Tuesday 2 September 2008

Community Network for Manchester

Email Bulletin – 29th August 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



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1.0 Network News

1.1 Please note - CN4M Annual General Meeting postponed until Tuesday the 7th October 2008. The Executive Group have made a decision to postpone the Annual General Meeting, originally proposed for the 23rd September, for two weeks. It will now take place on Tuesday the 7th October 2008. The venue, timings and paperwork will be circulated on Tuesday the 16th September.

The Executive Group wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused by changing the date but there are a number of issues that have come to light which make the delay appropriate operationally. The need to do further work on the Memorandum and Articles of Association for approval at the meeting being the main one.



Please contact John Wareham (email: john@cn4m.net, tel: 0161 234 2921) if you have any queries or major concerns on the change.





1.2 Date for your diaries - CN4M Celebrating Success Event Friday 26th September 2008. We will be holding an event to celebrate the successes of our networks, reveal our new look and promote our new magazine.

Date/ Time: Friday 26th September, from 2.00 to 4.00 pm.

Venue: City Inn Manchester

If you've already received an invitation, please return it as soon as possible to reserve your place. We look forward to seeing you there!





1.3 Food & Wellbeing Network Meeting.

Date/ Time: Tuesday 2nd September, 10.00am - 12.30pm.

Venue: Manchester Alliance for Community Care

A draft agenda for the meeting can be found at: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=63&extmode=view&extid=288
If you would like any more information about the meeting, or the agenda items, please email Rob Squires (Food & Wellbeing Network convenor) at Rob@CreativeLocalSolutions.co.uk, or call 07974 658 745.

You can find out more about the Food and Wellbeing Network, and download a report from the first meeting from
http://www.creativelocalsolutions.co.uk/roblog/node/249





1.4 Health and Wellbeing Network meeting.

Date/ Time: Thursday 11th September 2008, 10am -12midday.

Venue: Manchester Alliance for Community Care. The focus for this meeting is on developing indicators of wellbeing in Manchester. All VCS groups and organisations are welcome to attend.





2.0 Training

2.1 GMCVO Autumn Programme of Training. GMCVO are offering new short courses in Strategic Management. They also offer a number of accredited qualifications, including Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTTLLS) for all trainers in the Sector. They also continue to offer their acclaimed and popular management qualifications from the Institute of Leadership and Management. The awards in Team Leading and First Line Management. A new edition to their portfolio this year is the NVQ Level 4 in Management. For further information or to book a place on any of these courses, visit www.gmcvo.org.uk/management. Alternatively, contact Lee on 0161 277 1009 lee.gosling@gmcvo.org.uk or Gill on 0161 277 1019 gill.dixon@gmcvo.org.uk





2.2 Volunteers and the Law - Free seminar. Volunteering Manchester, in partnership with the Manchester Institute of Sport & Physical Activity (MISPA), has organised a second free seminar for organisations working with volunteers. 'Volunteers and the Law' will be held in a Central Manchester venue on Friday 19th September 2008 (from 9.45am-4pm). Places at the seminar are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis using the following criteria: Local, independent voluntary organisations and groups; Organisations based and working in the Manchester City area; Organisations operating in the Manchester City area.

For further information, and to access a booking form, please visit: http://www.inspiringleadersnow.net-a.googlepages.com/volunteersandthelaw . If you have any questions about the event please call Bernard Clarke on (0161) 247 6042.





3.0 Events

3.1 NCVO Event at Labour Party Conference. NCVO's Party Conference Bursary scheme for 2008 allows smaller voluntary and community sector organisations to attend the party conferences and have their voices heard at a national level. As part of this scheme, a roundtable discussion has been organised with Phil Hope MP (Minister for the Third Sector). This discussion is a real chance for you to have your say, to raise key issues of importance to your organisation and to talk about your work and how politicians can support you.
Date/ Time: Monday 22nd September, 12:00- 2:00pm
Location: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester, M2 1NL
Please contact chloe.stables@ncvo-vol.org.uk if you are interested in attending.





3.2 Urban Forum 'Thinking Spaces'. Need a bit of time and space to get to grips with the latest policy developments and how they affect you? Then come to a 'thinking space'. In the run up to Urban Forum's annual conference 'Fair Ground? - Tackling Poverty in the 21st Century' come and join other members for a cuppa, some lunch, and an opportunity to think about the following question: "How far will the policy initiatives in the Empowerment White Paper benefit the poorest communities?"
Date/ Time: Monday 29th September, 9.30am - 1.00pm (followed by lunch)
Venue: The Green Fish Resource Centre, Manchester
Cost: Free to Urban Forum members

'Thinking Spaces' are open to Urban Forum members only. For information on how to join go to www.urbanforum.org.uk/links/members_page.html

To access a booking form, and for further information please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=63&extmode=view&extid=289





3.3 The Pennine Acute Trust - Annual Public Meeting and Informal Workshops.

Date/ Time: Tuesday 23rd September 2008; Buffet supper 5.45 pm, Annual Public Meeting 6.30 pm, Informal workshops 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm.
Venue: Education Centre, Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Road, Bury, BL9 7TD.
The Pennine Acute NHS Trust runs Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, North Manchester General Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary and The Royal Oldham Hospital.

