COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR MANCHESTER
EMAIL BULLETIN – 25th April 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 http://www.cn4m.net

1.0 Network News
2.0 Training
3.0 Events
4.0 Information
5.0 Jobs

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------

1.0 Network News
1.1 CN4M main office closed Wednesday 30th April. The CN4M main
office will be closed all day on Wednsday 30th April for staff training. In
the event of an emergency, please contact John Wareham on 07883 339 698.

1.2 CN4M Strategy Group meeting. The next CN4M Strategy Group
meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th May 6.00-8.00pm (refreshments will
be available from 5.30pm). Due to room shortages at Green Fish Resource
Centre, the meeting will take place in the main hall at the Friends Meeting
House (6, Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS).

2.0 Training
2.1 Employer Supported Volunteering Workshop. Volunteer Centre
Warrington are delivering a one day Employer Supported Volunteering
workshop. This is a brand new training module from the Excellence in
Volunteer Management programme from Volunteering England. The workshop will
enable learners to engage employers and employer supported volunteers
effectively in the work of their organisation. Cost: £99.00 per person
Date: Tuesday June 24th 2008
Venue: GMCVO, Manchester
Further information can be found on the CN4M website:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=540&Itemid=50.
Contact mailto:training@warringtonvc.org.uk or 01925 637609 for full details

2.2 Starting Up Your Own Business- Free Advisory Service with
Business Support Solutions. Business Support Solutions offers advice and
information to help you become your own boss. With more than 15 years
experience in supporting local businesses, they are able to offer a
customised Business Start Up support service. If you would like to take
part, your first step would be to attend an Awareness Session, with a group
of like minded people. An accredited business advisor will give a
presentation covering all aspects of business planning. At the end of the
session you should have all the information you need to write a workable
business plan and make sure that your plan complies with the legal
requirements of setting up a business. Additional hour long one to one
sessions are then available with a fully qualified business advisor, to look
at your specific needs.
To find out more about this opportunity, please contact Jackie Aston
(Enterprise Link Worker):
mailto:jackie.aston@business-support-solutions.co.uk, Tel: 0161 - 976 -
4243, Business Support Solutions, Nelson House, Park Road, Timperley, WA14
5XZ


3.0 Events
3.1 Do you have a problem with crime in your neighbourhood? If you
are part of a voluntary or community sector group, the Community Safety
Network can help you address your local community safety priorities. They
guarantee FEEDBACK on the issues you've raised, so you understand how the
Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership are working on your behalf. Come
along- have your say. Booking only, limited to 30 places.
Date: Thursday 15th May 2008, 11:30 - 13:30pm (lunch included)
Venue: Northmoor Community Centre, 95-97 Northmoor Road, Manchester, M12
5RT.
To find out more call Steph Jones on 0161 226 7186 or email
mailto:stephanie.jones@c-i-c.org.uk

3.2 Women's Electronic Village Hall Spring Celebration. WEVH are
having a celebration to mark the end of their successful programme of
training, funded by the LEC, 'Skills to Enable Community Learning' and their
new Ofsted Grade. Come along if you took part in recent courses or would
like to find out what WEVH is planning next. You will receive a report on
their most recent project and a free goody bag to say thanks for your
support. Refreshments and a free buffet lunch will be served. WEVH would
also like to hear from any groups or businesswomen who would like to have a
small stall on the day.
Date: Saturday 26th April, 10am-3pm (feel free to drop in anytime, there's
no need to book or commit to the whole day)
Venue: Ada House, 77 Thompson Street, Manchester M4 5FY. Tel: 0161 833 8800.
www.wevh.org.uk


3.3 The North West's Regional Social Enterprise Conference- Free.
This event is aimed at anyone who works in or is involved with Social
Enterprise organisations within the North West and will: Provide an overview
of the new £4 million Social Enterprise Framework Fund; Launch Social
Enterprise North West - the new partnership of social enterprises that aims
to provide a voice for Social Enterprises across the Region; Increase your
understanding of the Regional and Sub-regional Social Enterprise support
structures; Provide an opportunity for you to influence the shape of support
for Social Enterpises across the region including how the Social Enterprise
Framework funding is spent; Provide an opportunity to question key policy
makers, funders and practitioners; Allow you to hear from nationally reputed
key speakers with a wealth of knowledge and experience about their
perception of the key challenges for the Social Enterprise Sector; Provide
an opportunity for you to tell us what you want from an annual Regional
Social Enterprise Conference.
Date/ Time: Tuesday 29th April 2008 (10am-4pm)
Venue: Preston North End Football Ground
Please e-mail all initial enquiries to Jeff Scales (Regional Development
Manager - North West), The Development Trusts Association
mailto:j.scales@dta.org.uk

