CN4M Bulletin 24th October 2008

About Community Network for Manchester:
Community Network for Manchester is an organisation that brings together a range of networks and pools. Networks are made up of a number of voluntary and community groups and they are concerned with either a geographical area or community of interest. Some networks also provide an additional strategic function that engages with statutory agencies.

We are here to give the voluntary and community sector in Manchester the opportunity to have a strong and collective voice on the issues that matter to them.
We build links between our networks, the wider voluntary community sector and statutory agencies to increase our potential to influence decisions across Manchester.

We provide spaces and opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, knowledge and good practice.

About the Community Network for Manchester bulletin:
The Community Network for Manchester bulletin is circulated on a weekly basis and is intended to be freely available and actively useful to a wide range of Manchester based Third Sector organisations, Manchester residents, and our own network members.

The content of this bulletin is obtained from various sources and is mainly made up of information uploaded to our website. We welcome your contributions to its content. Further information on how you can do this can be found at the bottom of this email.

This bulletin provides a round-up of all the information uploaded over the last week to the following key areas:
News
Events
Opportunities (including employment, volunteering, training, tender and consultation opportunities)


If you missed last week’s bulletin please visit the website for further information on all the news, events and opportunities added over the last few weeks.


Latest News
Community Foundation for Greater Manchester Grassroots Grants fund
The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester is now accepting applications for the Grassroots Grants fund.

This is a new initiative set up by the Government’s Office of the Third Sector and aims to support small voluntary and community groups that are dependent on volunteers.

Nationally, the scheme is being administered by the Community Development Foundation, and in Greater Manchester the Community Foundation has been selected to distribute grants in all boroughs of the county, with the exception of Bolton.

To be eligible for a grant, the group must:
• have been formed before 31st December 2006;
• have an average income of less than £20,000 over the last three years;
• be volunteer led.

Groups can apply for up to £5,000 – either as a one-off payment or a grant spread over a maximum three-year period.
The Foundation is particularly keen to receive applications for capital items for new equipment or renovating buildings.

Money is allocated by financial year, so the Foundation is encouraging groups to apply as soon as possible – as applying later in the year could limit the amount of money available.


Transport Innovation Fund proposals

Following 12 weeks of consultation, the Transport Resource Unit (based at GMCVO) has produced a report detailing the views of the sector on the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) proposals. Although the views are many and varied, broadly speaking there is a clear recognition that 'something needs to be done' about transport in Greater Manchester but also that there should be safeguards to ensure that voluntary sector services are not adversely affected.

During the course of the consultation, the Transport Resource Unit made contact with over 100 VCS organisations from across Greater Manchester through events, interviews, an online survey and other ad hoc contact.

The consultation report does not endorse or reject the proposals but makes recommendations on future involvement of the sector and on action which can be taken to lessen any potential negative effects to VCS organisations, staff, volunteers and service users.

For a link to the report please visit the GMCVO website: http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/968

Website:
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/968

Project Towpath Community Grants programme supporting ‘return to work’ projects

Greater Manchester Voluntary Sector Learning Consortium was recently awarded the contract for the Community Grants programme Project Towpath. These grants are aimed specifically at all small voluntary and community sector groups within Greater Manchester that help people return to work.

Grants can be used to provide support to 'hard-to-reach' communities and individuals, to enable them to access employment or further learning and training.
Applications from groups supporting people with disabilities to get closer to the labour market are particularly welcome.
Grants cannot be used to duplicate provision that is already available through ESF Co-Financing or mainstream funding.

Some examples of the type of activity that can be supported by a grant are:
• Initial help with basic skills.
• Taster work experience, including voluntary work.
• Training, advice and counselling.
• Job search assistance.
• Confidence building and personal development.
• Engagement activities that support individuals to overcome barriers to learning or employment.

See the document below for information on how to apply for a grant.

For further information, please contact Gill or Karen at GMCVO on 0161 277 1019/1017 or via e-mail: gill.dixon@gmcvo.org.uk, karen.rigg@gmcvo.org.uk.

