COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR MANCHESTER
EMAIL BULLETIN – 15th June 2007

The Community Network for Manchester (CN4M) is part of the Manchester
Partnership (MP) that works specifically on behalf of voluntary and
community groups. CN4M is creating a more powerful voice for the voluntary
and community sectors in Manchester. For more information about the
Community Network for Manchester and to view contact details please visit
our website at www.cn4m.net


1.0 Network News
2.0 Training
3.0 Events
4.0 Information
5.0 Jobs

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1.0 Network News

1.1 CN4M Strategy Group

The next CN4M Strategy Group meeting will take place on Tuesday 26th June at
the Green Fish Resource Centre from 6pm - 8pm with refreshments available at
5:30pm.

Papers for the meeting will be available shortly. For more information
please contact CN4M on 0161 234 2916.

1.2 CN4M Knowledgebank

CN4M are currently developing the knowledgebank
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_docman1&Itemid=81.
The knowledgebank has been designed to be a resource to share research,
projects and examples of best practice provided by a variety of
organisations within the voluntary and community sector.

If you have any research, projects or examples of best practice that would
be relevant to the knowledgebank please email them to Cath Taylor
mailto:catht@cn4m.net.

2.0 Training

2.1 Advance Learning's new learning platform
Advance Learning has launched a new learning platform called Alison. The
platform allows individuals to develop their skills and knowledge by
studying interactive, self-paced courses - for free.
Learn more about Alison by visiting the website: http://www.alison.com/ or
mailto:sgriffin@advancelearning.com

2.2 Business Bridge - Bringing Together Business Employees and Social
Entrepreneurs

Business Bridge is a series of 6 workshops bringing together Business
Employees and Social Entrepreneurs to share skills and experiences.

As part of HRH The Prince of Wales's Seeing is Believing programme, Business
in the Community has identified a specific set of developmental needs in the
social enterprise sector which it believes private sector business skills
can have a unique impact on.

The aim of this Business Bridge is to transfer business skills and expertise
to twelve social enterprises through a series of six workshops facilitated
by business leaders from respected employers. Each workshop will tackle key
business issues as identified by the social enterprises.

Business in the Community has developed this series of FREE seminars with
senior business leaders. This is offered to managers working in the social
enterprise sector who want to develop their skill base.

The programme will run from July 2007 in Manchester. Sessions are scheduled
to run from 9.30 till 2 (including a buffet lunch) covering the following
key business issues.

Introduction and diagnostics using Manchester Metropolitan University
Business School's Balance tool
Legal structures and Governance
Business planning and finance
Marketing and Sales
People management -getting the most from your people
Performance improvement- getting more efficient at what you do


To register your interest, please e-mail helenjwilliamson@hotmail.com or
call Business in the Community on 0161 233 7750.

3.0 Events

3.1 Mosque Open Day - Sunday 17th June 2007
Open hearts, open minds, open doors, open invitation.
Find out what Islam says about : The Creater
The Quaran (the final revelation)
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

The open day will take place on Sunday 17th June 2007 from 1pm - 4pm at UKIM
Khizra Mosque on Cheetham Hill Road. Entry is free

For more information please contact Khizra Jamia Mosque on 0161 205 6662

3.2 Gorton Festival - Celebrates Abolition 200
The Gorton festival will take place on Sunday 17th June 12pm - 4pm at Gorton
Park, Hyde Road.

There will be a fun fair, live music and information stalls at the events
which is free to attend.


3.3 Local Sector Independence day - 4th July

Stronger independence - Stronger relationships - Better outcomes
Compact Voice is calling on every area in England to take a practical step
on 4th July towards strengthening the local voluntary and community sector's
independence. All local sectors and councils are asked to do this together
because a more independent sector benefits councils and the community.

Communicating it and doing it
Sector infrastructure bodies and councils are asked to help get this message
out via websites, newsletters, joint press releases, and to network and
partnership meetings:
• 4th July is Local Sector Independence Day
• The Local Compact commits the Council to support the independence of local
groups
• We should all do something on 4th July to strengthen the sector's
independence.

Encourage local groups to discuss their independence at board level and make
their campaigning contribution visible on 4th July. Take opportunities to
piggyback on what is already happening on 4th July, e.g. a Council Meeting
question; an agenda item on a partnership board; covering the Local Compact
and sector independence in any training or councillor and staff induction.

Let Compact Voice mailto:paul.barasi@ncvo-vol.org.uk 020 7520 2453 know
beforehand what you will be doing for 4th July and then what impact has been
made.

