COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR MANCHESTER
EMAIL BULLETIN – 26th October 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 Have your say in the CN4M Review - 30th October 2007

You may be aware that the Community Network for Manchester is currently
conducting a review (facilitated by the Exec.)

The review will seek to ensure we have the right systems and structures in
place to meet future challenges. It will be a way for all staff, strategy
group and the wider voluntary/community sector participants to set the
direction - to give the Exec its mandate. It is a chance to put forward your
ideas for how we can grow and develop.

For more information about the review please visit the CN4M website or
contact Fran Tagoe on 0161 234 2917 mailto:fran@cn4m.net

http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=293

2.0 Training

2.1 Computers and Visual Impairment Training

Chorlton Workshop will be running 4 single introductory/awareness sessions
for anyone working with visually impaired users. IT is extremely useful in
combating the isolation and exclusion often suffered by the visually
impaired and this especially important in the use of the internet.

The sessions will cover;
The main issues faced by visually impaired computer users
Adjustments and software for computer users with various degrees of visual
impairment
A demonstration of Zoomtext - the screen magnification program and Jaws -
the screen reader program

The sessions are designed for individuals who may work with visually
impaired students or clients. Anyone with an interest in developing skills
in this area is also welcome. The sessions are free and will run at Chorlton
Workshop from 10am to 12pm on the dates below.

Computers and Visual Impairment - An introduction Friday 9th , 16th , 23rd ,
30th Nov.

Two further sessions will be run for anyone interested in exploring the
assistive software in greater depth, involving 'hands on' experience of a
screen reader and magnifier.

Assistive Software - Zoomtext and Jaws Friday 7th and 14th Dec

To book a place on one of the sessions, please call 0161 861 0311 or
mailto:vip@chowo.co.uk

2.2 Writing a Successful Business Plan - Tuesday 23rd October,
10.30am -12.30pm

Led by Leila Jancovich, this session will explore the reasons for developing
a business plan, as well as give practical opportunities for participants to
begin to consider the key components to developing their own plans,
including, thinking how existing and planned activities meet their own aims
and objectives, and evaluation their strengths and weaknesses as an
organisation.

The session will be held at Green Fish Resource Centre, 46-50 Oldham Street,
Manchester M4 1LE. Places are free & access costs (e.g. interpretation,
disability access etc) can be covered, however a £5 returnable deposit is
required to reserve a place. Light lunch will be provided. Priority is given
to Manchester-based individuals.
To book, please phone Adelle Robinson, Community Arts North West on 0161 234
2985 or mailto:toolkit@can.uk.com. Once you have secured a place,
confirmation of your booking will be sent a week prior to the session.

This event has been organised by Artsnet and Community Arts North West and
funded by CN4M.

2.3 Transforming Workplace Conflict Training
Bolton Mediation's advanced training course Transforming Workplace Conflict
will run next Tuesday and Wednesday, 30th and 31st October 2007.
There are some places available for those able to attend next week.
This course is a great chance to develop one's skills in creative conflict
management in a vibrant and supportive learning environment.
For more information on this and other courses, and employment mediation
services, offered by Bolton Mediation, please contact: Laura Mackey, Project
Development Officer, Bolton Mediation, 01204 335260.

2.4 Free Courses at Woodville Community Centre

Like Films? Don't just watch them, make them!

Northside Community Films are offering to help teach people how to make
their own films. The sessions meet every Saturday at the Woodsville Centre,
Shirley Road, Cheetham Hill. 10am till 2pm including lunch break. Expenses
can be reimbursed.

You can learn everything from planning, production, editing to publishing
onto DVD. No previous experience required. Limited places available. First
come, first served

So, if you have an interest in supporting your local community and would
like to gain an insight into the world of community films contact,
mailto:Northsidefilms@myway.com or call: 0161 795 0318

2.5 Exploring information skills using the web

Free course in organising information using the internet. 1 session per
week over 5 weeks (2 hours per session)

Registration and first session starts on Monday 29th October from 10am to
12pm at the Woodville Centre.