GMVSLC has 92 grant awards available, these will be distributed across the ten local authority areas of Greater Manchester, taking into account relative levels of deprivation and participant profiles.

Applications will be assessed by an independent panel which will sit:

November 2008
February 2009
May 2009
August 2009
November 2009
February 2010.

Completed application documentation must be received by GMCVO on or before the 15th of the month preceding the panel sitting.

Website: http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/965

The Personal Support Unit (PSU) is undertaking an evaluation of their service this year.

They are gathering feedback from PSU volunteers; clients; court staff; Judiciary and external contacts such as other service providers and advice agencies in order to review and evaulate their service.

They would really appreciate your thoughts and feedback.

Please fill in the questionnaire below and return it to Manchester@thepsu.co.uk by the end of October 2008.

Contact about this story: Manchester@thepsu.co.uk

Community Network for Manchester Networking Event

Community Network for Manchester is holding a Networking Event on Tuesday 28th October 2008. The event will be held at the Friends Meeting House (6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS), from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. Food and refreshments will be provided.

The event will enable voluntary and community groups working in Manchester to exchange information and ideas, meet funders and representatives from support agencies, and discuss current issues affecting the Voluntary and Community Sector.

If you are interested in attending this event please email lucy@cn4m.net by Wednesday 22nd October 2008. Please also include any access or dietary requirements you have.

We look forward to seeing you at the event.

Contact about this story:
lucy@cn4m.net


Latest Events
Breakout - October Holiday Activities 2008
Posted October 17th, 2008 by estellew
Start: 27/10/2008 - 00:00
End: 02/11/2008 - 00:00
Timezone: Etc/GMT
Type of Event:
Community Event
27th Oct 08 - 2nd Nov 08

Breakout - October Holiday Activities 2008. Recreational and physical sports activities in and around Manchester’s parks and leisure centres.

With a range of activities laid on for all ages, there is no excuse for twiddling your thumbs during this year's half term holiday.

Featuring everything from fishing to wilderness awareness and orienteering - it will all be on offer across the city. The Breakout will set up camp in many of the city's parks and leisure centres with sports such as netball, football, swimming, squash and Taekwondo also available to try. Many of the sessions will be free of charge.

All children must be registered before they can participate in activities unless otherwise advised.

See the programme below for further information, or visit the Manchester City Council Website: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/October_Breakout_2008.pdf

The programme is available on tape, in large print, in Braille, and in various community languages on request. Please telephone Luckvear Singh on 0161 953 2489
www.manchester.gov.uk/leisure

Website:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/October_Breakout_2008.pdf

Cancelled - One Parent Families|Gingerbread’s Annual Conference 2008

Posted October 21st, 2008 by estellew
Start: 21/10/2008 - 00:56
End: 25/10/2008 - 00:56
Timezone: Etc/GMT
The One Parent Families|Gingerbread’s Annual Conference 2008 which was due to take place at Manchester Town Hall on Saturday 25th October has now been cancelled.

One Parent Families|Gingerbread would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Fax/phone general enquiries 0161 636 7564
THE LONE PARENT HELPLINE 0800 018 5026


The LawWorks for Community Groups Manchester - Practical Advice Talk

Posted October 21st, 2008 by estellew
Start: 21/10/2008 - 11:00
End: 11/11/2008 - 00:00
Timezone: Etc/GMT
The LawWorks for Community Groups Manchester - Practical Advice Talk.

Date/ Time: Tuesday 11th November, 13.00 – 16.30.

Central Manchester.

FREE legal seminars for charities and community groups.

LawWorks are pleased to invite you to the LawWorks Practical Advice Talk (PAT) to be held on Tuesday 11th November, and kindly hosted by one of our central Manchester member law firms.

These free legal training talks are aimed at not for profit organisations and should help them identify legal problems, avoid future legal claims and strengthen their governance by sharing best practice.