3.4 Greater Manchester's Transport - The Future!

Date: 28 June 2007
Time: 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: Manchester Deaf Centre, Crawford House, Oxford Street, Manchester

The leaders of Greater Manchester's 10 local authorities are seeking views
on a possible bid to the Government for a £3 billion package of transport
funding and the introduction of a road congestion charging system.

The session will provide delegates with the opportunity to:

Attend presentations on the details of the transport investment proposals
Learn about the implications of congestion and a 'do nothing' approach.
Understand and input into the opportunities that exist now to develop an
integrated transport system for Greater Manchester that is socially
inclusive, sustainable, and accessible to all communities
Network with colleagues and other organisations

Target audience: voluntary sector groups including those providing services
to and representing excluded and disadvantaged communities; community
professionals; community transport operators; and social enterprises.

Please confirm your attendance by e-mail or phone to:
mailto:Melanie.jeffs@gmcvo.org.uk or 0161 277 1014

More information is available at: www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk and comments
are also invited via the website.

4.0 Information

4.1 Manchester is my Planet Website
www.manchesterismyplanet.com
An all-new, brand spanking Manchester is my Planet website. The new site is
packed with:
Facts on climate change
Energy-saving advice - how you can impact on your pledge
Past Manchester is my Planet newsletters and leaflets - catch up on anything
you've missed
Information on what Manchester is my Planet is doing across Greater
Manchester

4.2 The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2007
The 7th edition of the most comprehensive guide to the financial state of
the sector is now available. The Almanac has been compiled from a range of
different sources and brings together invaluable evidence on how the sector
is changing. The key findings from this year's edition include:
• The total income of the voluntary sector is £27.7 billion; operating
expenditure is £25.1 billion.
• The largest charities continue to grow, with smaller charities struggling
to maintain their income levels.
• Reports that dramatic increases in government funding to charities are
leading to a loss of independence appear to be unfounded - government
funding to the voluntary sector has only increased by 1.5% since 2001.
• The charity sector is becoming more efficient, with every £1 spent on
generating funds producing £11.34 in income, up by £2 since the previous
year.
• Charities' incomes are volatile, with over 10% of charities moving between
income bands in the past year.
Thus the sector continues to increase its income, and improvements to
efficiency mean charities are reaching more people than ever. However the
challenges presented by the economic and political environment are still
important, particularly for the smallest charities.
It is an invaluable reference tool for funders, policy-makers, researchers
and those working in the field. Fundraisers and charity managers will also
find the Almanac a vital resource in the preparation of funding bids.
Further details can be found at: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/amanac07
If you have any comments or queries from this year's almanac please
mailto:asma.jhina@ncvo-vol.org.uk.

4.3 Promoting ICT and Accessible Computing across the North West's Voluntary
and Community Sector

The National ChangeUp programme is currently funding two North West wide ICT
projects which are being hosted by GMCVO (Greater Manchester Centre for
Voluntary Organisation). Firstly the North West ICT Champion Project is
working across the North West until March 2008. The project aims to ensure
that infrastructure organisations, such as CVS', have a clear picture of
both ICT need and provision. The champion will be identifying gaps, making
use of best practice, conducting awareness raising and signposting to
appropriate training, funding and resources. If you would like further
information on the project contact details are
mailto:pauline.baker@gmcvo.org.uk / www.nwictchampion.org.uk

Secondly the North West Accessibility Champions project will, until
September 2007, be helping make computers more accessible for everyone,
disabled and non-disabled people alike. Voluntary and Community
organisations can benefit from free advice on available resources, hardware
and software by contacting the project on mailto:oliver.gibson@gmcvo.org.uk
/ www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=accessibility.
In addition the national charity AbilityNet provides an exceptional website,
www.abilitynet.org.uk, which is packed with useful resources.

4.4 Calling all carers!

Do you have space in your home, life and in your heart, to foster or adopt?

Manchester City Council are always trying to find alternative families for
children in Manchester who are unable to live with their birth families. We
need adopters and foster carers from all different cultural, ethnic and
religious backgrounds to best meet the needs of Manchester's diverse range
of looked after children.

We need to recruit another 300 carers across Manchester, we need short-term
and long-term foster carers, carers for asylum seeking children, supported
lodgings providers for young people over eighteen, adopters and short break
carers for disabled children.

We also need people who have the patience and understanding to care for and
support teenagers during what could be a difficult period in their life.