3.4 Conference: Learning In Later Life: 'In Full Bloom ... Or
Withering On The Vine?'. Given the Government's recent consultation paper on
Informal Learning, this conference will identify the significant issues for
older learners. The conference will provide opportunities to discuss the
issues and compile an agreed statement on the benefits of learning for older
people that will be used to lobby and campaign for more, different and
better learning opportunities for older learners. This conference is being
organised jointly by NIACE, Our Voice - Regional Learner Panel Yorkshire and
the Humber, LinkAgePlus and The Leeds Older People's Forum. Participants
fee: £50.00 (Lunch included. NIACE does not charge VAT)
Date/ Time: Wednesday 7th May 2008, 09:45 - 15:30
Venue: St George's Conference Centre, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3BR
To apply for a place online, visit: http://www.niace.org.uk/conferences,
Tel: 0116 204 2833, E-mail: mailto:gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk

3.5 The Empowerment Action Plan: Making Empowerment A Reality In
Every Community. On the 19th October 2007, the Department for Communities
and Local Government produced an action plan to increase community
empowerment. 'An Action Plan for Community Empowerment: Building on Success'
highlights what can be done to build on the examples from around the country
of local authority best practice in community empowerment. Many councils are
already empowering their communities and residents as the case studies in
the Plan show. With this in mind, "The Empowerment Action Plan: Making
Empowerment a Reality in Every Community" will examine how authorities will
be given increasingly greater control over their communities. For more
information, click on the following link:
http://insidegovernment.msgfocus.com/c/11f2pcJhQU5pVOfE
Date: Wednesday June 18th 2008
If you are interested in attending the event, visit:
http://insidegovernment.msgfocus.com/c/11f2C8i5XYTghIg3. Places are limited
and early booking is advisable.

3.6 Learning Disability Today Event. The biggest event in the UK on
learning disabilities. Comprehensive seminar programme covering:
Person-centred support; Personalisation; Residential and community services;
Assistive technology; Complex needs; Supporting Families; Employment.
Interactive zones include: art and creativity, assistive technology, careers
and development. There will be an exhibition of over 30 key organisations,
suppliers and projects within the learning disability field and over 1,000
visitors will attend.
Date: 8th July
Venue: Manchester Central Convention Complex (formerly GMEX).
Tickets: £20 in advance, £25 on the day, five tickets for £80. You can book
online at http://www.learningdisabilitytoday.com/ Or call 0870 890 1080, Or
email at mailto:info@pavpub.com


3.7 The NXt Generation 2008 TAKE OVA! Variety Showcase. The nXt
Generation presents the 2008 TAKE OVA!!! Variety Showcase. Including:
Motivational Speaker - Paul O'Bina, Drama Act - Living to Die (sponsored by
D.T.B campaign) (LIVE performance) Underground Unit - Straight out of
LONDON(supporting the cause) (LIVE performance) Manchester's Finest - M's
up!!! Award Ceremony/ Fashion Show/ Hair Show/ Music Showcase & more!!! It
is a ticket only event: £5.00 = Young People (21 & Under), £15.00 = People
(22+). To view the events flyer, please see the CN4M website:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=63&extmode=view&
extid=239
Date/Time: May 5th 2008, 5pm - 11pm
Venue: Bridgewater Hall
Contact Address: mailto:txg@hotmail.co.uk, web: www.myspace.com/txg2007,
Contact No: 07946 851705- 07965 667301 - 07807 410389- Reaghellle Peltier
- Nicole McLaren - Leah Simms.


4.0 Information
4.1 Promoting Your Service: The Personal Support Unit (PSU) is a new
charity offering practical and emotional support to people who are going to
court on their own at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre. They support
vulnerable clients dealing with housing matters, small claims, bankruptcy,
divorce and a range of other legal issues. These clients often require
signposting on to other services for further advice and support and PSU are
trying to gather as much information as possible about services that they
can refer people on to. If you would like to provide them with leaflets or
posters on your service, or just some basic information, they would be happy
to receive this. Likewise, if you are willing to take a supply of PSU's
promotional leaflets, please let them know. Contact Sarah on 0161 240 5037
or at manchester@thepsu.co.uk


4.2 Have you got a good story to tell? People's Voice Media is on
the hunt for stories about people who have overcome a problem - either
personal or related to their community. Did you have noisy traffic outside
your house and then you sorted it out? Were there people littering your
favourite park until you sorted it out? Did your kids have nowhere to play
until you sorted it out? If you have a story to tell about how you and/or
your community, sorted out a problem, we want to hear about it!
Contact Jessica Symons at Manchester Community Information Network (MCIN) to
tell your story - email mailto:jessica@mcin.net or phone 0161 230 1430.

