Community Network for Manchester Full Text Bulletin – 24 April 09
About Community Network for Manchester Bulletin:


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



Network News
Message to Community Network for Manchester e-bulletin readers

The Community Network for Manchester website was offline on Thursday 23rd April due to a technical fault.

The site is now up and running again. However, if you are experiencing difficulties viewing links from the Community Network for Manchester e-bulletin, you may need to press the 'refresh' button at the top of your internet browser to view the website.

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Network update

As you are all aware CN4M has not had funding confirmed beyond this financial quarter. It was expected to have received an indication as to whether CN4M would be asked to continue in its important role or that the outcomes of the review would need to go out for tender before the end of March now but it is hoped a decision should be announced shortly.

Due to this uncertainty, and a 7.2% cut in our budget from last year, CN4M’s Executive Group has had to make some very challenging decisions in relation to the support to sub-networks in relation to funding and core team structure. All sub-networks that have submitted application forms will be contacted over the next week with the decisions on the funding and activities proposed. Please be aware that this is for the first quarter only and will almost certainly be reviewed for the remainder of the year.

In addition, we have had to say goodbye to two valuable members of staff at the end of March. Francess Tagoe, Network Development Co-ordinator, was made redundant due to the cuts in funding and Lucy Thomson, Business Development Manager, was successful in her application to lead a new initiative in Newcastle setting up a people’s assembly to engage with the local strategic partnership. Both Fran and Lucy wish to pass on their thanks and regards to you all for your support over the years. We wish them good luck in their future careers.

Until we have confirmation on funding we are unable to recruit to fill any posts. In order to continue to provide an effective support function to sub-networks, as well as continuing our valuable information, communication and engagement functions, we will be putting in place temporary measures:

1. All members of the core team and Executive Group can be contacted for general information or to seek out who would be the most appropriate person to speak to.

2. On any issues to do with finance and monitoring, please continue to contact Stuart Cooper or John Doyle.

3. Estelle Worthington will continue to support the information and communication function. However, Estelle will be the main contact for sub-network support issues. Any issues Estelle cannot address immediately will be passed to the Management Team or Executive Group for a response.

4. Michelle Foster will continue to provide support in publicity and marketing but will deliver the information and communications functions Estelle will not be doing due to her new role.

5. On any strategic issues, please continue to contact Cath Taylor or myself.

6. Chiara Mallia will continue to provide the office management and secretariat support to a number of areas such as the Executive Group and the Third Sector Strategy Group.

Thank you for your continued support and together I am sure we can overcome any issues that arise.

In the event that you have any queries or concerns please get in touch!

Best Wishes,

John

(Tel: 0161 234 2921 email: john@cn4m.net)

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One and All exhibition at Manchester's Castlefield Gallery

One and All is the gallery showing of the artworks that were featured in the city wide exhibition "I don’t know about Community Networks, but I know what I like..." which were shown at various community centres across Manchester in January 2009. Through this exhibition seven North West based contemporary artists examine and respond to the themes, environments, structures and networks of community and voluntary engagement in Manchester.

"I don’t know about community networks, but I know what I like…" was initiated as an art research project by Alison Kershaw during time spent with the Culture Pool of Community Network for Manchester.

The exhibition runs until Sunday 17th May 2009, and the gallery is open Wednesday – Sunday, from 1:00 - 6:00pm.

Venue: Castlefield Gallery, 2 Hewitt Street, Manchester, M15 4GB

Attachment Size
One and All information.doc 504 KB

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Latest Network Events
Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum Conference
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Type of Event:
Conference/ Seminar
Manchester Alliance for Community Care’s (MACC) Voluntary Sector Mental Health Forum Conference will give you a chance to meet colleagues from a range of local voluntary sector groups, find out about the developments of Manchester’s Third Sector Strategy, set the goals for the Mental Health Third Sector Strategy and find out what MACC can do to support the sustainable development of local Third Sector organisations.

Date/ Time: 30th April, 10:00am – 4:00pm,
Venue: St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green.

For further information, or to book a place please contact Pauline Clark at MACC on 0161 834 9823, or email: pauline@macc.org.uk

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Service User Involvement Conference - Service User Network for Homeless People
Posted April 23rd, 2009 by estellew
Type of Event:
Conference/ Seminar
Service User Network for Homeless People will be holding a best practice conference in Service User Involvement.