You can be single or married, homeowner or renting, straight or gay,
employed or unemployed. We will provide you with preparation, training,
support and a weekly allowance. You will need patience and commitment for a
task that you will find very rewarding.

Manchester City Council looks forward to hearing from you. Call Fosterline:
0161 860 7666 or visit: www.manchester.gov.uk

4.5 Are you interested in dance, drama, music, media, heritage, sport, art?

The East Manchester Arts and Culture Programme works with a number of
partners to deliver projects in Newton Heath, Miles Platting, Ancoats,
Clayton, Openshaw, Beswick and Gorton.

With a massive range of activities including DJ workshops, painting,
singing, drama, photography, street dancing, cultural outings and festivals
there's something for everyone's tastes and ability.

Activities are usually FREE so if you'd like to find out how you can get
involved please contact Lela Cribbin, Cultural Regeneration Officer on 0161
230 2100 or mailto:l.cribbin@manchester.gov.uk

To ensure that you are kept up to date with the latest cultural events, jobs
and training opportunities why not sign up to Culture News: East. Email 'Yes
Please' to mailto:l.cribbin@manchester.gov.uk and you'll receive a FREE
fortnightly email bulletin straight to your inbox

4.6 Office space available
Office space for up to 4 people, sharing with two other voluntary
organisations in a charming Victorian building in the Northern Quarter.
£200/person/month. 4th floor accommodation, including broadband internet,
tea/coffee making, lift, office cleaning, secure alarm, and original period
features.
Please call David Jane or Lee at NEARIS on 0161 834 1661.

4.7 GMCVO Survey

Impact of concessionary fare price rise on families

www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=e2lfqaXN3fTr8cQeqAuZYA_3d_3d

The Greater Manchester Passenger Authority (GMPTA) recently announced a rise
in the concessionary fare for children aged 5 to 15 from 50p to 70p on
buses. We are trying to establish the impact of this price rise on families.
Your assistance in completing this short survey is appreciated.

5.0 Jobs

5.1 Education Centre Manager Vacancy

Manchester Education Resettlement Centre is an independent education centre
in Manchester for adults facing problems such as substance misuse, mental
illness or trouble with the law.

Run by well-respected charity NEARIS, the centre delivers flexible education
from a city centre premises, and an extensive outreach programme of sessions
in local hostels and probation offices. We are seeking a skilled manager
with ideas and drive, to manage the work of the centre over the coming
years. This role would give the postholder the opportunity and freedom to
develop this thriving education and information/advice service, in order to
meet the needs of hard-to-reach adult learners.

NEARIS is willing to consider of secondment to this position for a minimum
of two years.

Salary £29-31k, 35 hrs/week

Application deadline - 25 June 2007

Download application and background information from www.nearis.com, or
phone 0161 834 1661.

Registered charity no. 1017467

5.2 Environmental Prisoner Out Working Manager

This post is based in Preston working 35 hours per week, salary £23,269 -
£31,126

BTCV is the UK's leading practical conservation charity working with people
from all sectors of the community in positive action to improve the
environment.

BTCV needs an experienced and enthusiastic individual to develop a programme
of prisoner involvement in environmental skills training and practical
environment conservation.

For an application pack please mailto:recruitment@btcv.org.uk or call the
recruitment line on 01302 572257 quoting ref EPOW. The application form and
job description can be downloaded from the website www.btcv.org

Closing date 25th June 2007.

5.3 Womens Group Worker Vacancy

2.5 hours per week for 36 weeks plus 21 hours admin time £15 per hour

Based at The Roby Church, 307 Dickenson Road, Longsight, Manchester M13

We are looking for a worker to run our well established womens group, which
runs 3 times per year for 12 week periods. The group has been running at The
Roby for the past 10 years and has a good track record of making a
difference to women's lives. We wish to employ a woman worker on a sessional
basis.

The successful candidate will need to have relevant professional
qualification e.g. Diploma in counselling, DipSW,
and at least 12 months post qualification experience and experience of
running therapeutic groups.

For an application form and information pack please contact The Roby 0161
257 2653 or by email mailto:Roby@mcr13.freeserve.co.uk

Section 7(2)(e) of the Sex Discrimination Act applies to this post.

If you would like to discuss this post please contact Hazel Batchelor,
Counselling Manager on 0161 257 2653

Closing date for applications: Monday 25th June Interviews: Monday 9th July

If you have any information you would like to circulate in a future email
bulletin, please email mailto:catht@cn4m.net by Thursday 12.00pm the day
before. If you have any comments or suggestions about the email bulletin,
please email mailto:catht@cn4m.net.