COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR MANCHESTER

EMAIL BULLETIN – 18th January 2008

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 Important- it's not too late to register for the CN4M Away Day, Tuesday 29th January 2008

CN4M will be holding a Strategy Group Away Day on Tuesday 29th January at Cross Street Chapel.
This is your opportunity to contribute to CN4M's future development.
For more detailed information and briefing papers, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=41
It is expected that all members of the Strategy Group will attend. Any other participants from networks who wish to take part would need to have an understanding of the complexity and history of CN4M in order to contribute fully.

If you're planning to attend, please contact Estelle Worthington as soon as possible on 0161 234 2915 or email mailto:estelle@cn4m.net


2.0 Training
2.1 Conflict Resolution Training- run by Bolton Mediation

• Tackling Workplace Conflict, this one-day course is suitable for professionals developing their understanding of workplace conflict and strategies for dealing with it constructively. Next runs on Wednesday, 12th March 2008.

• Transforming Workplace Conflict, this two-day advanced course is suitable for managers and those wishing to build on their learning from Tackling Workplace Conflict. Participants learn how to creatively manage conflict in their teams and organisations. Next runs on Wednesday and Thursday, 27th and 28th February 2008.
Both courses take place at the Bolton Mediation office, 2-16 Mayor Street, Bolton, BL3 5HT.
For further details and contact information, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=397&Itemid=50

For more information, please contact: Laura Mackey, Project Development Officer, Bolton Mediation, Tel: 01204 335260, email: laura.mackey@bolton.gov.uk


2.2 Free eBay Course for Residents and Small Businesses in Manchester

If you are a small business in Manchester or are looking to get started, this four-week course will give you practical experience of how to sell on the web using eBay. Learning from experienced traders, you will find out how to access over eight million new customers instantly.

These courses are available to businesses located in the City of Manchester and to Manchester residents. There is no charge. You should be familiar with using a keyboard/mouse and the internet. Places are limited - so book now!

For more detailed information, and contact details, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=398&Itemid=50

For more information, contact Manchester Digital Development Agency http://www.manchesterdda.com, email: mailto:info@manchesterdda.com, or call 0161 241 8205

2.3 Volunteer training for residents of the Higher Blackley area

Are you interested in improving your local community? Would you like to volunteer to talk to local people about education, training and employment in this area and at the same time improve your own skills?
Manchester Adult Education Service and Surestart are offering a training course in research skills. The course will include working in a team, communication and research skills with a nationally recognised qualification available.
The course will start on Tuesday 29th January at Plant Hill Adult Education Centre.
If you would like to find out more please ring 0161 795 6010, or come along to the Open Afternoon at Plant Hill Centre on Tuesday 22nd January at 1pm.

2.4 Free workshop on Gender and Effective Community Participation

This new, half-day workshop from the Gender and Participation (GAP) Unit will look at men and women's involvement in local decision-making. It is designed for anyone interested in inclusive working in community and voluntary groups.
Come and make new friends and share ideas and perspectives. Learn from other participants from a variety of organisations and backgrounds. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and a pack of learning materials.


For more detailed information, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=401&Itemid=50

Tuesday 29th January, 9.30am -1.30pm, followed by a Free Lunch. Venue: Room 1.05, Simon Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, 799 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RR.
For more information and to book a place, please contact Hannah on 0161 247 2361 / 247 2114 or email gapunit@mmu.ac.uk
2.5 Faiths4Change Action Learning Project
Faiths4Change is offering you the opportunity to be involved in a new Action Learning Project. This is not a traditional training course but offers like minded participants the opportunity to attend facilitated sessions to share and learn from each others' experiences.
Three sessions will be held covering the following topics:
- CommunityEngagement (1 Feb)
- Environment&Sustainability (28 Feb)
-Diversity&Equality (31 March)
Attendance is FREE and includes lunch.Expenses can also be paid for unwaged participants. Participants should beavailable to attend all three sessions.
For more information, and to book your place, pleasecontact Helen Saarmaby email athelens@faiths4change.org.uk
2.6 Free ESOL for Women

'Inclusion and Integration through ESOL Pilot Project' is recruiting women who:

• Have very basic or no English but want to communicate with others in English
• Are not eligible to enrol onto ESOL courses but desperately want to learn
• Are isolated but want to make friends and build on their self-esteem

The course is run by trained Volunteer ESOL tutors and includes 68 hours ESOL learning, working towards Entry Level 1, 12 hours life skills training, including information on local services and confidence building. It runs from January until July 2008.

Inclusion and Integration through ESOL Pilot Project is led by Manchester City Council in partnership with: Manchester community groups through Women's Voices Group; Manchester College of Arts and Technology; MAES (Manchester Adult Education Service) Job Centre Plus.

To express an interest please contact: Yan Nin Cockayne (0161) 234 1845 or email y.cockayne@manchester.gov.uk by Monday 21thJanuary 2007.


