntary Sector North West

“VSNW (Voluntary Sector North West) is the regional voluntary sector network for the North West. The purpose of VSNW is to ensure that the voluntary and community sector (VCS), in all its diversity, takes its full part in shaping the future of the North West”.

The latest ‘VSNW Bulletin’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1E9FgNE

Age Friendly Manchester

The Age-friendly Manchester Older People’s Board (formerly known as the Valuing Older People Board) is made up of older people (50+) who are residents of Manchester. They meet every 6 weeks, are constituted and have a variety of working groups looking at issues such as loneliness and isolation.

The Board is active in consultation and engagement within the city and get involved in range of work such as budget consultations, changes to Council services and national campaigns.

You can read the latest ‘Age Friendly Manchester E-Bulletin’ at: http://bit.ly/1J7cvhp

Z-Arts

“Z-arts was formed in 2000 as a creative space for young people with a priority on providing participatory activity.

Creative learning is still at the core of everything we do, both inside and outside the building. We work with schools and communities all over Greater Manchester, spanning the whole curriculum. We strive to be forward thinking in all our projects, making them as relevant, accessible, educational and of course, fun as everyone who takes part in them deserves”

You can read the latest ‘Z-Arts Newsletter’ at: http://bit.ly/1gYnodG

Voluntary Youth Manchester

“Voluntary Youth Manchester is an inclusive network that supports voluntary, community and faith organisations who work with young people in Manchester, and works in partnership with a range of others to ensure that young people receive the best possible outcomes. As such, participation in our network meetings, events, conferences, practice development opportunities, training, receiving bulletins, is open to frontline youth workers, managers, trustees, partner organisations, across the voluntary, public and private sectors”.

The latest ‘Youth Bulletin’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1J70310

GMYN

“Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) is a registered charity (reg no. 1151897). We work to enable young people and organisations to participate, develop and achieve. We aim to do this by offering a variety of activities that will engage and empower young people and by capacity building the organisations that work with them”.

You can read the latest ‘News from the Network’ at: http://bit.ly/1Mzv1mV

Zest

“Do you want to meet new people, try something different, be active, stay healthy, increase confidence and self esteem?

If so, Zest can try and help you to achieve some or all of these things.

Zest works closely with local people, communities and organisations to improve health and well being across North Manchester and parts of East Manchester.

We offer a variety of activities and sessions such as Zumba, Tai Chi, Drop in Centres, Dance classes, Social Coffee Mornings, etc.  For more detailed information on what we provide in each area, please contact Zest via Telephone: 0161 234 3715

E-mail: zest@manchester.gov.uk

See updates and more at: www.zestactivities.blogspot.com

Issue 26 of the Zest Newsletter is available to view download and print at:http://bit.ly/1JkbsJW

The latest Programme of Events and Activities from Zest for 2015 is also available to view download and print at: http://bit.ly/1CeUV8f

NCVYS

“Established in 1936, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services is a diverse and growing network of over 290 national organisations and regional and local networks that work with and for young people”.

The latest ‘NCVYS Newsletter August 2015’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1Nx1viu

Morning, Afternoon or Night! Keep in touch with Voluntary Activity in Manchester and get social with Volunteer Centre Manchester on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media..

A weekly bulletin is great! Keeping in touch throughout the week is better!

Volunteer Centre Manchester regularly posts updates, information and content about Volunteering Opportunities and Activity across Manchester – and further! Why not like us on Facebook or give us a follow on Twitter. It a fun way to receive additional updates regarding great volunteer opportunities, exciting events, upcoming training courses, campaigns and Job advertisements.

To have access to all of this information simply:

Follow us on Twitter: @VolunteeringMCR

And/or

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCMOfficial

Volunteer Centre Manchester can provide support and information about these opportunities and how to apply, if you have not attended an Induction Event with us, please visit www.volunteercentremanchester.co.uk, login to our website and visit www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/volunteer-centre-manchester/inductionevents to register your attendance at a future event!

Best,

Volunteer Centre Manchester
c/o Macc, 3rd Floor, Swan Buildings
20 Swan Street
Manchester
M4 5JW
t:   0161 830 4770
e:  
info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk
w: volunteercentremanchester.co.uk


Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/VCMOfficial

Follow us on twitter @VolunteeringMcr

Visit www.manchestercommunitycentral.org for all you need to know about the voluntary and community sector in Manchester.


 

Volunteering Opportunities; Digest 24/07/2015

(For current employment vacancies click Vacancies, Jobs Fairs and Training )

 volunteer

Volunteering Opportunities in Greater Manchester
– Follow the links to view each opportunity and apply via the Volunteer Centre Manchester website

(you may be asked to login!).

ONLY Volunteers that have attended an Induction Event will be able to apply – to book onto an upcoming Volunteer Induction Event contact the team via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk.

Peer Mentor, Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Youth Leader, SJA Youth

Volunteer Graphic Designer, H-Pan

Assisted Job Search Volunteer – Gorton, City South Housing

Assisted Job Search Volunteer – Fallowfield, City South Housing

Assisted Job Search Volunteer, City South Housing

Retirement Housing Scheme – Helper, City South Housing

Management Commitee, Cruse Bereavement Care

Fundraiser / Treasurer, Cruse Bereavement Care

Cafe Volunteer, YASP, Manchester Mind

Mind Your Money Administration Volunteer, City South Housing

Homework Club Volunteer, City South Housing

Forever Manchester Summer Social Volunteers, Forever Manchester

A Tale of Two Cities Volunteers, Grow Wild

Ambassador Volunteer, Healthwatch Manchester

A Tale of Two Cities at Dig the City Volunteers, Grow Wild

Volunteer Fundraising Assistant, The Booth Centre

Football Kiosk Volunteer, The Booth Centre

Home-Maker, Home Community Cafe

Witness Assistance, Victim Support

Witness Support, Victim Support
Upon making your application to an opportunity, you should expect to be contacted with further information within 10 days – in the event that this does not happen contact Volunteer Centre Manchester via Telephone: 0161 830 4770 or E-mail: info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk.

Volunteering Opportunity: “The Study” Volunteers, Manchester Museum

In September  2015, Manchester Museum will launch an exciting new space The Study, which aims to inspire researchers of all ages, from curious teenagers to amateur enthusiasts. We are looking for people with a passion – it can be anything (within reason) from geology or botany to comics or knitting – to volunteer in this beautiful new gallery.

Through this unique volunteer opportunity we invite you to actively research and share your passion while empowering visitors to be curious and take their interests further using Museum objects, bespoke activities and carefully selected resources.

As volunteers you will create a welcoming and engaging environment for visitors to feel comfortable to pursue their own interests and passions. You will encourage visitors to browse, search, study and contemplate within each themed area to prompt their own journey of research and discovery.

Overview of role:

  • Create a welcoming, relaxed and engaging environment for visitors to feel comfortable to pursue their own interests
  • Enable all visitors to effectively use the space, resources and tools – from the well-informed amateur enthusiast actively seeking new information to the curious general visitor stumbling across it
  • Actively contribute content to social and digital feeds
  • Understand, promote and add to activities in The Study
  • Organise and maintain the space, by helping to coordinate bookings and ensuring the gallery is presentable
  • As a volunteer you will become part of the highly valued Museum Volunteer team with opportunities to take part in further training and development
  • Expenses provided

How to apply:

For further information or to offer your support, contact Kate Glynn via E-mail: Kate.Glynn@manchester.ac.uk or Telephone: 0161 275 2473

Closing date: 17 August 2015

You can read more about The Study via the Manchester Museum website at: http://bit.ly/1AuFKXT

Volunteering Opportunity: Talk English Volunteer ESOL Teachers

“The Talk English project is working with people with low levels of English to help them improve their language skills, access services and get more involved in the community”.