4.3 Volunteering Opportunities- Victim Support & Witness Service. Do
you ever wonder how you could make a real difference in your community?
Victim Support & Witness Service - City of Manchester, are part of a
National Charity which, through trained volunteers supports victims &
witnesses of crime and helps people cope with the effects of crime. If you
would like the opportunity to train as a volunteer visitor, and feel that
you can commit some of your spare time, please contact the volunteer
department on 0845 456 8814 or write to Victim Support & Witness Service -
City of Manchester, Albert House, 17 Bloom St. Manchester M1 3HZ or email
mailto:info@victimsupport-citymcr.co.uk

4.4 Volunteering Opportunities- Action for Sustainable Living.
Volunteer as a Local Project Manager in Trafford. Are you ready for a life
changing challenge? Do you want to make your local community a cleaner,
greener more sustainable place to live in? Action for Sustainable Living
supports individuals and their communities to make a difference. They would
like to support new areas and are looking for Ten Voluntary Local Project
Managers to help them to do this in Trafford. The role is a challenging yet
rewarding one. You will develop new skills, meet new people and really feel
like you are making a difference. If you are an enthusiastic, self-motivated
individual able to offer at least eight hours per week to support AfSL's
activities, why not nominate yourself for this unique opportunity? No
previous experience necessary. These posts are available for a minimum
period of 6 months.
For an application pack email mailto:jobs@afsl.org.uk; or ring 0845 634
4510, or visit their website: http://www.afsl.org.uk/. Deadline for
applications: 10am on Friday 2nd May


4.5 Manchester Treatment Foster Care Programme. The TOPS Treatment
Foster Care Team is a Specialist Foster Care project for 3 to 6 year old
looked after children. The programme is designed to help children with
complex needs, to establish stability in their lives, so that they can move
on to a permanent family. The TOPS team are looking to recruit 6 full-time
carers plus one respite carer. They are looking for couples (or single
people with strong support networks) who have a spare bedroom and who have
some understanding of the needs of pre-school children. One adult must be
available full-time. They will consider people with older children at home,
if those children are 15 or over. Most importantly, they are looking for
warm, nurturing, resilient people, who enjoy looking after children and who
will be able to work flexibly with other people. If you have all the above,
including a good sense of humour and a genuine willingness to train and
learn new ways of working with children experiencing high levels of
distress, they would love to hear from you. For further information, contact
the team on 0161 882 1335.

4.6 Women's Group- The Roby Counselling Service. The Women's Group
is a therapeutic group where members can share personal difficulties, and
give and receive support and feedback. This can help members to begin to see
things from a new perspective, increase awareness of themselves and others.
Members also begin to recognise that they are not 'the only one' and feel
supported in their efforts towards self-acceptance and personal change. A
group has between 6 and 8 members. The group will run every Friday from 12
to 1.30pm. Please contact Shanaz on 0161 257 2653 or leave a message.

4.7 Valuing Older People Awards. The Valuing Older People Board are
running an awards' nomination for inspirational older people... Voices of
Experience in Manchester. Do you know an inspirational older person? The
Valuing Older People Positive Images of Ageing team would like to hear about
what makes them inspirational. For an opportunity for them to appear on the
VOP Calendar 2009 and for you both to attend a Full of Life Festival award
ceremony on 7th October, please nominate your local hero!
For more information, please call the VOP team on 0161 234 3547 or email:
mailto:vop@manchester.gov.uk or to access a nomination form, please see the
CN4M website:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=528&Itemid=35

4.8 Manchester climate change pledge. All across Greater Manchester
almost 20,000 people are taking small steps to tackle Climate Change
supported through the 'Manchester is my Planet' programme. Greater
Manchester has an overall target of getting 50,000 people Switched-on to
Climate Change by World Environment Day on June 5th. For Manchester this
means getting just 6,000 more people to take the Climate Change pledge.
Richard Leese (Chair of the Manchester Local Strategic Partnership) said:
"I'd therefore like to encourage all colleagues within our partner
organisations, together with their family and friends, to help us reach this
goal and demonstrate that they (and Manchester) are Switched-on to Climate
Change. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up and and pledges will
automatically register on the Manchester total as part of an online Greater
Manchester 'pledge-o-metre'." Switched-on people taking the 'Manchester is
my Planet' pledge will also get access to exclusive offers, competitions,
updates and information helping them to take steps towards a lower-carbon
lifestyle. You can take the pledge by visiting
http://www.manchesterismyplanet.com/takethepledge.asp

4.9 New research available on CN4M website. Three new pieces of
research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation are now available in the
'Knowledgebank' section of the CN4M website: 'Routes and Barriers to Citizen
Governance'- An exploration of the influences and barriers that impact on
citizen participation in local governance. 'Immigration, Faith, Cohesion'-
An exploration of the factors that affect community cohesion in urban areas
in England with significant Muslim populations. 'Community Empowerment in
practice: lessons from Communities First'- An examination of a
community-based programme in Wales that aims to increase opportunities for
community empowerment and potential influence over service providers.
A new piece of research from Lancaster University is also available: 'From
Placards to Partnership: the changing nature of community activism in
Manchester, UK and Aotearoe, New Zealand'
Please see:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_docman1&task=cat_view&gid=73&Itemid
=81