Date/Time: Monday 29th June 2009,
Venue: Mechanics Institute in Manchester.

This conference will focus on the success of recipients of a small grant from the SUN, aimed at facilitating new service user involvement activities.
It is hoped that this event will inspire staff and service users to take user involvement forward, and generate examples of good practice ideas and methods for small scale user involvement.
Save this date in your diaries and look out for details in the near future.

For further information, contact the co-ordinator, Lorna Bustard on 0161 834 1661, or e-mail sun@nearis.com.

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Project Updates
New Report Released - Developing the Volunteering Infrastructure in Manchester
Commissioned by Community Network for Manchester, this report is the culmination of a consultation process which engaged those working at both a practical and strategic level on volunteering issues in Manchester.

The report sets out three key recommendations:

Provide a clear strategic direction for volunteering in the city.
Implement a co-ordinated approach to good practice support in the city.
Create a central hub to improve access to volunteering for Manchester residents.
The full report can be found below.
Further information about the consultation process can be found at: http://www.cn4m.net/node/516

Attachment Size
Developing the Volunteering Infrastructure in Manchester - March 2009.doc 903 KB

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Research on the impact of the economic downturn on Third Sector organisations in Manchester
Community Network for Manchester is conducting research into the impact of the economic downturn on Third Sector organisations in Manchester.

This research project will seek to provide evidence from a number of organisations on the direct impact of the economic downturn on their organisation both in the short term and long term. The research will identify examples of good practice and partnership working and establish what support Third Sector organisations in Manchester will need during the economic downturn and beyond.

The data-gathering phase of the research was carried out from February to March 2009.

The research report will be made available in the next couple of weeks - so watch this space!

For further information, please see the proposal paper below.

Key Contact Email Address:
catht@cn4m.net
Attachment Size
Paper for PSB Feb 09 Economic Downturn (1).doc 33.5 KB

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Next Strategy Group Meeting and Networking Events
Community Network for Manchester Networking Meeting - Tuesday 28th April 2009
Start: 28/04/2009 - 16:00
End: 28/04/2009 - 19:00
Timezone: Etc/GMT+3
The next Community Network for Manchester Networking Meeting will take place on Tuesday 28th April, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm, at MDDA (Manchester Digital Development Agency), Lower Ground Floor, 117-119 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6ED.

A venue map can be found on the MDDA website: http://www.manchesterdda.com/directions/

The venue is accessible via a street-level lift. If you have any particular access or dietary requirements that you would like us to be aware of, please inform us by phone (0161 234 2916) or email (estelle@cn4m.net) by Tuesday 14th April.

What will the networking event involve?

The event will involve interactive workshops. Initial plans are for one of these workshops to focus on the recommendations which have emerged from CN4M’s research into the impact of the economic downturn on Third Sector organsiations (specifically, how these recommendations can be turned into positive action).

Another workshop will focus on information exchange both within our networks and across the sector (specifically, how we can create opportunities for sharing information from meetings, events and conferences; and how we can create opportunities for mutual support through informal information exchange).

Two current Consultations will also be highlighted. You will have the opportunity to contribute to both workshops and there will be plenty of opportunities for networking during the event.

Please let us know if you are able to attend the event, and if you have any queries or comments, by phoning 0161 234 2916 or emailing estelle@cn4m.net.

Calendar
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Local/Regional News
Greater Manchester & beyond coalition of people living with HIV & AIDS (GMBC)
GMBC were set up to campaign against discriminatory practices in the city of Manchester and beyond. GMBC aims to influence polices and expand public awareness around HIV and AIDS, and support engagement and de-stigmatisation of people living with HIV and AIDS.

The group have recently produced three reports detailing their work so far.
For more information and to get involved contact them on 07985266805 or by email: greaterhivaids@yahoo.co.uk

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Manchester Local Involvement Network (LINk) Newsletter

The Manchester LINk April Newsletter is now available (see below).

The Manchester LINk is the umbrella organisation which brings together other networks, organisations, communities and individuals in Manchester to give them a voice in improving health and social care services.

For further information, contact: 0161 214 3909, or email: manchesterlink@blackhealthagency.org.uk

Attachment Size
LINk Newsletter - April 09.pdf 335.88 KB

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Manchester Neighbours’ Day Grants now available

Manchester Neighbours' Day is one of a growing number of events taking place throughout Europe to celebrate European Neighbours' Day 2009. This annual event is celebrated by millions of people across Europe and this year will take place on Tuesday 26th May.