Were looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers who want to make a real difference to people lives and teach English. To be a volunteer ESOL teacher you will need to be able to demonstrate excellent skills in spoken and written English at Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) and good computer skills at Level 1.

As a volunteer ESOL* teacher with Talk English, you will co-teach a Talk English course alongside another volunteer in a community setting.  In return for your teaching commitment, you will receive free training and be supported to achieve a professional teaching qualification at Level 3.

If you already have a teaching qualification (i.e. PTLLS/CTLLS/DTLLS or CELTA/Cert. TESOL or PGCE) or would like to know more about the project before you commit to volunteering with us, we have a fast track training course to prepare you for teaching ESOL on the Talk English project or to just support learners at the time of the class as a Talk English Friend.

* ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages

The role of a volunteer teacher

Volunteer ESOL teachers on the Talk English project are expected to:

  • Attend an initial training course and subsequent training as required
  • Commit to teaching one, 2-3 hour Pre-entry ESOL class a week in a community setting for a minimum of 6 months alongside another volunteer ( from the end of September 2015 until the end of March 2016)
  • Plan, prepare and deliver inclusive learning activities

The next training courses will take place at Greenheys Adult Learning Centre, Upper Lloyd Street, Moss Side, Manchester, M14 4HZ:

Level 3 Award in Education and Training:

Tuesdays, 17:00 – 19:30 starting on September 15th for 20 weeks (term-time only)

Wednesdays 9:30 – 12:00 starting on September 16th for 20 weeks (term-time only)

Fast Track Training for those who already hold a teaching qualification or would like to volunteer as a Talk English Friend:

Fridays 9:30 – 12:00 for 2 or 5 weeks depending on the role, starting on September 18th

So what Talk English all about?

Funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the Talk English project aims to improve the language skills of people with little or no English in Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford, Burnley, Hyndburn, Kirklees, Manchester, Oldham, Pendle and Rochdale.

Through the Talk English project we are:
1.        Offering Talk English Courses in community settings to help people improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English.  These courses are taught by volunteer ESOL teachers who are trained and supported through the project.
2.        Recruiting, training and supporting volunteer Talk English Friends who will offer 1:1 support to people with low levels of English in order to help them improve their language skills, access services and get more involved in their community.
3.        Working with local businesses and public services to increase ESOL awareness in staff and train them to be sympathetic listeners, enabling more people with low levels of English to Talk English Here and access services.
4.        Working with local services and community organisations, Talk English Activities will take place to provide further opportunities for people to practise their English.
5.        Developing a Talk English Website to provide general information about all aspects of the project and provide training and learning resources for Talk English volunteers and learners.

What in it for me?

This is a great opportunity for you to gain experience and develop new skills while making a difference to people’s lives. Youll get to meet people from all over the world, learn about other cultures and be part of a really exciting project!

How do I get involved?

To find out more, register your interest in training and volunteering or just get in touch with us, go to www.talk-english.co.uk or apply via this link http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/103532JMRCX

We will then invite you to one of the Information and Assessment sessions as follows:

Greenheys Adult Learning Centre, Tuesday 8th September, 17:00-19:30 or Wednesday 9th September, 10:00-12:30

Further information about the role and a guide on how to apply can be found in the attachments. Please note, expressions of interest can be submitted via our website at www.talk-english.co.uk throughout the year.

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1gQ94nN

Guidance on how to apply for Talk English is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1IkFEbI

Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteer with Victim Support…

Help for victims

If you’ve been a victim of any crime or have been affected by a crime committed against someone you know, we can help you find the strength to deal with what you’ve been through.

Our services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened”

You can read more about Victim Support via their website at: http://bit.ly/1g07dt3

Volunteering Opportunity: Public Protection Investigation Unit Volunteer, Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police are currently looking for volunteers to work in the Public Protection Investigation Unit.

As a Volunteer in the Public Protection Investigation Unit you will provide voluntary support to Officers and Staff in the unit. You will need to be confident and have the ability to use your own initiative, as well as good IT and communication skills whilst delivering excellent policing services to the people of Greater Manchester.

It is desirable for Volunteers to be available for duties Monday to Friday from 08.00 – 20.00hrs, with some weekend Volunteering when trained.

Greater Manchester Police currently have roles available across the PPIU based at various locations:-

PPIU – North Manchester Divisional Headquarters, Newton Heath
PPIU – South Manchester Division, Longsight and Wythenshawe
PPIU – Salford Division, Swinton Police Sation
PPIU – Tameside,Aspley House (Ashton)
PPIU – Bolton, Astley Bridge Police Station
PPIU – Trafford, Altrincham Police Station
PPIU – Bury Divisonal Headquarters
PPIU – Rochdale Divisional Headquarters
PPIU – Chadderton Police Station
Protect – Greenheys Police Station

Volunteers from all backgrounds are welcome, however must be aged 16 or over and have been a UK resident for the past 3 years consecutively.  Applicants must also live within the GMP Force area.

Further information, role descriptions and the ability to apply is accessible via the GMP website at: http://bit.ly/1JCiDO3

Closing date for applications is the:- 5th August 2015.

Volunteering Opportunity: Football Kiosk Volunteer, Booth Centre

“The Booth Centre is recognised as being one of the country’s leading day centres for homeless people.  In 2010 the Centre came second in the National Day Centre of the Year awards and was given Champion status by the department of Communities and Local Government in recognition of our pioneering work to reduce the number of rough sleepers in Manchester”.

Are you fan of Manchester City?

Do you want to support your local charity?

Why not to volunteer with The Booth Centre in the Football Kiosk Volunteer programme.

This is a unique volunteering opportunity for someone who wants to support homeless people/former homeless people who you will work alongside and also help to raise money for the Booth Centre.

You will be part of a team serving food and drink before and during Manchester City home football matches at the Etihad Stadium.

This is a unique volunteering opportunity for someone who wants to use their skills and/or experience in customer service.

You dont need to have any previous experience as full training will be provided.

For further information or to offer your support, contact Valentinos via Telephone: 0161 835 2499 or E-mail: valentinos@boothcenter.org.uk

You can read more about Booth Centre and this opportunity via their website at: http://bit.ly/1gRVsbC

Event Volunteering Opportunity: Macmillan Volunteers at Manchester Pride 2015

“At Macmillan, we know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything and were here to support you through. From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone wholl listen if you just want to talk, well be there”.

“On the day” Parade Support Volunteers for Manchester Pride

At Macmillan Cancer Support we want to make sure that nobody faces cancer alone. Were here for everyone affected by cancer regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, disability or belief and we want to make sure that everyone who needs support knows about us and is able to access our services. This wouldnt be possible without the help of our volunteers.

Why do we need you?

Promotions volunteers play a vital role for our service.  We are attending this year Manchester Pride on Saturday 29th August with our Mobile Information Bus.  We need a large group of volunteers on the day to walk in the parade with our Bus – you would need to stay with our waking group for the duration of the parade, and you can see the route on the official Pride website.  On the day you would walk the parade route with the bus and hand out promotional leaflets.