For more information on the AGM, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=63&extmode=view&extid=291

To confirm your attendance contact Lesley Holland on Tel. 0161 918 4283 or email Lesley.Holland@pat.nhs.uk





3.4 Third Manchester Kurdish Film Festival - 20th - 24th September 2008. The Manchester Kurdish Film Festival, previously known as Zamawhand, returns in September for five intensive days of screenings, seminars, and special events.

This year's festival will take place at Odeon Cinema Printworks and the Contact Theatre in Manchester, and will include 57 short films, 6 features, 14 documentaries, and Q&A sessions and filmmaking workshops with feature film directors. To view the event poster, please visit the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=63&extmode=view&extid=286

For further information, contact Festival Director Alan Amin, The Kurdish Creative Film Centre, Green Fish Resource Centre, 46-50 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LE, visit: www.kurdishcreativefilm.com , email: kcfcfilm@yahoo.co.uk, or call: 07916 288095.





3.5 Booth Centre Open Day. This is an opportunity for workers from other agencies to find out more about the Booth Centre, its aims, activities and how homeless people can benefit from the service. It would be particularly useful for people who have not visited the Centre before and new workers.

Date/ Time: Thursday 11th September, 1:00-3:00pm. Staff and service users will give a presentation, so people are asked to arrive at 1pm.

Venue: Booth Centre, Manchester Cathedral.

To book a place, please contact Amanda Croome at Booth Centre, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, M3 1SX or email Amanda@croome.net with the following details: Name, Agency, Telephone Number.





3.6 Northern Regeneration Summit. Regeneration & Renewal's annual Northern Regeneration Summit is back for its fourth year. Exploring the latest thinking on fulfilling the North's potential in a climate of economic, political and policy change, the event is a unique opportunity for public and private sectors to discuss key challenges facing regeneration professionals working in the North of England.

Dates: 22nd-23rd October 2008

Location: Central Manchester

Book before 4th September & Save £50 - Private Sector: £749 + VAT = £880.08, Public Sector: £549 + VAT = £645.08, Charity Rate: £329 + VAT = £386.58

For further information, or to book a place, visit: http://www.haymarketevents.com/conferenceDetail/257/northern-regeneration-summit





4.0 Information

4.1 Platform2 - volunteering opportunity for 18-25 year olds. Platform2 is a new initiative that allows people without life savings or rich parents to experience life in new cultures by volunteering abroad. Platform2 are sending 2,500 young people all over the world, from Ghana to India and Peru, to work on community and education projects. They will be documenting their trip in loads of different ways - film, photography, music, dance - and they will show their work at events around the UK when they get back. All of the work is locally operated and supervised, and sustainable, and the scheme is fully-funded by the Department for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC. For further information, please see the CN4M website:

Alternatively, you can visit: http://www.myplatform2.com email: platform2@myplatform2.com, or phone: 0800 988 6828.





4.2 Manchester LINk Governance Framework Consultation. The Manchester LINk is a network of local people, organisations and groups who want to improve health and social care services in the city of Manchester. The timescale for people to tell the LINk what they think of their Governance arrangements has now been extended until the 18th September 2008.

An accessible version of the LINk Governance Framework document as well as the survey form are now available on the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=689&Itemid=35

If you would like a copy of the full version of the governance framework then please contact the LINk team at: Manchesterlink@blackhealthagency.org.uk Tel: 0161 214 3909.





4.3 Infrastructure support services questionnaire. Manchester City Council has produced a questionnaire to gather information about the infrastructure support services being used by Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations and identify where there may be gaps in provision. The questionnaire can be found at: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/scarman

The information provided will be used to inform the next commissioning process to invite tenders for this work.

A hard copy of the questionnaire can be printed from the link. Alternatively, it is available from: The Third Sector Team, Corporate Performance Group, Manchester City Council, PO Box 532, Manchester M60 2LA, Tel: 0161 234 3141

Please complete the questionnaire by Tuesday 30th September 2008.





4.4 Manchester PCT membership scheme. Manchester Primary Care Trust has set up a membership scheme to provide you with an opportunity to find out on a regular basis what is happening in your local NHS and how you can get involved. Membership is free of charge and members can cancel their registration at any time. Members' details are treated confidentially and not shared with third party organisations. If you are interested in joining please register via this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Pnx1aXa3IGD798y3Re_2fJog_3d_3d. Alternatively, for further information you can email talkinghealth@manchester.nhs.uk or telephone 0161 945 3178.





4.5 Current Consultations:

1. Local Transport Bill - Consultation on bus partnership guidance and regulations. The Department for Transport is seeking input on: Local Transport Bill - Consultation on bus partnership guidance and regulations.