The afternoon will consist of two seminars delivered by specialist Manchester-based solicitors:

13.00 – 14.30 Employment – Disciplinary & Grievance Procedure session

15.00 – 16.30 Charity Law session

Both sessions are FREE and refreshments will be provided

There will also be a chance to meet the LawWorks for Community Groups team to discuss ways in which LawWorks might be able to assist with any legal problems your organisation is currently facing.

There are limited FREE places available – so book yours NOW.

Simply go to www.probonogroup.org.uk/register/ to reserve your place. If you have any queries please call Kristina Velcikova on 020 7090 7362.

You will receive venue details once you have reserved your place for the event.

NB: Strictly no admittance on the day unless you have completed the online application registration process.

The LawWorks for Community Groups project is partly funded by BLF and we promote the delivery of free legal advice to not for profit organisations.

For more info on LawWorks, please go to www.lawworks.org.uk

Church Action on Poverty’s annual conference

Church Action on Poverty’s annual conference will include talks and presentations from a wide range of individuals who have effectivley brought about change in their communities.

Date/ Time: Saturday, 15 November 2008, 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Venue: Methodist Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ.

This year’s CAP conference provides an opportunity to be challenged, inspired and energised:

• Hear real stories from round the country of where local CAP groups and programmes have enabled people to speak up, get organised and become Changemakers in their own communities
• Learn more about the get fair campaign and Poverty and Homelessness Action Week and how you can get involved
• Share your own stories of what inspires you to want to make a difference, what works – and what doesn’t
• Pick up ideas from others about how to engage your church and how to put your own MP on the spot
• Go away with practical tools and ideas to use in your own church or group.

There will be sessions from CAP’s Participatory Budgeting Unit and Changemakers – CAP’s new citizens’ organisation in Manchester. The keynote speaker is David Lammy MP. There will also be a panel discussion, music and drama.

For a link to the event flyer, visit: http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/event-items/annualconference2008

For further information, or to book your place contact CAP on 0161 236 9321, info@church-poverty.org.uk.

Contact for more info:
info@church-poverty.org.uk
Website: http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/event-items/annualconference2008

Communities in Space: The Final Frontier - community hubs free event
Posted October 23rd, 2008 by estellew
Start: 23/10/2008 - 00:29
End: 27/11/2008 - 00:29
Timezone: Etc/GMT
A special FREE event for volunteers and workers from Greater Manchester's community hubs.

Date: Thursday, 27 November 2008

A hub is a place of neighbourhood activity, it could be community building, space, centre, facility or any other place run by a not-for-profit group.

Would you like to
O Improve your buildings accessibility?
O Make sure you are meeting the needs of everyone in your community?
O Find out how to reach new groups and extend your service?
O Learn some tricks of the marketing trade?

There will be a focus on ways to make sure your hub is accessible, welcoming and open to everyone in your community. There will be practical workshops and tools to take away,
expert speakers, networking opportunities, information sharing and more.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Places are free but must be booked in advance. Please complete a booking form and return it to Susan Barrett email sue.barrett@gmcvo.org.uk Tel 0161 2771001 Fax 0161 234 8296

For more information about this event, COMBINE or Community Hubs at GMCVO contact Morag Rose on 0161 277 1039 email morag.rose@gmcvo.org.uk

To access the event flyer and booking form, visit the following link: http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/907

Contact for more info:
sue.barrett@gmcvo.org.uk
Website: http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/907

Youth Taskforce Roadshow
Posted October 23rd, 2008 by estellew
Start: 23/10/2008 - 00:23
End: 27/11/2008 - 00:23
Timezone: Etc/GMT
Want to find out more about the government’s vision for tackling youth crime and anti-social behaviour?

Want to hear about practical examples of good practice, air your views and share your ideas with multi-disciplinary colleagues?

Attend the free Youth Taskforce Roadshow in your area!

Date/ Time: 27 November, 10am - 4pm.

Venue: Palace Hotel Manchester

These events are aimed at local practitioners involved in front line delivery. They are an opportunity to hear from the heart of government about the role of Aiming High for young people, Targeted Youth Support and the Youth Taskforce Action Plan in delivering the government’s vision for young people. There will be a focus on the interaction between youth and community safety services, implementation of Targeted Youth Support, Challenge and Support principles and embedding the “triple track” approach.