What activities will you be involved in?

You may be asked to:

  • Join our walking group for the duration of the parade
  • Distribute promotional materials during the parade.
  • Act as an ambassador by promoting the service during the parade and after among your friends, family and colleagues
  • Help to keep the area around the bus clear when the parade is moving.
  • Carry banners

How much time should you offer? When would you be needed? Where will you be based?

The hours we need you to volunteer are 11am to 4.30pm (The Parade is 1pm to 4pm) on Saturday 29th August 2015.  You will meet the team prior to the parade for an overview of your role and responsibilities. You must be able to arrive on time because the organisers will be doing a briefing.

What skills and abilities will I need to have?

  • Great interpersonal and communication skills,
  • Punctual, friendly and approachable manner
  • Enthusiastic about Macmillan and have an interest in cancer care
  • Willing to work as part of a team
  • Ideally have an interest in LGBT communities and Pride events.
  • The ability to adhere to Macmillan policies.

What support will you be given?

In return for your valuable help we aim to ensure that volunteering for Macmillan is a fulfilling and worthwhile experience. Youll have support from staff on the day, with the opportunity to gain an insight in to the Macmillan Mobile Information and Support Service. Well reimburse in advance agreed out–of–pocket expenses from within the North West, Greater Manchester and surrounding areas in accordance with our expenses policy (please make sure you ask questions in advance if unsure). You will also be given a Health and Safety briefing. Attendance in the parade does, however, not include a ticket to the rest of the Pride event which is ticketed.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

For some people, it getting out and about in their community and meeting new people and being part of a fun and enthusiastic team for the day. But most of all our volunteers are passionate about making a difference to people affected by cancer.

Further Info:

Please note that this role may attract more applications than available places, so we will offer the opportunity on a first come basis.  We will contact all successful applicants prior to the event with further information.

Travel expenses paid within the Greater Manchester area

Who should you contact?

You can read more about this volunteering opportunity and apply vioa the Macmillan website at: http://bit.ly/1GJDXPO

For further information ro to offer your support, contact Vikki Moore via Telephone: 01274 987480 or Email: mobilenorth@macmillan.org.uk

A flyer for this opportunity is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1JCinyL

DanceSyndrome: Dancer Led, Disability Inspired – Dance Wednesdays

“Established in 2009, DanceSyndrome was the inspiration of founder and Creative Director, Jen Blackwell, who has Down syndrome, and wanted to follow her dream of being a dancer and dance leader.

We believe that everyone has the right to follow their own interests and passions – whether they have a disability or not. We have an equal number of learning disabled and non-disabled company members, and we provide inclusive dance and leadership opportunities for people who believe disability need not be a barrier to living life to the full”.

Start here today!

Come and join us on Dance Wednesdays and dance your way to feeling better!

A fun, accessible and inclusive dance and movement session for anyone who wants to get moving and have a good time. Dancing is for everyone, whatever your age or ability. Want to boost your mood, improve your health and well-being, make friends and have fun?

Where:

The Rose Club, Atherton Road,

Wigan, WN2 3EU

When:

Every Wednesday,

10:30 am – 12 pm

£5 per person

All DanceSyndrome activities are inclusive and innovative. Our trained dancers, both with and without learning disabilities, work alongside each other to offer weekly community dance sessions for everyone.

Drop in to any of our sessions or for more information, contact Dawn via Telephone: 07875 128015 Email: dawn@dancesyndrome.co.uk.

A flyer for this activity is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1fPhBr0

An information leaflet about Dance Syndrome is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1CGHovH
Does your career need a helping hand?
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust aims to support local young people gain skills, knowledge and experience to help achieve their personal vocational aspirations and career goals.

With our new programme, Inspiring Young Minds, we can support with any of the following:

  • Careers advice and guidance
  • Mentoring and advice from someone already working in your area of interest
  • Work experience
  • CV, application and interview support
  • Mock interview practice
  • Work Placements leading to interview opportunities

If you feel you would benefit from any of the above or would like some further information, contact Gemma via E-mail: gemma.beesley@cmft.nhs.uk or Telephone: 0161 276 5843

Event: Manchester Memory Walk, Heaton park, Alzheimer’s Society

Venue: Heaton Park, Manchester

Date: Saturday 26 September 2015

“This September Memory Walks will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to raise money for a world without dementia. We need thousands of people to walk with us – because arm in arm, step by step and pound by pound, we will get there.

Hope is the spirit of the day

People of all ages and abilities can join in, from grandparents to grandchildren, and even your furry four-legged friends. It a day for everyone to come together, celebrate loved ones affected by dementia, and raise money to reclaim the future.

Reading this means youve just taken your first step for a world without dementia. Thank you”.

With every step taken at Manchester Memory Walk, you will help change the lives of people affected by dementia – now and in the future. Register yourself or a team, and start fundraising today!

The Manchester course takes a scenic route through the picturesque Heaton Park. A fairly hilly course featuring a mix of terrain with roads, footpaths and grass, it gives some stunning views of the park, golf course and the Hall. The short 2km route is wheelchair friendly but the longer 10km is not suitable due to the more challenging ground. The routes are subject to change.

Join thousands of other people who have been affected by dementia at this year Memory Walk.

You can read more about this Memory Walk and other happenign locally via the Alzheimer’s Society website at: http://bit.ly/1IqxFf6

Family Fun Day, Tree of Life Centre, Wythenshawe

“The Tree of Life Centre is an organisation which operates in the Wythenshawe area of South Manchester.  We provide many valuable services to the local community, from health and wellbeing sessions, advice and friendship groups to providing an opportunity for local people to get involved, train for qualifications and get valuable experience by volunteering with us.

The Tree of Life Centre is probably best known for its furniture re-use shop, which is renowned in the Wythenshawe area for the good quality stock and low, affordable prices, giving people on pensions, benefits and low incomes the possibility of being able to buy the things they need that they couldnt otherwise afford, whilst encouraging re-use, recycling and the reduction of good quality items that end up in landfill”

A flyer for this event is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1fa5fc9

Event: Miles Platting Summer Festival 2015

Date/Time: Saturday 1st August, 12 pm – 4 pm

Venue: Vic Mill Community Centre and The Green, Lower Vickers St, M40 7LJ

Come and join us at a FREE family fun event that includes:

  • climbing wall
  • face painting
  • tug of war
  • information stalls
  • traditional games and lots more to enjoy!

Food and refreshments available (small charge).

For further information, contact Isobel or Vicki via Telephone: 0800 234 6826 / 0161 203 2600

A flyer for this event is available to view, download and print at: http://bit.ly/1NY2pCX

Still looking for Volunteers:

Event Volunteering Opportunities: The BIG Weekend, Pride 2015, Manchester

“LGBT events have been taking place in Manchester for many years over the August Bank Holiday weekend and the current Manchester Pride organisation has been staging the annual event now known as “The Big Weekend” since 2003. The Manchester Pride Festival is now positioned as the UK’s leading Pride event.

Manchester Pride is a registered charity and now stages a number of events throughout the year, including Pride Fringe, The Spring Benefit and the The Big Weekend.