Grants of up to £200 are available from Manchester City Council to Manchester residents/ neighbours wishing to celebrate European Neighbours' Day on or around the 26th May.

Closing date for applications: Monday 11th May 2009.

Applications forms are available from: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=..., or by contacting Third Sector Team on 0161 234 3016 or e-mail: voluntary.sector.grants@manchester.gov.uk

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National News
Support for Third Sector organisations announced in Budget

Building on February’s £42.5m Action Plan to help support the Third Sector in recession, the Budget announced on 22nd April 2009 outlined new support for the Sector and for those who rely on the Sector’s services during the recession.

Further details on the Budget can be found on the HM Treasury website: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/bud_bud09_index.htm

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Ask the Government to set up a fund for green transport

Richard Hebditch, the new campaigns director for Better Transport, is urging the Government to set up a fund for green transport schemes.

Better Transport have written to Geoff Hoon about a ‘carbon reduction fund’ and they are now asking you to write to your MP and get them to help set up a fund to support transport projects that reduce CO2. Further information can be found at:
http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=794&q...

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Make the most of your skills with NCVO's new online tools

Are you looking for a new challenge? This new online tool will match your skills and experience with different job options in the voluntary and community sector. The results are linked to live job adverts as well as information on where to look for paid and voluntary work, and the best ways to apply.

For more information, visit: www.workingforacharity.org.uk/skills_profile.

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Free online guide to help your organisation survive the recession

NCVO's free online guide will assist you and your organisation through the downturn. Get advice on issues including recession proofing your organisation, tightening up your financial systems, staff management, strengthening key relationships, financial sustainability, demonstrating your impact, and much more.

For more information please visit: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/recessionresources

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‘Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund’ website now live

Further details on the £16.5m Real Help for Communities: Modernisation Fund have been announced by Capacitybuilders and Futurebuilders, who are working together to deliver the fund as part of the Government’s £42.5m initiative to help the Third Sector through the recession.

The fund comprises of a mixture of grant and loan funding. Organisations can now gain further details about the Modernisation Fund’ and register their interest in the separate elements of the fund by visiting: www.modernisationfund.org.uk

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Latest Events
‘Volunteering for the Future: new approaches and new ideas’ conference and training course
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
This conference will explore the future role of volunteers in cultural institutions. It aims to explore the current trends that, in a perspective of active citizenship and inclusivity, demand that institutions consider innovative and emerging practice as a means to engage with non-traditional volunteers, vocational and skills development and cross-sector partnerships.

Dates: 10th – 12th June 2009,
Location: Manchester

For further information, see the conference and training flyer below or contact Adele Finley at The Manchester Museum on:
Adele.Finley@Manchester.ac.uk. To book a place, fill in the booking form below.

Type of Event:
Conference/ Seminar
Attachment Size
Volunteering for the Future Conference flyer.doc 248.5 KB
Volunteering for the Future Conference registration form.doc 34 KB

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Exciting Science Education Events
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Two upcoming exciting science education events for those who work with schools include:

Launch of the NWRDA Climate Change Education Resource. Free drop-in
event.
Date/ Time: Thursday 30th April, 3:30pm – 6:00pm
Venue: MDDA, 117-119 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6ED
For further information, see the flyer below or contact the Development Education Project on 0161 921 8020, or email: aarti@dep.org.uk

Teaching about Malaria CPD with the Science Learning Centre NW
(funded by the Wellcome Trust). Cost: £20
Date/ Time: Wednesday 1st July, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Venue: Science Learning Centre North West, Didsbury, Manchester

For further information, see the flyer below or contact Jane Davies at: janeed66@hotmail.com

Type of Event:
Community Event
Attachment Size
Climate Change directory launch flyer.JPG 300.65 KB
Teaching about Malaria.pdf 180.42 KB

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New British Conservatism & Social Values Symposium
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Type of Event:
Conference/ Seminar
New British Conservatism & Social Values is an interdisciplinary exploration of values-driven political agendas with academics from politics and theology alongside policy experts and key stakeholders from the voluntary sector. This select group will present formal papers and engage in discussion concerning the political content and articulation of British conservative values.

This is a day conference designed specifically with the Voluntary Sector in mind.

It is an opportunity to think about the language and values of Cameron’s Conservative Party and what future impact it may have upon Voluntary Sector organisations – for example, in terms of investment in faith-based organisations and/or writing grant proposals.