Limited places available. First come, first served. Registrations of
interest particularly welcomed from people on Incapacity Benefit and/or Lone
Parents.

Call Richard (the Learn Net tutor) for more details or leave a message on
078173-94670

3.0 Events

3.1 Invitation to Sustainable Neighbourhoods Partnership Forum

Date: 26th November
Time: 2pm till 4pm
Venue: Friends Meeting House in Manchester

For more information about the Forum visit the CN4M website:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=320&Itemid=35

Those wanting regular updates on the core strategy can sign up at
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=856&
documentID=2910


3.2 The Scarman Trust Conference: Making the Connection - Joining the Dots
The conference will take place on Friday 9th November 2007 from 9:30am - 4pm
at the City of Manchester Stadium
At the event you will be able to:
Be among the first to hear about Community Service Agreements
Meet new people, share your experiences
Browse the 'Marketplace Stalls' for information about services and support
available for community groups
Choose interactive fun workshops to take part in
The event is FREE to attend - places are allocated on a first come first
served basis. Transport and all refreshments are provided.
If you are interested in attending the event then please contact Cheryl on
0161 839 2613 or email mailto:support.manchester@thescarmantrust.org or
visit the Scarman Trust website at:
http://www.thescarmantrustmanchester.org/events/index.php/Event398.html

3.3 Manchester Residents Association A.G.M 2007

The A.G.M. will take place on Wednesday 31st October 2007 at Parkway Green
House, Palatine Road commencing at 12:30pm with lunch, registration at 1pm
with a 1:30pm start.

Welcome/Introductions - Guest Speaker Councillor Eddy Newman Lead Executive
Member for Housing

Presentations will include Community Champion of the year, Resident of the
Year, Residents Group of the Year and more.

For further information please contact Tina Murphy 0161 238 4920

3.4 Neuro Support for Salford

Linking Listening Informing Speaking out

Next Meeting: Friday 16th November 2007 11am - 2pm
At The Neurocare Centre, 554 Eccles New Road Salford M5 5AP

The meeting is something new for you if you have a neurological condition or
injury or care for someone who has. Whatever your situation, get in touch or
just come along to our next meeting!

For more information contact the Greater Manchester Neurological Association
0161 742 7485/7486 or mailto:gmneuro@tiscali.co.uk

4.0 Information

4.1 Research Project: Europeans in Manchester Bi-National couples and
families - looking for interviewees
This research project aims to document the experience of European
bi-national couples living in Manchester/Greater Manchester. It focuses on
bi-national couples and families formed by:

- 2 European expatriates or
- A British citizen and a European expatriate.

This project is based on interviews. Interviewees are invited to discuss
their everyday experiences in Manchester, their relations with their
partner, friends and family in the UK and in home countries. All information
is anonymous and strictly confidential.

If you are a member of a bi-national couple/family living in
Manchester/Greater Manchester (or know someone who is) and would like to
talk about your experience, please contact Benedicte to arrange an interview
on 07738 934 043
mailto:b.brahic@mmu.ac.uk

4.2 BME Alcohol Consultation
The Manchester Drugs & Race Unit are organising a BME Alcohol Consultation.
The aim of this consultation event is to find out what you think about
alcohol and concerns you have about its use and impact on your community.
They would also like to know what you think about the role that positive
action can play in reducing BME alcohol misuse and how this can support the
effective delivery of an updated alcohol strategy for the city
For further details please see the consultation section of the CN4M website
www.cn4m.net

4.3 Free management support in the North West
The Cranfield Trust, which provides free management consultancy to voluntary
and community organisations, recently appointed a Project Manager for the
North West. Based in Cheshire, Lara Strickland is working with the Trust's
regional network of volunteer consultants from the commercial sector,
supporting them in giving their time and skills to voluntary groups.