The festival in August attracts visitors from across the world and is a staple event in the tourism calendar for Manchester

Join us for four days of celebrations in Manchester’s world famous Gay Village as we mark the 25th anniversary of charity fundraising events celebrating LGBT life in Manchester”.

Pride needs YOU!

Join our army of Pride Stars and volunteer for this year’s Big Weekend!

There’s a whole host of roles available for you to get your teeth stuck in to – follow the links to apply via the Volunteer Centre Manchester website:

PROMO CREW

Help us scream and shout about The Big Weekend, including out star-studded stage line-ups, the fabulous Manchester Pride Parade and the moving George House Trust Candlelit Vigil. The Promo Crew are a lively bunch who ensures Manchester Pride’s promotional materials are everywhere, throughout the event site, in bars, clubs and restaurants in Our Gay Village and throughout the city! We’re loud and proud so we want the world to know!

WRISTBAND EXCHANGE CREW

Join our team of Wristband Exchange Crew who make sure our visitors have the right wristbands when they exchange their tickets on arrival at The Big Weekend. Scan their ticket, slap a wristband on them, hand them a Big Weekend brochure and map, giving them hassle free access to let them enjoy everything the Big Weekend has to offer!

PARADE FUNDRAISERS

Wave those charity buckets as you walk the route of the Parade and encourage as many donations from the crowds of well-wishers and supporters who come out in the thousands to watch the magnificent Manchester Pride Parade!

ENGAGE TEAM

We love our visitors! So much so we’d like to get to know them a little better. Join the Engage team to find out what our visitors loved about the Big Weekend, what they’d like to see at future Pride events, their reasons for attending, how far they’ve travelled and other aspects of their visit – so that we continue providing the UK’s multi-award winning Pride event!

EXPO ASSISTANTS

Help our exhibitors as they set-up for the Expo – a community space where visitors can join up to organisations, take part in demonstrations or try out something new! We have a divers range of exhibitors – from local and national LGBT organisations and charities to health and well being, sports and recreation. Be on-hand to ensure that our exhibitors have everything they need for a hassle-free and rewarding Expo!

PARADE MARSHALS

Help us keep the Parade in full swing and join the team of marshals who keep everyone and everything moving! You’ll be the eyes and ears of our parade entrants as you weave yourself and your group of walkers or allocated float around the city of Manchester to adoring fans and supporters!

MERCHANDISE CREW

From t-shirts, hoodies and vests to badges, keyrings and even tea towels – visitors can take a piece of Pride away with them as a reminder of the fabulous Manchester Pride Big Weekend! Join the Merchandise Crew and help our visitors kit themselves out in this year’s fabulous Manchester Pride gear!

BIG WEEKEND FUNDRAISER

Every penny collected in our charity buckets goes direct to the Manchester Pride Community Fund – so we need as many of our Pride Stars to grab a collection bucket or tin and go out in to the Big Weekend festival armed with goodies and encourage our generous visitors to pop any spare change in to the Community Fund pot!

PRIDE PARADE TROOP

Fancy joining our Manchester Pride Parade Troop? Join us as we turn the streets of Manchester in to a kaleidoscope of colour as we flaunt our stuff along the Parade route to our adoring well-wishers and supporters.

There’s also a number of perks to being a Pride Star, including:

  • FREE entry to The Big Weekend
  • Pride Star T-Shirts
  • Volunteer socials and much, much more!

You can read more about Pride Event Volunteering Opportunities and apply via the Pride website at: http://bit.ly/1MewYGv

Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteer Mentor, Reach Out

“ReachOut is a mentoring charity working with children in disadvantaged communities to raise aspirations and help them grow in character and competence.

We improve self-confidence and develop numeracy, literacy, communication and memory skills whilst reinforcing our core values of fairness, self-control, good judgement and staying power.

We do this through one-to-one mentoring with positive role models and team activities to promote leadership, trust and responsibility”.

Become a mentor

Our mentoring projects simply wouldnt happen without the brilliant men and women who give up their time to support disadvantaged young people week in, week out.

What to expect:

As a mentor we ask that you give 1 or 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months and are committed, enthusiastic and positive.

We will help you face the challenges of mentoring and get the most from your volunteering experience by providing comprehensive pre-programme training and continued support from our experienced project leaders.

You can read more about volunteering opportunities and apply with Reach Out via their website at: http://bit.ly/1MxJjm7

Other Newsletters / Mail Outs:

Manchester Community Central Bulletin

The information and support service for Manchester voluntary and community sector.

“Our bulletin provides a selection of items uploaded to the Manchester Community Central website over the last week. It includes news, events, job opportunities, training opportunities, volunteering and links to our information and resources”.

The latest ‘Manchester Community Central Bulletin – 20th July 2015’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1KoDo5v

The latest ‘Training Coming Up’ Bulletin is also available to view at: http://bit.ly/1FnGN2F

Shift Design

“Shift designs consumer products and builds ventures that help solve social problems. Formerly known as We Are What We Do, were a social business with 10 years of experience working in behaviour change and social innovation”.

The latest ‘Shift Newsletter’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1MoSdV6

NCVYS

“Established in 1936, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services is a diverse and growing network of over 290 national organisations and regional and local networks that work with and for young people”.

The latest ‘NCVYS Newsletter July 2015’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1OBM9bl

Working Class Movement Library

“Based in a former nurses home just a 15 minute walk from Manchester city centre, the Working Class Movement Library is a charity with a social conscience and a fascinating history”

You can read the latest ‘News from WCML’ at: http://bit.ly/1OpVH8l

Step up to Serve / #iwill

“#iwill is a national campaign that aims to make social action part of life for as many 10 to 20 year-olds as possible by the year 2020. Through collaboration and partnership it is spreading the word about the benefits of youth social action, working to embed it in the journey of young people and create fresh opportunities for participation. The campaign is being coordinated by the charity Step Up To Serve and has cross-party support”

The latest ‘Collaboration and Cooperation Newsletter’ is available to view at: http://bit.ly/1HCLa5Q

Zest

“Do you want to meet new people, try something different, be active, stay healthy, increase confidence and self esteem?

If so, Zest can try and help you to achieve some or all of these things.

Zest works closely with local people, communities and organisations to improve health and well being across North Manchester and parts of East Manchester.

We offer a variety of activities and sessions such as Zumba, Tai Chi, Drop in Centres, Dance classes, Social Coffee Mornings, etc.  For more detailed information on what we provide in each area, please contact Zest via Telephone: 0161 234 3715

E-mail: zest@manchester.gov.uk

See updates and more at: www.zestactivities.blogspot.com

Issue 25 of the Zest Newsletter is available to view download and print at: http://bit.ly/1DBezf5

The latest Programme of Events and Activities from Zest for 2015 is also available to view download and print at: http://bit.ly/1CeUV8f

 

Morning, Afternoon or Night! Keep in touch with Voluntary Activity in Manchester and get social with Volunteer Centre Manchester on Twitter, Facebook and other Social Media…

A weekly bulletin is great! Keeping in touch throughout the week is better!

Volunteer Centre Manchester regularly posts updates, information and content about Volunteering Opportunities and Activity across Manchester – and further! Why not like us on Facebook or give us a follow on Twitter. It a fun way to receive additional updates regarding great volunteer opportunities, exciting events, upcoming training courses, campaigns and Job advertisements.