Date: Thursday 7th May 2009,
Venue: The University of Manchester

To register, please visit: http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/disciplines/politics/events/

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Manchester Deaf Centre Access to Communication day
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
This event will be held in conjunction with Deaf Awareness week. It will raise awareness of communication barriers within the deaf community.
Various stalls and workshops will be included.

Date/ Time: Thursday 7th May 2009, 12:00 - 5:00pm

If your organisation would like to book a stall please fill in the form below, or contact
Jude Nortier, Operations Manager on: 0161 276 9333 voice/ text
0161 273 3299 fax, or email: Jude.nortier@manchesterdeafcentre.com

Type of Event:
Community Event
Attachment Size
MDC Access to Communication Day request for stall form.doc 67.5 KB

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Latest Employment Opportunities
Employment Opportunities with Manchester Refugee Support Network
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Manchester Refugee Support Network is a refugee-led charity based in Moss Side, Manchester. They are currently recruiting for the following posts:

Manager. Salary scale: £26,784 - £28,353, Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week,
Contract: 2 years fixed term (June 2009 to March 2011).
MRSN is looking for a new Manager to take the lead in directing and managing its projects and services and in sustaining and developing its commitment to community development.

Forum Development Worker, Salary scale: £24,331 - £25,940, Hours: Full time, 35 hrs per wk, Contract: 3 years fixed term (June 2009 – March 2012).

MRSN is looking for a highly motivated, energetic individual to provide campaigning expertise and development support to a progressive forum of refugee community activists.

Deadline for applications for both posts: 5pm, Friday 15th May.

For further information, visit: http://www.mrsn.org.uk/

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Employment Opportunity - Administrator, Self Help Services
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Salary: £15,570 per annum (NJC Scale 3); Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term until 31st March 2010, Location: Zion Community Centre, Hulme.

Self Help Services is a user led mental health charity that has developed considerable expertise in the field of primary care mental health. The charity currently delivers a range of services for people experiencing common mental health problems.

They are looking for a dynamic, motivated and empathetic individual who will be a central figure in the day-to-day functioning of the Self Help Services office.

Closing date for applications: Monday 27th April 2009, 4:00pm
For further information, or to request an application pack, contact Lucy Rolfe on 0161 226 3871 or email: lucy.rolfe@selfhelpservices.org.uk quoting ref AD01

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Latest Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering Opportunity - Your Dementia Area Campaign & Media Group needs you!
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Do you feel passionate about an issue in your area that affects people with dementia and their carers?

Alongside the recent launch of the national Active Campaign Network, regional Campaign and Media Officers have been helping to set up a number of area wide campaign groups. These groups aim to support Alzheimer’s Society national campaigns, but also want to focus on specific local issues that are of concern to people with dementia and carers in their area.

To get involved in your area Campaign & Media Group please contact: Di Keal on 01904 627094 or di.keal@alzheimers.org.uk.

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Volunteer opportunities - Red Cross Appeal Week
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
The British Red Cross help those in crisis across the world and around the corner.

Red Cross Appeal Week – 3rd to 9th May 2009 is the most important week in the Red Cross calendar and the most fun too. In celebration of the Red Cross founder, Henry Dunant's, birthday they have hundreds of collections, dress-in-red days and many other crazy events taking place right across the area. Their aim is to raise as much money as possible to help those in crisis right here in Manchester, but across the world too.

During the week, thousands of Red Cross volunteers will be taking to the streets. For just a couple of hours of your time, you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the world.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Jo Allott on 0161 888 8914, email: jallott@redcross.org.uk or text APPEAL to 07736 800 392.

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Latest Training Opportunities
Training Opportunity - Teaching about Climate Change
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Manchester Development Education Project, in partnership with the Science Learning
Centre North West and Manchester Metropolitan University, are developing and accrediting an exciting new CPD course on climate change. This is a free pilot course which could lead to 20 Masters credits. It is suitable for teachers and for those who work with schools.

This course will:
• equip teachers with knowledge and skills to effectively teach about climate change;
• explore the evidence for climate change, analyse different viewpoints and make links between science and society;
• introduce methodologies suitable to investigating complex controversial issues with pupils.

This course begins on Wednesday the 29th April 2009.