The Roadshows will offer an opportunity to hear about best practice from around the country and get tips from expert practitioners on issues like using the Common Assessment Framework and lead professionals, using Individual Support Orders alongside Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, Parenting support and activities for young people.

For further information, and to book your place visit the following link : http://www.glasgows.co.uk/ytfroadshows/

To find out more contact ytfroadshows@glasgows.co.uk or call 01772 767799.

Contact for more info: ytfroadshows@glasgows.co.uk
Website: http://www.glasgows.co.uk/ytfroadshows/

Cheetham Hill Jobs Fair

Date/ Time: Wednesday 29 Oct 2008, 10:30am - 2.30pm.
Venue: 425 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 0PF.

Plenty of opportunities for you to meet and engage with potential employers.
For more information please contact Inspired Sisters on 0161 224 9090 between 9:30am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday


Campaign Against Climate Change Meeting

Venue: Friends Meeting House, Mount Street (behind the Central Library).

We are the Manchester branch of the national Campaign Against Climate Change. We meet on the second Monday of each month. For further information visit http://www.gmcacc.org/, or call 07801 263 265.

http://www.gmcacc.org/


Latest Employment Opportunities

Casework Assistant – Youth Mental Health (YSAP)

Deadline for application:
7 Nov 2008

YASP – an innovative community based youth mental health project is recruiting a: Casework Assistant – Youth Mental Health.
Hours: 24 Hours per week. Contract will run until 31st March 2009. Salary: £18,430 (pro rata).

The post holder will function as an advocate for vulnerable young people with mental health problems. The worker will assist them with any number of problems including difficulties with benefits, housing, education, employment, family, substance misuse, criminal justice system, as well as offering general support.

The post holder will work with 15-25 year olds, ensuring that advice, advocacy and practical support is offered to clients in a way which enhances the individuals’ ability for independent living and empowers them to make real choices and exercise control over their own lives. The worker will respond to enquiries at YASP’s advice drop-ins and will be proactive in providing crisis interventions on behalf of young people. The worker will also assist with completing benefit application forms and applying for housing.

As a Casework Assistant, the post holder will have a key role in administering the casework service. This will include tasks arising from caseworker allocation meetings such as writing to clients with signposting details and waiting list times.

YASP is highly committed to working with clients in a way which empowers them to make real choices and exercise more control over their own lives. The successful applicant will be expected to share this same level of commitment.

Applicants must have experience of working with young people with mental health needs and have a working knowledge of welfare rights, housing and advocacy.

Closing date for applications: 7 November 2008. Interviews: 21 November 2008.

For further information, and to request an application form contact: 0161 221 3054, info.yasp@harp-project.org.

Nina Roach (Office Manager) YASP
832 Stockport Road,
Levenshulme.
M19 3AW

HARP strives to be an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from all sections of the community.

YASP is a Health, Advocacy & Resource Project. Reg charity no: 1102058. HARP.

E-mail for more information:
info.yasp@harp-project.org

LSEN Information and Support Officer

LSEN Information and Support Officer- (Fixed Term Contract till March 31st 2009)

Full Time – 35 hours per week (Mon – Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm)

NJC Grade 3 – Scale Point 14 - £15,470 - (pay award pending)

The Learning, Skills and Employment Network (LSEN) is one of the constituent Networks which make up the Community Network for Manchester (CN4M). LSEN is seeking an enthusiastic and competent administrator and information support officer to work under the guidance of the existing LSEN Co-ordinator.

LSEN are looking for someone who has knowledge or experience of working in the voluntary sector, has excellent communication skills, a good understanding of the present learning and skills agenda, and excellent ICT skills in relation to both productivity software and web and email based applications

Applications to to be completed and returned by email to walt.crowson@ntlworld.com or posted to LSEN, c/o The Wesley Centre, Royce Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5BP by 5.00pm on Friday 14th November

Interviews to be held on Thursday 20th November

Deadline for application:
20 Nov 2008
E-mail for more information: walt.crowson@ntlworld.com

http://www.lsen.org.uk or http://cn4m.net

Latest Consultations

The future of the Compact questionnaire

Compact Voice has launched a nationwide survey to explore the views of the sector on the future of the Compact. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Compact and ensure it is as relevant and powerful as possible.