To have access to all of this information simply:

Follow us on Twitter: @VolunteeringMCR

And/or

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCMOfficial

Volunteer Cenre Manchester can provide support and information about these opportunities and how to apply, if you have not attended an Induction Event with us, please visit www.volunteercentremanchester.co.uk, login to our website and visit www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/volunteer-centre-manchester/inductionevents to register your attendance at a future event!

Best,

Volunteer Centre Manchester
c/o Macc, 3rd Floor, Swan Buildings
20 Swan Street
Manchester
M4 5JW
t:   0161 830 4770
e:  
info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk
w: volunteercentremanchester.co.uk


Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/VCMOfficial

Follow us on twitter @VolunteeringMcr

Visit www.manchestercommunitycentral.org for all you need to know about the voluntary and community sector in Manchester.


 

 

Age-Friendly in the Lodge!

 Many thanks to Anthony Morris – our AFWR Volunteer Photographer for capturing some wonderful images of our event on September 5th!

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And some extra photos…

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age friendly

“Happy Birthday Alexandra Park!”

Alexandra Park is celebrating one year on from the re-opening of the park with a
Free family fun day, featuring music and entertainment for all.

And as part of the celebrations…

Age Friendly Whalley Range and Whalley Range Community Forum Present:
Age-friendly in the Lodge

in Partnership with Alexandra Park Heritage Group
on Saturday 5th September 12 – 4pm.
Chorlton Lodge, Alexandra Park,
180 Russell Street, Manchester, M16 7JL

Researching Age-Friendly Cities Film showings,
Refreshments, Silk Screen Printing, a display of digital pictures and artifacts by Archive+
Information stalls, Music and song from Dave Taylor featuring
Alexandra Park contribution to the last century of popular music
Rewind: Bring an old photo or postcard of the Park and tell your story!
Come along to find out what happening for older residents
in and around Whalley Range!

Limited funding for transport: please call Chris on 881 3744 to discuss 🙂

JNR8 Youth & Community Centre,
82 Cromwell Avenue,
Whalley Range,
Manchester M16 0BG
Telephone: 0161 881 3744
Email: agefriendlywhalleyrange@gmail.com

Read our latest issue of News & Events here!

NewWordle

Click on the link below to read the latest information and upcoming activities from the Whalley Range area.

N&E_Summer 2015

Please contact us if you’d like to submit an article for the September issue: news, reviews,  photos and details of upcoming activities/events.

We would particularly like to hear from young people – so if you know anyone who might be interested – or if you are a local young person with something to say – please get in touch!

We are also busy producing the Celebrate Festival Report: if anyone has any photos of this year’s event please share with us: your work will be acknowledged in the Report 🙂

Many thanks to Anthony Morris who once again took on the role of Celebrate Photographer for 2015.

See Anthony’s photos at Celebrate Photographs 2015

JNR8 Film Launch Photo Gallery

Photos: http://www.markwaugh.net

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre
MANCHESTER Ageing Study, film launch at JNR8 Community Centre

Manchester Ageing Study: Exciting News!

Manchester Ageing Study

Manchester presents to the United Nations
The Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA), based at The University of Manchester, is to present to the United Nations this week. At a session on the human rights of older people, Dr Tine Buffel will outline the institute’s ground-breaking project, whereby older residents were trained as co-researchers to explore the ‘age-friendliness’ of cities.

Tine  presented the project in New York this week at the United Nations three-day summit on protecting the human rights and dignity of older people!

Please see the press release below

Also click the link below to read the Reasearch Impact of this amazing project on the University of Manchester’s  School of Social Sciences website – with links to the film and the book
http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/research/research-impact/age-friendly-neighbourhoods/
Photos of the film launch will appear on our website very soon!

Manchester presents to the United Nations

14 Jul 2015

The Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA) will inform a session on the human rights of older people at the UN in New York

Dr Tine Buffel explores the' age-friendliness' of cities with co-researchers

Dr Tine Buffel explores the’ age-friendliness’ of cities with co-researchers

Manchester will present to the United Nations this week on its ground-breaking work to improve the lives of older people.

Dr Tine Buffel, of The University of Manchester, will join a panel at the UN in New York to present research around ageing in cities.

The University Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA) has spearheaded a unique project in which older residents, aged between 58 and 74-years-old, were trained as co-researchers to work alongside sociologists exploring the age-friendliness of cities.

Today Dr Buffel will present their work, delivered with partners across the city, as part of a three-day UN summit on protecting the human rights and dignity of older people.

Dr Buffel, a research fellow at MICRA at The University of Manchester, said: The age-friendly approach is increasingly recognised as a model which promotes the right to a good old age. This is a fantastic opportunity to present Manchester innovative research and practice across the city council, the University and local communities to a global audience. Our experience is that training older people as co-researchers is effective in gaining a deeper understanding of the issues that older people themselves view as important. We want older people to feel that the city belongs to them as much as anyone else – and we believe the age-friendly approach is effective in doing this and can be replicated across neighbourhoods.

Manchester became the first UK city to be recognised as age-friendly by the World Health Organisation in 2010. University of Manchester researchers predict that in 15 years time, a quarter of the world population living in cities will be over-60.

Link to the summit Twitter feed videos (including our film)
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23OEWG6&src=typd&vertical=default&f=videos

Twitter hashtag #OEWG6

About, Awards, Links – and Photos (by Chris Foster Photography http://www.chrisfosterphotography.com/ )

Dr Tine Buffel wins a Social Responsibility Making a Difference Award

(22 May 2015)

Dr Tine Buffel, School of Social Sciences and MICRA, was the winner of the University of Manchester “Outstanding Local Community Collaboration” award for her project, Manchester Ageing Study.

In this project, Tine works together with older residents, community organisations and Manchester City Council to produce research and identify actions and strategies to improve the age-friendliness of local neighbourhoods. An important feature is the active involvement of older people, who were trained as co-researchers, in all stages of the project.

The project focusses upon both researching and working with older people living in areas of high deprivation with a view to improving their experience of living in the city. It builds on policy priorities in the context of the Council being an active member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network of “Age-Friendly Cities” (2007:12), these defined as encouraging active ageing in order to enhance quality of life as people age. The project builds on a key principle developed by the WHO: the idea of prioritizing the role of older people in developing research and action plans to improve the age-friendliness of their neighbourhood.

Through collaborative work with community organizations across three neighbourhoods in South Manchester, 18 older residents from different ethnic groups were trained to become co-researchers in the project. They have played a key role in all stages of the research, including the planning, design and implementation phases. Training sessions focused on designing interview questions, data collection and sharing/translating findings. The co-researchers conducted 68 interviews with difficult-to-reach older people about their needs to age well in the community. They also worked together with local community organisations to develop actions and strategies for social change on the basis of the research findings. In addition, 14 focus groups were held with community stakeholders to collaboratively identify opportunities for improving the age-friendliness of the different neighbourhoods.

In the next couple of Weeks we will see the release of a production film featuring the co-researchers that highlights the impact of research on ageing, urban environments and inequalities. Also, as the project nears completion Tine, with the help of her co-researchers, will release a booklet focussing on the process of involving older people in the research process.

For more information about the awards please follow the link below:

 

Photos by Chris Foster Photography: http://www.chrisfosterphotography.com/

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Chris Foster Photography
Chris Foster Photography

100% of our target raised in Pledges for the Celebrate Festival!