For further information, see the flyer below or contact Jane Davies at: janeed66@hotmail.com

Type of course:
Training course
Attachment Size
Climate Change CPD at MMU.pdf 175.8 KB

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Training Opportunities with Manchester Advice
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Gathering Medical Evidence
Date/ Time: Wednesday 20th May 2009, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Closing date 5 May 2009.

The aim of the course is to give an overview of the potential sources and types of medical evidence which can be used in support of Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit revisions & appeals.

Sale and Rent Back (SARB) Arrangements
Date/ Time: Wednesday 13th May 2009, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Closing date 27th April 2009.

or
Date/ Time: Wednesday 8th July 2009, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Closing date 26th June 2009.

SARB arrangements involve people selling their home to an unregulated company then renting it back. These arrangements are on the increase and this course looks at the problems they can cause.

To book a place, fill in the booking form below, or contact Steph Greenshields, Training Planning Officer on 0161 234 3918, or email: s.greenshields@manchester.gov.uk

Attachment Size
Manchester Advice Booking Form.doc 27.5 KB

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Latest Tenders
Invitation to Tender - Working Links ESF Manchester Central District
Posted April 21st, 2009 by estellew
North West Network, acting as a delivery partner in Working Links’ Manchester Central ESF contract (awarded by the Department of Work and Pensions) is pleased to launch an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for sub-contracting provision under Intervention 1 of this contract.

Working Links would like to sub-contract the delivery of activities under Intervention 1 (provision of outreach activity to engage customers from minority ethnic backgrounds) to Third Sector organisations offering this type of provision in the Ardwick, Cheetham Hill, Hulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range districts.

The PQQ must be submitted by Friday 1st May. Successful applicants will need to be available to present their project proposal at an interview on Friday 22nd May.

For further information, please visit: http://www.nwnetwork.org.uk/working-links-esf-manchester-central-distric...

If you have any enquiries, contact Humza Umair at North West Network on 0161 236 6493.

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Commissioning Positive Activities for Young People in Manchester (PAYP) for 2009-10
Posted April 24th, 2009 by estellew
Voluntary and Community Sector targeted provision for ‘At-risk’ young people. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by Tuesday 5th May.

The expression of interest should be two pages in length and give a general outline of what you are proposing to deliver.

Please note - All groups who submit an expression of interest are automatically invited to attend the meeting on 6th May at Fujitsu Tower, West Gorton.

For further information, see below.

Attachment Size
Commissioning Positive Activities for Young People in Manchester.doc 63 KB

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Latest Consultations
North West Regional Strategy Consultation
Posted April 23rd, 2009 by estellew
The North West Development Agency is consulting on the North West regional strategy.

The new regional strategy will integrate the region’s economic, spatial and housing strategies. It will also link local priorities and local potential to a regional framework.

The new strategy will be highly relevant to the voluntary and community sector, and the paper picks up on a number of areas relevant to many VCS groups, including: health and health inequalities, sustainable rural communities, climate change and other environmental concerns, tackling worklessness, skills, social enterprise, disability, housing, and even, briefly, local public sector procurement practice.

An Issues and Principles Paper has now been published and is open for consultation until 30th April 2009.

For further information, please see below.
Click here for information about a consultation event being run by VSNW and GMCVO.

Consultation end date:
30 April, 2009
Attachment Size
North West Regional Strategy, Principles and Issues Paper.pdf 327.08 KB

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Consultation - Community Governance Review
Posted April 23rd, 2009 by estellew
Manchester residents and local organisations are invited to comment as part of a review of parish and community governance arrangements within the Manchester City Council local authority area.

What is the consultation about?
The review will consider community governance across the whole of the Manchester area and will also address two specific areas where particular community governance issues have been identified.

The consultation is broken down into three separate parts: the first part is a city-wide consultation, while the second and third parts consult on the future of Ringway Parish, and the establishment of a parish council in part of the Northenden ward.

How can I respond?
Consultation response forms, which are available from the City Council website, or by phone on 0161 234 3998/ 4098, must be returned to:

Manchester City Council Community Governance Review, Democratic Services, Chief Executive's Department, Manchester City Council, Room 401, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA.

For further information about the consultation, visit the City Council website: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?categoryID=...

Responses for all parts of the consultation must be received by no later than Wednesday 10th June 2009.

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For further information on the Community Network for Manchester, or if you missed last weeks bulletin and would like to find out more about the news, events and opportunities added over the last few weeks, 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.

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






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