3.0 Events
3.1 Neuro Support 4 Salford- Greater Manchester Nurological Alliance

Next Meeting Friday 18th January 2008, 11am - 2pm, The Neurocare Centre, 554 Eccles New Road, Salford, M5 5AP

With Guest Speaker: Moira Cahill - Practicing Homoeopathist

Something new for U if you have a neurological condition or injury or care for someone who has. Whatever your situation, please get in touch or just come along to the next meeting.

Contact details: GMNA, 6th Floor, St James's House, Pendleton Way, Salford M6 5FW. Tel: 0161 742 7485/7486. mailto:gmneuro@tiscali.co.uk

3.2 Family Open Day at Moston Sure Start Children's Centre

Tuesday 5th February 2008 10.00 am - 2.30 pm

Including Tai Chi, Free Makeover, Free Lunch and Advice on Training / Employment, Further Education / Voluntary Work.

Contact Details: Moston Sure Start Children's Centre, Adrian Street, Off Lightbowne Road, Moston. Tel: 0161 655 7879


3.3 Communities in Space- Launch Event

A special free event to launch COMBINE- Greater Manchester Community Building Information Network


Thursday 27th March 2008 10.30 - 3.00pm, Community Hubs @ GMCVO

An out-of-this-world opportunity for anyone involved in community hubs to come together, share success, gain skills and access resources.

The day will see the official launch of Greater Manchester COMBINE (Community Buildings Information Network). COMBINE aims to bring community hubs together for support and strength. It will offer regular meetings, events and training, an email newsletter and other services which will develop flexibly according to the needs of members.

For more information on the event programme, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=404&Itemid=35

More details, a flyer and booking form are downloadable from Communities in Space http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/570

3.4 Cheetham and Crumpsall Health Forum

The next Cheetham and Crumpsall Health Forum meeting will be held on Wednesday 30th January, from 12.00-2.00 at The Convex room, 2nd floor (above the library), Abraham Moss Centre

A light healthy halal lunch will be provided. There is a lift available.


3.5 Acevo North Conference 2008

Strategic Planning - Achieving Your Vision 4th April 2008, Central Manchester

Join the largest gathering of third sector leaders in the North of England! Organised by Aveco (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations).

Acevo's second northern conference will focus on Strategic Planning. Leaders from all three sectors will share their thoughts and experience focusing on:
• Strategic planning and achieving your vision
• Setting and implementing long term goals
• Strategic challenges for the future - responding to threats and opportunities

This unique networking opportunity provides a chance to meet with peers in your area and discuss plans for the development of Acevo North with the Steering Group.
Keynote speakers include Sue Sterling, Director, IPPR North, and Rt Hon David Blunkett MP.

Cost : Members: £90, Non Member: £110

From more information visit www.acevo.org.uk/acevonorth2008 or email events@acevo.org.uk


3.6 A New Direction for Communities?- Lunch with Hazel Blears MP and Stephen Bubb, chief executive, Aveco.

28th March 2008. This Lunch will include a briefing on the state of the sector from Stephen Bubb, chief executive, Acevo and speech from Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the new direction for communities.


These lunches and dinners provide a unique opportunity to listen to and speak with prominent speakers, meet with peers who have common interests, and chance to network over lunch.

Venue: PKF, Sovereign House, Queen Street, Manchester, M2 5HR, 12:00 - 14:00


Cost: Members - £25, Non Members - £35

For more information please contact events@acevo.org.uk or www.acevo.org/hazelblears

3.7 Commissioning and Procurement Workshop- Part of Capacity Builders' Improving Reach Programme

Commissioning and Procurement Workshop to take place on Wednesday 6th February (N.B. Originally scheduled for 30th January), 9:30am - 1:00pm at the Phil Martin Centre, 137 Princess Road, Moss Side, Manchester, M14 4RE

This "Commissioning" event for the Manchester BME VCS will provide an overview on commissioning (given by a voluntary sector expert); details of what is happening locally in four key services, i.e. Economy, Health, Adult Care and Children and Young People; and a workshop on the implications and way forward for the BME VCS in Manchester.

If you wish to attend this event you must book in advance, so you can be allocated to the service delivery area workshops being held at two local venues and appropriate catering can be arranged.

Telephone: 0161 227 8708, E-mail: office@mccr.org.uk or visit www.mccr.org.uk

3.8 Conference- 'Why Girls' Work?' 8th March 2008

"'Why Girls Work' or doing it all, not having it all"- North West Regional Youth Work Unit and Work with Girls and Young Women Network

An opportunity for youth workers who identify as women to debate issues, and share good practice and practical ideas to inform and support their work with girls and young women.

International Women's Day, 9.30- 4.00, Saturday 8th March 2008, Manchester Metropolitan University, Didsbury Campus.

Cost: £35 (£25 for small voluntary sector groups)

For more information, and to request a booking form, contact 01925 295 837, or email: mailto:info@nwrywu.org.uk by Friday 29th Feb 2008.