Firstly: Thank you so much to everyone who  pledged their support!

thanks
The community response to our crowdfunding project to fund some of the Celebrate Festival costs for 2015 was amazing!
We  raised an incredible £2,326 in pledges from members of the community, businesses and local groups!
This went towards funding our performance stage and marquees – so a huge thank you to everyone who contributed!

We did it!

Moss Side Story: Our Heritage

Heritage Poster

St James’, Moss Side has an extensive historical archive and during the week from 5th to 11th July, we will be making it available to the community as an exhibition between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm Monday 6th to Saturday 11th July.

We have arranged a number of speakers for the week who are experts in their field and each will give a presentation about Moss Side.

Programme for the week

All events (expect the final celebration in Alexandra Park) are at James Pastoral Centre, Princess Road / Great Western Street, Moss Side, M14 4TH

Sunday 5th July, 10.30 am

Past, Present and Future – Special Celebration Service to give thanks for the past and pray for the future of Moss Side.

Monday 6th July, 7.30 pm

Moss Side Yesterday and Today – A joint presentation given by Councillor Alistair Cox, Councillor for Moss Side and Mrs Gabrielle Cox. They have lived in Moss Side for 40 years serving the community in many different ways.

Tuesday 7th July, 12.30pm – 1.30pm

History of Black Manchester – Bill Williamson, retired History Professor from Manchester University is an author and expert in Manchester’s cultural history.

Refreshments provided, but you may wish to bring a packed lunch

Tuesday 7th July, 7.30 pm – (to be confirmed)

Singing with Larks – A drop in session, open to all, where anyone who wants to can come along as a one off and join in the singing. Including a couple of performance by the regular group.

Thursday 9th July, 4.00 pm

The Local History of Moss Side – Michael Wood is Professor of Public Engagement at Manchester University. His popular and successful TV series include ‘In Search of the Trojan War’, ‘In the Foorsteps of Alexander the Great’, and ‘The Story of England’. He was born in Moss Side and attended Heald Place Primary School.

Thursday 9th July, 7.30 pm

The beginnings of Moss Side Carnival – a talk by Locita Brandy. Locita was one of the first organisers of the Carnival back in the 1960s and which continues every year.

Sunday 12th July, 12.00 pm Midday

Joint Celebration in Alexandra Park – The five congregations of St James, Moss Side and St Edmund’s, Whalley Range welcome all to this community celebration!

Bring a picnic lunch and meet at the Pavilion building in the park.

Cromwell Community Cuppa: Afternoon Tea at JNR8 for older residents

Cuppa

Our first meeting last week was really good: 5 of us met up for a cuppa and a chat and a good laugh!

We looked at how we can  get in touch with more older neighbours and shared thoughts about day trips and activities.

It was also really interesting to hear  facts about the area from some of the residents who were born here over 70 years ago!

The local Co-operative pharmacy have been in touch to offer  the Age-friendly Whalley Range group £200!

The Pharmacist will be attending our next Fitness and Fun exercise class for older residents to offer free blood pressure checks.

They are also going bringing along a  photographer to promote our group and to take photos of us being presented with the cheque for the £200  – which will help us to put on activities and go towards planning our trips.

Please join us on Wednesdays from 2-3pm!

 

Term Time Classes at JNR8

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Generating Opportunities


Talk English for beginners/entry level 1

Mondays 10am – 1pm

TE


 

 Tai Chi with Kaz

The Tai Chi form has for centuries inspired men and women of all ages, of all walks of life and of levels of fitness.
Come and find out Why!

Mondays 1:30-2:30pm

TaiChi


 

 


ESOL for Local Women

A women-only safe space to practice English with women of all levels, ages, faiths and cultures

kk


 Beat Fit with Beatriz Lazurus

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Fitness sessions

Wednesdays 10-11am – Women Only


 

 

Afternoon Tea for Older Residents{1}


 

 

 

Safer streets are a right priority for next Government say 65 and overs

living streets jpg

Living Streets News

Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Potential measures to make walking on the streets safer and easier are a right priority for the next Government, according to 62 per cent of people aged 65 and over. These are the results of a YouGov poll commissioned by Living Streets and published today (27 January 2015).
Although the majority (82 per cent) say they enjoy getting fresh air when walking outside in the UK, 60 per cent feel angry and frustrated by speeding vehicles in built-up areas. The same number (60 per cent) felt angry and frustrated by the risk of tripping and falling on poorly maintained pavements and 57 per cent by obstructions on the pavement such as parked cars. Shockingly, of those who have never been hit by a vehicle when crossing a road in the UK in the last 5 years, half feel there is a medium or high risk of this happening.
An Active Travel Bill could introduce measures to make walking safer and easier for more vulnerable pedestrians, says the national charity, but older people need to make politicians realise it important.
Eighty-year-old Shelia Blaker walks everyday with her dog Jack in her local neighbourhood in Doncaster. She is writing to her local MP, Labour Party leader Ed Milliband. Shelia says:
Jack and I enjoy getting out and seeing friends and neighbours, but we are limited to where we can walk because we live in a triangle of busy main roads. Even on a quick walk round the block were often faced with uneven pathways, potholes, muddy and obstructed footpaths where cars park on the grass verges.
Being able to get out for a daily walk is very important to me for my health and mental wellbeing, so things like slower traffic speeds, having plenty of time to get across the road safely and clear legislation on pavement parking would improve the quality of my life. That why Im asking Ed Miliband to commit to the introduction of an Active Travel Bill. In the run up to the General Election in May, people can use campaign resources from the Living Streets website to question their local parliamentary candidates or run their own local campaigns.
Living Streets Chief Executive, Joe Irvin, said:
Our society is getting older and if we are to stay healthy, active and independent in our later years, we need to be able to get around our local neighbourhoods safely. Our supporters tell us how important these issues are to them and this poll bears this out. If parliamentary candidates are serious about responding to the grey vote then theyll support our call for an Active Travel Bill.
– See more at:

http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/safer-streets-are-a-right-priority-for-next-government-say-65-and-overs#sthash.MXvtX3xq.dpuf

How to Travel to an appointment

Taken from http://healthwatchtrafford.co.uk/how-to/how-to-travel-to-an-appointment/

How to Travel to an appointment

This guide covers

Driving (& car parking)

Public Transport

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services

Ring and Ride

Private Hire Taxis

Community Car Services

 

If you have an appointment at a hospital, treatment centre, clinic etc. You need to make sure that you have the ability to get there (and back).

There can be many options available, but they are worth checking over well before your appointment. Take a look at our guide to see what will be best for you.

You may be eligible for help with healthcare travel costs. Find out here.

Driving

You might be able to drive to your appointment, or be driven by someone else. If this is the case, make sure you know where it is you are going and how to get there. This is often not as obvious as it sounds, as many hospitals can be very large and have multiple entrances, buildings and car-parks and, as in the case of Central Manchester Hospitals can be several hospitals on the same site!

Find out about the availability of car parking before you leave. There is usually a fee for car parking, although not always. There will be more accessible parking for blue badge holders. There is usually a pick-up and drop-off area for those that are getting a lift.

Always leave plenty of time for the journey and be aware of likely traffic conditions as journey times can vary greatly depending on the time of day.

You should also find out if you will be able to drive after your appointment as many treatments can leave you in an unsuitable condition to drive – your appointment letter should warn you if this is the case – and if so you will need to arrange for someone else to drive or seek other transport methods.