For information on The Cranfield Trust's service, contact:
mailto:admin@cranfieldtrust.org, call 01794 830338, or visit the website
www.cranfieldtrust.org

4.4 Development Workers in Greater Manchester
The Workforce Hub is looking for 3 development workers and 1 frontline
organisation from Greater Manchester to help in the creation of a self
assessment tool for workforce development, for use by frontline VCOs. The
hub is keen to have involvement in the creation and use of the tool from
both a frontline perspective and also from an infrastructure/development
worker perspective.
In terms of the time involved it isn't much per organisation, probably 2 and
a half to 3 days maximum by email and telephone to discuss/feedback on the
draft tool - no meetings are thought to be necessary. The Workforce Hub will
reimburse each participant organisation for their employees time spent on
the project.
If you would like further information or would like to get involved, please
contact Chris Heard on 0161 277 1030 or mailto:chris.heard@gmcvo.org.uk

4.5 The Fallowfield, Whalley Range, Hulme and Moss Side Radio Project

REELmcr is a not for profit organisation working within local communities to
develop real films about real issues affecting real people in the community.

The Fallowfield, Whalley Range, Hulme and Moss Side project will start on
Wednesday 31st of October and will be on, every Wednesday evening between
6pm and 9pm, at the Friends Meeting House in Manchester,
for 6 weeks. REELmcr will pick up the participants and drop them off after
the session.

For more information call 0161 226 4487 or mailto:info@reelmcr.co.uk

4.6 Alcohol Strategy Consultation
A draft copy of the second Alcohol Strategy for the City of Manchester
2008-2011has been released for consultation.
To view a copy of the draft strategy and consultation questions please visit
the consultation section of the CN4M website: www.cn4m.net

5.0 Jobs

5.1 Community Training Co-ordinator - Older People's Take-up Champions

Scale 5: £18,450 - £20,235 35 hrs per week - 30 days A/L & pension

Based within an acclaimed project in East Manchester this post will take
forward our innovative programme to ensure local residents are aware of
services and benefits for older people.

You will need to be:
An experienced administrator
Experienced in supporting local residents
Possess proven interpersonal skills

For an information pack and application form call 0161 874 1654 (please
quote reference GP) or mailto:jobs@careandrepair-manchester.org.uk
www.careandrepair-manchester.org.uk

Closing date: 12 noon Monday 19 November 2007

5.2 CN4M Neighbourhood Community Engagement Worker

Salary: £20,895 (cost of living rise pending), 35 hours per week until 31st
March 2008

The Community Network for Manchester is recruiting for a Neighbourhood
Community Engagement Worker.

We require a Neighbourhood Community Engagement Worker to work in
Wythenshawe. This post will be part of a committed team of Community
Engagement Workers based in neighbourhoods across the city, working to
empower community and voluntary groups to participate in and influence local
and strategic decision-making. This will be achieved through the development
of a Wythenshawe Community Network.

You will have a good knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in the
city, experience of community engagement and it is desirable that you live
or work in Wythenshawe.

The closing date for applications will be noon on the 16th November 2007.

For an application pack please contact Cath Taylor on 0161 234 2920, or
mailto:catht@cn4m.net

5.3 CN4M Office Manager

Salary: £20,895 (cost of living rise pending), 35 hours per week until 31st
March 2008

The Community Network for Manchester is recruiting for an Office Manager.

You will provide a full range of administrative and support services to the
CN4M office base. You will work within the CN4M team to enable the efficient
delivery of CN4M's programme of work and enable the smooth running of the
CN4M central office and operational systems.

Your duties will include responding to enquiries, planning and organising
meetings and events, taking minutes and maintaining human resource records
and office equipment. The successful candidate will have excellent
organisational, interpersonal and communication skills. Experience of the
voluntary and community sector is desirable.

The closing date for applications will be noon on the 16th November 2007.

For an application pack please contact Cath Taylor on 0161 234 2920 or
mailto:catht@cn4m.net


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.