4.0 Information
4.1 Consultation: Strategic Review of Department of Health Funding of Third Sector Organisations

The Department of Health is reviewing all funding and investment to third sector organisations. This includes Section 64 General Scheme of Grants, Section 64 Specific Grants Schemes, Opportunities for Volunteering Grants and other funding through contracts direct from the Department.
The consultation document sets out strategic proposals for a framework to bring greater coherence and strategic relevance to the funding and investment.
For a link to the consultation paper, and for details of the consultation meetings being held in the North West, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=392&Itemid=84


4.2 Safe. Sensible. Social. Alcohol strategy local implementation toolkit

The Local Alcohol Strategy Toolkit covers how children and young people, crime and disorder, and health partnerships should be working together to address alcohol in a strategic process in order to achieve the PSAs relating the key stakeholders agencies.
http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugsalcohol/drugsalcohol097.htm

4.3Officespace available - Northern Quarter


Office space for up to 5 people, sharing with two other voluntaryorganisations in a charming Victorian building in the Northern Quarter.£120/person/month, though rates are negotiable. 4thflooraccommodation, including tea/coffee making, lift, office cleaning, secure alarm,and original period features.
NEARIS can also offeraccess to their broadband connection. They are able to offer a self-containedoffice for up to 4 people, and/or individual office space on a per/personrate.

Please call Elizabeth Lauder at NEARIS on 0161 834 1661 oremail mailto:elizabeth@nearis.com
4.4Organisationspreventing or tackling Homelessness- win a share of £500,000 fromSpark
Are you a social enterpriseor an established third sector organisation? Do you have a business case to preventor tackle homelessness?
Spark has a prize fund of£500,000 provided by Communities and Local Government to invest in organisationspreventing or tackling homelessness.
Spark is an innovative projectto build and inspire social enterprise to prevent and tackle homelessness. Itsaim is to provide finance and coaching to support the growth of socialenterprise in the homelessness sector.
Formore detailed information, please see the CN4M website:http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=405&Itemid=35
Applicationsclose: February 18th. Find out more and apply athttp://www.sparkchallenge.org Email:info@sparkchallenge.org
5.0Jobs
5.1Job Opportunity- Volunteer ProgrammeAssistant
Job Title: Volunteer ProgrammeAssistant, Salary Range: £15,676 - £17,739 per annum, Organisation: Imperial WarMuseum North. Fixed term Contract until 31 January2010
The 'In Touch' VolunteerProgramme is a collaborative project with Imperial War Museum North and TheManchester Museum. The programme provides essential support and training to adiverse range of individuals throughout the Greater Manchester area. TheProgramme recruits volunteers who have low confidence levels, limitedexperiences of volunteering and museums and a broad range of ability levels.Volunteers follow a structured learning programme, based on the Skill for LifeCurriculum and a suite of additional training, delivered in partnership withSalford college, alongside their volunteering. The aim is to developself-confidence and skills to be able to carry out their roles of assistingvisitors to get the most out of the Museum.
Formore detailed information and contact details, please see the CN4M website:http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=396&Itemid=50
5.2Project Administrator- Manchester Women'sNetwork

Job title: Project Administrator, Salary: Scale point 2 (£14,142) pro rata, Organisation: Manchester Women's Network, 21 hrs per week (negotiable). February to March 2008.
Manchester Women's Network is looking for a highly motivated and proactive individual for a two months consultancy. However, it is very likely that the contract will be extended for a further 12 months, subject to funding approval.
The successful applicant will contribute to delivering a project, which aims to help women's groups and organizations in the voluntary and community sector, influence strategic decision-making in Manchester.
The ideal candidate must be available to start working immediately and will have experience of working with community groups, promoting women's issues & delivering grant-funded projects.
A job description and person specification are available from Anne Stewart on 0161-231-4111 or 07828-660-690. Please apply by sending your CVs to mailto:anne@communitypride.org.uk
CV application deadline: 12 noon, Monday 28th January 2008. Interviews will be held on Friday 1st February 2008
For more detailed information and contact details, see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=399&Itemid=50

5.3 Three new posts at NEARIS

NEARIS (Northern Education and Resettlement Information Services) provides education and support for disadvantaged adults in Greater Manchester, and is recruiting to the following posts:
Title: Homeless Service User Network Co-ordinator, Salary: £26,067-£26,835 (until 31 May 2009)
Title: Mentoring and Progression Co-ordinator, Salary: £21,412-£23,749 (permanent)
Title: Volunteer Development Worker, Salary: £22,845 (8 month post) - secondments considered
Closing date 30 Jan. Download an application pack at http://www.nearis.com or phone 0161 834 1661.
Registered Charity no. 1017467

5.4 Volunteering Opportunity- Volunteering for Nacro

Nacro aims to reduce crime by giving disadvantaged people - both offenders and those at risk of offending - a stake in society.

Volunteers play a vital role in Nacro's youth projects, community mediation work, and adult employment and education schemes. Nearly 500 volunteers offer their time, skills and experience. In return, Nacro offers training and a chance to get involved in positive and effective community work.

For more detailed information, and to find out more about current volunteer opportunities, see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=394&Itemid=50



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