The Local Transport Bill includes measures to promote more effective partnership working between local authorities and bus operators, including through voluntary partnership agreements and quality partnership schemes. The Department has published a consultation on the draft Guidance which it is proposing to issue, and drafts of Regulations which it is proposing to make, assuming the Bill receives Royal Assent.

To view the consultation document, visit: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/buspartnership/

Closing date: 31st October 2008.





2. Time to Train Consultation. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills is consulting on a new statutory right allowing employees to request time off for training that would benefit them and the employer.

The consultation seeks views on proposals to give employees in England a right to a serious conversation with their employer about their skills development. This new right would help encourage and support adults to develop their skills and rise as far as their talent will take them.

For further information on these proposals, and to access a response form, please visit: http://www.dius.gov.uk/consultations/con_180608_timetotrain.html

Deadline for responses: 10th September 2008.





3. Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) Consultation. Your opportunity to comment on proposals for improvements to public transport and a weekday peak-time only congestion charge in Greater Manchester.

The Government has recently agreed in principle a package of local transport initiatives for Greater Manchester worth up to £3 billion for delivery over the coming years. If you want to understand how these proposals affect you, you can attend one of the 46 exhibitions being held across Greater Manchester during August and September. Visit http://www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk/consultation/ to find the most convenient exhibition venue for you or ring the helpline 0800 234 6100 for more information.

To express your views on the proposals complete an online response form at: http://www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk/consultation/

Consultation closing date: 10th October 2008.





5.0 Jobs

5.1 Volunteering Infrastructure Steering Group (based at CN4M) - Volunteering Infrastructure Development Worker. Salary Scale: SO2: £26,067 - £27,594; 35 hours per week (the Steering Group will consider flexible working arrangements subject to negotiation); Temporary Post or Secondment to 31st March 2009.

The Volunteering Infrastructure Steering Group are looking for an experienced, dynamic worker with a good understanding of volunteering in Manchester to develop the volunteering infrastructure in the City. For further information about the post, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=690&Itemid=50

If you are interested in this opportunity please register an interest by sending your CV and a covering letter to Lucy Thomson by email: lucy@cn4m.net or post at: Community Network for Manchester, Green Fish Resource Centre, 46-50 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LE. Closing date for registering an interest is 12 noon on 12th September 2008.





5.2 Black Health Agency - Project Coordinator: Reaching Out. Salary: NJC SO1 point 29 £23,749 pro rata; Hours: Full time (35hrs per week); Based: Zion Community Resource Centre, Hulme; Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2009. An experienced Project Coordinator is needed to join the 'Drugs and Race' team, which works closely with drugs and alcohol services, community organisations and policy makers across the city to ensure that Black and minority ethnic (BME) drug users, families and carers have access to quality treatment and support. For further information, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=687&Itemid=50

For an application pack please contact Richard Mubiru at richard@blackhealthagency.org.uk or telephone 0161 875 2050. CVs will not be accepted. BHA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all sections of society.
Closing date for applications: 4pm Friday 12th September 2008. Interviews to be held on 25th September 2008.





5.3 MRSN - Resources Development Worker. Salary Scale: £18,907 - £20,099 pro rata; £9,454 - £10,050 actual (pay rise pending); Hours: 17.5 per week. Contract: Initially one year fixed term. Responsible to: Manager.

Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN) is a small dynamic charity based in Moss Side, working with refugees and asylum seekers across Greater Manchester. They are looking for an enthusiastic new Resources Development Worker.

An excellent organiser, your role will be to run the finance, office systems and general administration of MRSN, and to support refugee community organisations to develop their core infrastructure.

Please download an application pack from the MRSN website at: http://www.mrsn.org.uk or, to request an application pack by post, please phone MRSN on 0161 232 7420.

Application Deadline: Monday 8th September 2008 at 12pm





5.4 Pakistani Resource Centre. Pakistani Resource Centre provides a culturally appropriate and sensitive service to South Asian communities within Greater Manchester, they currently have two vacancies:

1. Administration & Finance Officer (Job Ref: 01ADMI), Salary: £18,000 per annum, Hours: 35 Hours per week.

2. Counselling Case Worker (Job Ref: CNS08), Salary: £16,000 per annum 28 Hours per week

For further information, please see the CN4M website: http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=680&Itemid=50

For an application pack or further information please contact Symah Khalil quoting the reference number and where you saw the advertisement: Please note CVs will not be accepted. Pakistani Resource Centre, 1 Great Marlborough Street, Manchester M1 5NJ, Tel: 0161 237 1125 Fax: 0161 237 9556 E-mail: info@pakistani-resource.org.uk: http://www.pakistani-resource.org.uk/

Closing date for applications: 5th September 2008.







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.



CN4M is committed to the principles and codes of practice contained in Working Together: a Compact for Manchester.



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