Public Transport

If you plan on taking public transport to your appointment, make sure you are clear of the routes you will be taking and as well as the timetables of the services you are using. There are many types of transport that you might use (in Trafford you could take the Train, Metrolink or Bus) and prices of services may vary so it might be wise to check these too. Concessionary tickets are usually available to those that are eligible.

Make sure you plan your journey with plenty of time to spare to allow for delays – a stressful journey never helps before any kind of appointment. Also keep in mind what time you will be leaving as some timetables change and some services may even stop running outside of normal hours.

It is usually a good idea to have someone accompanying you, especially if it is after an appointment that might leave you disoriented or vulnerable – your appointment letter should warn you if this is the case. Also, take a look at the Safer Journey and Better Journey cards to help you along if you have difficulties.

If you need help in planning your journey you can use the Traveline North West Journey Planner.

You may be eligible for help with healthcare travel costs. Find out here.

If you live in Partington, Carrington or Warburton and need to travel to a hospital outside of Trafford, you may be able to use the Local Link Hospital Travel service. Find out about this Hospital Travel service here

Patient Transport Services

The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) in Greater Manchester is provided by Arriva Transport Solutions. This service is for patients who due to a medical condition cannot make their own way to NHS appointments.

The service is available to people who need to travel to and from a NHS hospital appointment or treatment centre, when they are discharged from hospital or if they need to be transferred between treatment centres.

The criteria rules determine whether or not you are eligible for NEPTS have been set by the Department of Health and are based upon whether your medical condition prevents you from travelling by any other means.

 

This can be arranged by a GP, hospital or other healthcare professional or you can call directly to see if you are eligible to make a booking.

For more information on the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service in Greater Manchester and how to book, click here

 

Ring and Ride

Ring and Ride provides door-to-door transport for people who find it very difficult or impossible to get to a bus stop, or get on or off ordinary buses. It is designed to provide short local journeys and buses have low entrance steps and lifts at the back to make it easy for people to get on and off. If you use a wheelchair, the driver will secure your wheelchair safely in the bus so you wont have to get into a seat. Carers, friends and relatives can travel with registered Ring and Ride users. Fares are equivalent to ordinary bus fares. Drivers are trained in customer care, disability awareness and basic first aid.

For more details of Ring and Ride click here. http://www.tfgm.com/Corporate/Documents/LocalLink/Hulme.pdf

Private hire taxi

Sometimes a taxi might be the most convienient way to get to and from an appointment. They have the advantages of being always available, no need to worry about parking and usually know where they are going.

If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure you book it in advance and leave plenty of time before your appointment to allow for traffic conditions or any delays. Only use registered operators and advise them in advance of any accessibility requirements, such as if you are a wheelchair user or require the use of a baby seat.

If you are eligible for Travel Vouchers, you can use them on services such as taxis and Ring and Ride. To find out more about Travel Vouchers and eligibility, click here.

 

Community car services

In some areas there are community car services available. These are usually services run by volunteers to provide affordable transport for people in the community. The arrangements for these services can vary greatly, so it might be worth finding out if there is an organisation in your area and how they run.

 

 

Whalley Range Climate Action Group

Whalley Range Climate Action Group 

Everyone welcome to come along to discuss the climate emergency with other concerned people and get involved in actions to make Whalley Range a more sustainable place to live.  We meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month and eat a  vegetarian/vegan lunch together after the meeting. Bring a little  food to share if you can at the JNR8 Youth & Community Centre, 82 Cromwell Ave, M16 0BG

Local people and organisations taking action to address
the climate emergency.
climateaction@whalleyrangers.org
@RangeAction
Facebook: Whalley Range Climate Action
Group
Judith – 07792 690 278

See the Whalley Range Climate Action Group’s leaflet below on keeping warm, saving energy, and getting financial help for insulation and bills…

PDF  leaflet:    leaflet_A4_pgs1_2 leaflet_A4_pgs3_4


Click here for the June 2022 issue of the Whalley Range Climate Action Newsletter

NEWSLETTER June 22

 

 

 
March 2022
Local community groups and residents creating a MASS PLANTING OF SNOWDROPS in Alexandra Park Whalley Range Manchester yesterday.
We worked on this together because we want to COMMEMORATE THOSE WHO SUFFERED FROM COVID AND THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES, as well as the hard work of all those who cared for us during the pandemic. Planting snowdrops will CONNECT ALL OUR COMMUNITIES IN A COLLABORATIVE MEMORIAL to CREATE A CONTEMPLATIVE SPACE for us to remember the suffering and pain of loss every year.
Why Snowdrops?
Snowdrops flower in February, the time when the pandemic started in Europe, and once planted they will come back every year at that time as a living reminder. Snowdrops are pure white and tear shaped, symbolising grief, yet their arrival is often seen as the first sign of the returning spring and returning hope. This Curve will beautify the space permanently and expand every year as the snowdrops set seeds and spread under the trees.
A huge thank you to Avril from the Whalley Range Climate Action Group for dreaming of this, making it happen and organising the sun and to everyone who came out to plant snowdrops, including our MP Afzal Khan and our local councillors Aftab and Bano.

Newsletter May 21

May 2020 Update

The Whalley Range Climate Action Group would like to thank everyone for everything they are doing to keep people in our area safe and well and a special thank you to all the key workers who are doing so much for us all.
 
Although the Covid experience is terrible for so many people in so many ways we have seen some positive benefits for us and the climate, especially the reduction in carbon use, less pollution and more walking and cycling.  We have been using our air quality monitors to measure the air quality in Whalley Range and are delighted to report that the pollution levels have been inside the World Health Organisation safe levels all through the lockdown.  This is fantastic news for our health and our challenge is keeping the air safe as the lockdown ends.
 
A group of us have been studying the Amsterdam City Doughnut, a tool to make places ‘home to thriving people in a thriving place while respecting the wellbeing of all people and the health of the whole planet.’ We have been meeting every week to talk about how we could use the ideas in Whalley Range and the first step will be to make the Whalley Range Selfie. Watch this space for more details of how to get involved.
 
We are supporting the new Whalley Range Walk Ride group which will work to promote more walking and cycling in our area. 
 
We printed a newsletter just before lockdown, please text or ring Judith on 07792 690 278 if you would like a copy/ copies  posted through your door.  We  are really looking forward to meeting people again when it is safe.

Read the groups 1st edition Newsletter here:

WHALLEY RANGE CLIMATE ACTION GROUP NEWSLETTER final


 

Whalley Range Climate Action Plan 
Introduction 2
Our current emissions 2
General information about Whalley Range 3
Average carbon footprint of a UK resident 6
Strategies for carbon reduction in Whalley Range 9
Existing organisations, social networks and projects 10
Sources 15

Read in full below:

Whalley Range Climate Action Plan

_________________________________________________________

Whalley Range Climate Action Group upcoming meetings:

The Whalley Range Climate Action Group meet at  JNR8 Community Centre (back of Manley Park Church)

_____________________________________________________________

The Whalley Range Community Forum have produced the Whalley Range Community Forum Climate Emergency Statement and Strategies working document.
Read it here: WRCF Climate Emergency Policy and Strategies November 2019

_______________________________________________________________

Notes from the meeting on Sat 7 September from 11-1pm:

 

Blog for steady State Manchester on Whalley Range Climate action Group (WRCAG)

Climate change is a tricky subject. Some people deny it, are ignorant about it or think it is nothing to do with them. On the other hand, many are terrified by what a globally heated world will hold for them, their children and for the future of millions of our fellow humans. The Guardian newspaper suggests we intensify the very language we use with phrases like climate emergency, climate crisis and global heating instead of climate change and global warming.