Compact Voice (which represents the voluntary and community sector in England on taking the Compact forward) urges everyone in the sector to respond.
The debate questionnaire can be found at: http://www.ncvo-consult.org.uk/survey.asp?s=01208108125223204

An information pack, Framing the Debate, is available from: http://www.compactvoice.org.uk/

Deadline for responding to the questionnaire: 10th November

The Commission for the Compact has published the findings of a recent research study (The State of Independence), which looks into the understanding and commitment to the Compact and safeguarding the independence of the third sector.

This research concludes that while the Compact has been successful in creating an environment which encourages and supports central government departments in their efforts to observe the independence of third sector organisations and their right to campaign, there are still challenges ahead.

Website:
http://www.ncvo-consult.org.uk/survey.asp?s=01208108125223204
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For further information on the Community Network for Manchester, please visit our website: www.cn4m.net.


What do you think of our bulletin and website? We aim to continually develop and improve our communications resources, so your feedback is always welcome! If you have any comments about the bulletin or website please contact us at: info@cn4m.net (using ‘Website/ Bulletin’ as the subject title).


The Community Network for Manchester website and bulletin are intended to be freely available and actively useful to a wide range of Manchester based Third Sector organisations, Manchester residents, and our own network members.


We invite you to forward the bulletin on to any contacts who may find it useful and we encourage you to contribute to its content. You can do this by uploading information directly to our website, or by sending your entry to: info@cn4m.net (using ‘Bulletin’ as the subject title). In order to upload information directly to our website you must first register your details with us. The registration process is simple and free - for further information, please visit our website: www.cn4m.net.


The content of this bulletin is obtained from various sources and we would like to thank all those of you who make regular contributions.


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

CN4M Bulletin 17 Oct 08

About Community Network for Manchester:

Community Network for Manchester is an organisation that brings together a range of networks and pools. Networks are made up of a number of voluntary and community groups and they are concerned with either a geographical area or community of interest. Some networks also provide an additional strategic function that engages with statutory agencies.

• We are here to give the voluntary and community sector in Manchester the opportunity to have a strong and collective voice on the issues that matter to them.
• We build links between our networks, the wider voluntary community sector and statutory agencies to increase our potential to influence decisions across Manchester.
• We provide spaces and opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, knowledge and good practice.
About the Community Network for Manchester bulletin:
The Community Network for Manchester bulletin is circulated on a weekly basis and is intended to be freely available and actively useful to a wide range of Manchester based Third Sector organisations, Manchester residents, and our own network members.

The content of this bulletin is obtained from various sources and is mainly made up of information uploaded to our website. We welcome your contributions to its content. Further information on how you can do this can be found at the bottom of this email.

This bulletin provides a round-up of all the information uploaded over the last week to the following key areas:
• News
• Events
• Opportunities (including employment, volunteering, training, tender and consultation opportunities)


If you missed last week’s bulletin please visit the website for further information on all the news, events and opportunities added over the last few weeks.

Latest News

Community Network for Manchester Networking Event

Community Network for Manchester is holding a Networking Event on Tuesday 28th October 2008. read more »

The Cheetham and Crumpsall £12,000 Giveaway

Funded by the Wilton Area Panel and delivered by the North West Manchester Youth Activities Group.
We’ve got £12,000 to spend on youth activities in Cheetham and Crumpsall. read more »

Latest Events

GMNA - Opening Meeting - Latest improvements in Neurological Treatments and Care
Greater Manchester Neurological Alliance

Open meeting - Come and hear about the latest improvements in Neurological Treatments and Care at Salford Royal (Hope Hospital) Neurosciences Centre. read more »