4.10 Consultation- Participatory Budgeting: a draft national
strategy. Giving more people a say in local spending Consultation.
Department for Communities and Local Government. The purpose of this
consultation is to seek views on the draft Participatory Budgeting Strategy.
Specifically, the document seeks views on the strategy as a plan to achieve
the Government's ambition for participatory budgeting to be used in all
local authority areas by 2012. For further information, please see the CN4M
website:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=526&Itemid=84.
Closing date for responses: Tuesday 10th June.


5.0 Jobs
5.1 Community Development Officer- Manchester Drugs and Race Unit.
The Manchester Drugs and Race Unit (Supported by University of Central
Lancashire and Wai Yin Chinese Women Society) is currently recruiting for
the following post: Community Development Officer; Salary: NJC Scale 6 point
26-28, £21,412 - £22,845; Full-time: 35 hours per week; Based: Zion
Community Resource Centre, Hulme; Fixed Term until 31st March 2009 (with
every expectation at this point that funding will be continued beyond this).
For further information on this position, please see the CN4M website:
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=543&Itemid=50.
For an application pack, contact Melanie Lathrope on
mailto:melanie@blackhealthagency.org.uk or alternatively call 0845-450-4247.
CVs will not be accepted. An open evening will be held between 5.30 - 7.30pm
on Tuesday 6th May 2008 at Zion Community Resource Centre, Stretford Road,
Hulme for those people who want to find out a little more about the role.
BHA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all
sections of society. Closing date: 12pm on Monday 12th May 2007.

5.2 Centre Manager- Big Life Group. Job Title: Centre Manager,
Salary: £26,067 - £28,172 pa, Hours: 35 hours per week. The Big Life Group
of social businesses and charities provides opportunities for people to
change their lives. They are looking for a Centre Manager who will be
responsible for the management and development of their two award winning
centres - the Kath Locke Primary Care Centre and the Zion Community
Resource. They are looking for someone with experience of working with
communities and health and social care staff to achieve positive change. For
an application pack please quote ref GUCM0408 and send an A4 SAE with 48p
postage to: Naheed Akhtar, Zion Community Resource, 339 Stretford Road,
Hulme, Manchester, M15 4ZY or email:
mailto:naheed.akhtar@thebiglifecompany.com. For informal enquiries please
ring Naheed Akhtar on 0161 226 8393. http://www.thebiglifegroup.com. Closing
date: 01 May 2008.

5.3 Church and Community Development Officer- Diocese of Manchester.
Job Title: Church and Community Development Officer, Salary: £23,247 -
£27,761 (review pending), Hours: 35 hours per week, Organisation: Diocese of
Manchester. The Diocese of Manchester need a qualified, experienced and
dynamic Community Development Officer to equip Manchester Diocesan churches
to engage effectively with diverse communities. For further information and
an application pack, contact: Simon Ambrose, Phone: 0161 828 1410, Email:
mailto:sambrose@manchester.anglican.org Website:
www.manchester.anglican.org. Closing Date: 16 May 2008.

5.4 Strategic Management Lecturer Posts at Sheffield Hallam
University. The Faculty of Organisation and Management at Sheffield Hallam
University is currently advertising for two posts: lecturer/senior lecturer
in Strategic Management (one of the posts to include a focus on
organisational change). Both posts are permanent and full time - though job
share and fractional appointments are possible. The full particulars for
both posts state: "We would particularly welcome applicants with experience
of working with small businesses or the voluntary sector". For further
details, please click on the following links:
http://ntmizar.adc.shu.ac.uk/HRD/Vacancies/Academic/Academic%20Adverts/OM513
807.asp
http://ntmizar.adc.shu.ac.uk/HRD/Vacancies/Academic/Academic%20Adverts/OM513
707.asp Closing date: 28 April.

5.6 Care Project Co-ordinator. Job Title: Care Project Co-ordinator,
27 hours per week, Organisation: Ladybarn Community Association, Royle
Street, Fallowfield, Manchester. Ladybarn Community Association are looking
for an enthusiastic person to co-ordinate their Older People's Project. Good
communication & organisational skills are essential. For an application
pack, please contact: Mags Smith on 0161 225 2093. Closing date for
applications-1st May 2008. Interviews on 9th May 2008. Reg.Charity Number
700038

Disclaimer: Please be aware that information circulated through the CN4M
bulletin is for your information only; with the exception of the 'network
news' section, content is not endorsed by and does not represent the views
of CN4M.

If you 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 you have any comments or suggestions about the email bulletin,
please email mailto:estelle@cn4m.net.