However, both denial and terror risk confining us to a similar, paralysed, state of inaction, so that nothing changes. What are the paths out of this immobilisation?

A tiny group of residents in Whalley Range got talking about climate change. While we fully support the national and international actions of Extinction Rebellion/Friends of the Earth/Climate Justice and all the other efforts being made to promote real change, the phrase  Thinking globally and acting locally also spurred us to think about what we can do right now, right here, in our own locality of Whalley Range.

We started locally and small, using word of mouth to find fellowship, trying to remain humble and open to ideas. The group grew in size steadily and we now have dozens of interested parties. Initially, I thought we would be a kind of retrofit support group, trying to help each other get properly insulated, reduce our energy usage, become car free and work out better ways to have flight free holidays. It has become a lot more than that.

Conversation triggered us to act, and we began by extending those conversations into our community. We listened to each other and to the residents we met at our simple stalls at community events. In no time we had a presence at Celebrate, (an annual local festival), at Ecofest, an event run by a local church, at the Windrush event in a local park We joined in an inspiring Clean Air Day action, when streets were closed around schools to enable pollution free walking and most joyously of all free street play for the children. The sounds of birdsong, children playing and people chatting rose out of the car free silence.

What used to be taken for granted, safe walking and children playing out, has become a privilege, that took a huge amount of organisation and preparation to bring about and lasted for less than half a day. This has also reinforced the value of the kinds of conversations we are aiming to have. We do not instruct, but rather, ask Where are you up to with the climate change thing? and What would make Whalley Range a climate safe, buzzing, good place to live?

These discussions were interesting, challenging and produced actionable ideas about what is important here in our own community. Many people in Whalley Range are thinking about climate change, environmental degradation and pollution. They are fed up with the noise, danger and pollution from cars and the limiting effects this has. They feel the constraints: unsafe walking especially for children, asthma increased by pollution, litter everywhere. People were outraged by the plastics they feel they cannot escape, wrapped around everything, all the time. We found much common cause with many other local organisations such as the Whalley Rangers and local wildlife support groups. Many organisations whose prime purpose is not about climate change, for example, Age Friendly Manchester or the local Park support and Heritage groups, joined us in thinking that climate change is their business too and that they can act here in Whalley Range.

 It has been exciting to hear these perspectives, to take the street on Clean Air Day, and to discover that residents are willing to discuss these issues. It has made me a little braver to speak about climate change. This week, my lovely neighbour was in the street with two young relatives showing off their new cars. The cars were idling in the street, doors open, he showed me the clever seats. We had met on many occasions, so I felt able to turn the ignition key off and say idling cars are not good for us. I had the same conversation with the man sweeping the street who left his vehicle idling for 30 minutes while he had his lunch break.

Our next meetings will be opportunities to reflect on what we have heard, what our priorities are and to decide what our main actions should be. We think it is likely that not everyone in the group will want to work on the same things. Some will be interested in schools, educating parents and pupils, others in taking the streets away from cars, others in building consensus against plastics in supermarkets, schools and our shopping bags. Connecting with other organisations that work in our area including the National Health Services has been highlighted as a way to make our work more effective locally.

WRACG does not have a manifesto; our first leaflet simply explains who we are local residents working on what we can do about climate change, with a simple list of suggestions to help anyone reduce their impact on the planet. Reducing energy use, going flight free, consuming less, walking, cycling and using public transport, eating a mainly vegetarian diet are all important actions. Having a group of like-minded people around empowers us, to tell others what we are doing and to explore ways we can reduce our carbon emissions.

Another key action is to make our voices heard on this issue, wherever possible, in whichever organisations we are in contact with. Building connections between people will make Whalley Range an Abundant Community, where we know and value our neighbours through shared events and conversations. Then we will have a good life that is also a climate friendly life, here and now.

Massive policy change is needed, for sure, and governments must lead on the bigger changes. But if 10% of people get behind the need to reduce emissions drastically, that a massive opinion former and a strong message to local and central government, that will be hard to ignore. In the 18th century, rich landowners planted trees that they know they would never see to maturity but which are still enjoyed by many of us today. We can take a leaf out of their book and start planning for our descendants instead of just thinking about today and this week.

 WRCAG has only been active for a few short months. We will continue to reach out to all the members of our community…different ethnicities, religions, ages, interests. Climate change will damage all of us…we need to work for change together, here, where we live.

 

 

 

Whalley Range Community Map

Welcome to the third edition of the Whalley Range Community Forum Map – with an emphasis on physical and mental health and wellbeing and climate change.

This map was produced by the Whalley Range Community Forum at JNR8 and was part-funded by buzz Manchester Wellbeing Service.

New 2 page MAP A3_v4 (4)

About this map: its history and previous versions…

In Spring 2011 local people voted yes to the idea of a map to celebrate the unique place that is Whalley Range.

A U Decide grant was awarded and, along with generous contributions from local sponsors and volunteers, the map has come to life.

The 2nd Edition features the regeneration of Alexandra Park along with updated listings, new history items and more.

wr_dec13_map_small

The Whalley Range community map –  started out as a U Decide proposal by Fiona Nicholls of the Forum’s Health  & Sustainability group – and was successfully put forward to the community for votes for a share of a community grant in Whalley Range.
The first edition was produced in 2012 with a suggested donation of £1 – and any donations collected were fed back to the community groups and projects based at JNR8.
The map attracted a lot of interest – and a 2nd edition in 2013/2014 was funded by donations and sponsorship from local businesses.
The map exceeded all expectations in terms of how it was used: as well as an information resource (the map features stories and local history articles) the map was used by many of our community organisations and as part of our projects as a resource tool.
Our ESOL classes based some of their teaching sessions around the map with questions about the local area and a trip out identifying local key locations using a list of questions/directions – and a map to source the answers.
Maps have always been distributed at our community events and to new attendees to our classes and JNR8 events to help people to get around: when it was first produced it was not unusual to see people wandering around the local area armed with a map to locate some of the listed areas of interest with their children and visitors!
The Age-friendly Manchester launch featured a workshop from the Forum based around setting up an age-friendly network for older residents: the map was used to plan how to link up with people, as a ‘mapping’ exercise!
And for the Manchester Ageing Study – in partnership with the University of Manchester – the map was enlarged and used as a consultation tool for residents to identify where they felt safe, most visited areas, where benches should be sited etc.
The map – (along with several magnifying glasses for better accessibility!) – has always been a feature of  our community events.
Copies of the map were posted in advance to different EU countries to our 16 participants of the Grundtvig workshop.
Students stayed in Whalley Range with host families for a week and attended a training session on positive numeracy and literacy teaching in deprived European communities. The students arrived from Manchester Airport armed with their maps to locate JNR8 and their host’s homes!
So as you can imagine the map has been a fantastic well used resource – and we were delighted that in association with Age-friendly Manchester – Fiona and the team  produced our 3rd edition!
This version of the map focuses on mental and physical health and wellbeing, the age-friendliness of the area – and features local groups who are working with sustainability and green initiatives