One Parent Families|Gingerbread’s Annual Conference 2008

One Parent Families|Gingerbread’s Annual Conference 2008 is taking place in Manchester and we want you to get involved!
Date: Saturday 25th October
Venue: Manchester Town Hall read more »

Film Screening & Film Making Workshop

The Libyan Report & The British Libyan Solidarity Campaign presents 7 films by: Mohamed Maklouf. read more »

What have Green Budgets to do with me? Greater Manchester SERA (Labour Environment Campaign) Event
Date/ Time: 22nd October, 7.30pm – 9.30pm.
Venue: Committee Room 4, Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square read more »

A TIF too far? Greater Manchester SERA (Labour Environment Campaign) Event
Date/ Time: 19th November, 7.30pm – 9.30pm.
Venue: Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square read more »

MERCi is having a Festive Fair at Bridge-5 Mill!
On December 4th Merci will be hosting an afternoon and evening of ethical festive shopping and networking for all groups and individuals from across Manchester. read more »

Breakout - October Holiday Activities 2008 - 27th Oct 08 - 2nd Nov 08

Breakout - October Holiday Activities 2008. Recreational and physical sports activities in and around Manchester’s parks and leisure centres. read more »

Wilton Area Panel AGM
Date/ Time: 21st October 2008, 6:45 - 8:45 read more »

Latest Employment Opportunities

Community Xchange Programme Supervisor
Posted October 15th, 2008 by estellew
Deadline for application:
20 Oct 2008
Job Title: Community Xchange Programme Supervisor; Responsible to: Global Xchange Programme Manager read more »

• 4 attachments
Welfare Benefits & Debt Caseworker
Posted October 16th, 2008 by estellew
Deadline for application:
28 Oct 2008

Platt Halpern Solicitors are currently advertising to fill a new Welfare Benefits & Debt Caseworker post at their Oldham office, following the award of a new contract by the Legal Services Commission. read more »

Xtrax - Project Manager
Posted October 16th, 2008 by estellew
Deadline for application:
29 Oct 2008
Contract: One year fixed term contract, Salary: £22k – £26k depending on experience. read more »
• 2 attachments


Latest Training Opportunities

How to Write/ Develop an Environmental Policy (2 hours)
Posted October 16th, 2008 by estellew
An Environmental Policy Statement is typically the key method of communicating environmental commitments to customers and can be fundamental in helping to secure and win contracts with customers and s read more »

CIEH Environmental Awareness Certificate (1 day)

Posted October 16th, 2008 by estellew
Businesses that can demonstrate environmental commitment attract positive publicity, stakeholder goodwill and favourable credit terms. read more »

Successful Commissioning: Preparing Your Children's Service Tenders
Posted October 17th, 2008 by estellew
Free training places for VCS organisations. read more »

• 1 attachment

Latest Tenders

Invitation to tender: Digital Video Documentary on inconsiderate or illegal parking
Posted October 16th, 2008 by estellew
Partner sought to assist with, and provide training to produce a: Digital Video Documentary on: Inconsiderate or illegal parking.
Background: read more »
• 1 attachment



For further information on the Community Network for Manchester, please visit our website: www.cn4m.net.

What do you think of our bulletin and website? We aim to continually develop and improve our communications resources, so your feedback is always welcome! If you have any comments about the bulletin or website please contact us at: info@cn4m.net (using ‘Website/ Bulletin’ as the subject title).

The Community Network for Manchester website and bulletin are intended to be freely available and actively useful to a wide range of Manchester based Third Sector organisations, Manchester residents, and our own network members.
We invite you to forward the bulletin on to any contacts who may find it useful and we encourage you to contribute to its content. You can do this by uploading information directly to our website, or by sending your entry to: info@cn4m.net (using ‘Bulletin’ as the subject title). In order to upload information directly to our website you must first register your details with us. The registration process is simple and free - for further information, please visit our website: www.cn4m.net.

The content of this bulletin is obtained from various sources and we would like to thank all those of you who make regular contributions.
CN4M is committed to the principles and codes of practice contained in Working Together: a Compact for Manchester.



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