27th April 2007

COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR MANCHESTER
EMAIL BULLETIN

The Community Network for Manchester (CN4M) is part of the Manchester
Partnership (MP) that works specifically on behalf of voluntary and
community groups. CN4M is creating a more powerful voice for the voluntary
and community sectors in Manchester. For more information about the
Community Network for Manchester and to view contact details please visit
our website at www.cn4m.net


1.0 Network News
2.0 Training
3.0 Events
4.0 Information
5.0 Jobs

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1.0 Network News

1.1 CN4M Knowledgebank

The CN4M Knowledgebank is now live on the CN4M website (see link below).
http://www.cn4m.net/index.php?option=com_docman1&Itemid=81

The Knowledgebank will include research relating to and done by the VCS,
examples of projects that are being set up (see example in transport
section) and also examples of best practice.

The Knowledgebank is a work in progress and new categories will be added as
content is submitted. If you have any content that you think is relevant
please email a copy or link to mailto:catht@cn4m.net.

If you have any comments about the Knowledgebank please forward them to
mailto:catht@cn4m.net.


2.0 Training

2.1 'Changing Places' A creative and practical workshop for people working
in the Community

Wednesday 9 May 2007 between 9.30 a m and 4.30 p m

At Fircroft College of Adult Education, Birmingham, 0121 472 0116
www.fircroft.ac.uk

Are there certain areas of green space within our communities we consider
less than inviting due to the presence of disadvantaged and homeless people?
If we avoid them do they become 'invisible' within our society? Why have
they chosen this way of life? Can we improve their quality of life whilst at
the same time our green environments? If you have regular interaction with
such people, or would like to explore how to engage with them and find out
the answers to these questions, this is a workshop for you!

Stewart Holmes (an experienced tutor and practitioner from Metamorphosis,
Birmingham) and Jonathan Trustram (an experienced gardener/trainer from St
Mungo's, London) will through example, explanation and personal experience
provide a practical insight into how engaging people in horticultural
activities can create a positive chain reaction.

Don't miss this inspiring and informative event ...... book now!
To book a place contact Hilary on 01766 590480 or visit
www.cultivations.co.uk

3.0 Events

3.1 Listening to Others an intercultural conversation on 'Parents and
Children' learning through our own stories and experiences..

Wednesday 2nd May 6pm - 9pm (with a healthy halal buffet tea) the woodville
centre, Cheetham Hill, Manchester

A forum aimed at those interested in diverse perspectives. An opportunity
for individuals from many cultural backgrounds to come together and explore
the barriers and assumptions we hold.

£5.00 (voluntary groups) £10.00 (public sector) payable on the door to
reserve your place call Mick Sheldon on 0161 4480788 or
mailto:mick@sheldon51.freeserve.co.uk organised by Inside Track
Regeneration, the voluntary, community & Faith sector and the NWIDP
supported by ZEST.

A number of limited FREE places are available for residents of Cheetham and
Crumpsall and people who volunteer or work in voluntary organisations which
directly benefit those residents - contact Naomi Davies or Margaret
Shakeshaft to apply for a place mailto:n.davies1@manchester.gov.uk 0161 277
8846

3.2 Partnership in Practice Conference
The IMPACT project is proud to announce the forthcoming 'Partnership in
Practice Conference' a two day event to be held on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday
9th May 2007 at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.
IMPACT is multi agency research project, piloting innovative methods of
working with offenders in custody and through the prison gate into the
community. The project, funded by the ESF Equal Community Initiative and led
by HM Prison Service, is currently researching innovative approaches in
working with offenders who are doubly disadvantaged in the workplace.
For further information visit www.equal-impact.com
On both days of the conference we are delighted to be joined by a number of
prestigious key speakers who will provide valuable insight into the
complexities and benefits of partnership working in the criminal justice
system.
For more information contact Mike Bishton, IMPACT Project,
mailto:mike.bishton@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

3.3 Learning Disability Today Exhibition

The exhibition will be taking place in Manchester on 4th July 2007.
This one-day event, comprising a full and comprehensive seminar programme
and a large exhibition, will provide a unique opportunity for learning
disability professionals, service users and family carers, and those
interested in joining the profession to come together to debate the big
issues, share best practice and network.
For more information visit the website
http://www.pavpub.com/mailings/ldtman07/ebulletin.htm


3.4 Cheetham and Crumpsal Health Forum

The Cheetham and Crumpsall Health Forum is only 2 hrs and includes a healthy
halal lunch -

Monday April 30th , 12pm - 2pm , Abraham Moss Centre, Room 104

Your input is invaluable so please do try to attend or let other people know
about it. On this occasion Councillors will not be expected to be in
attendance due to the election period

For more information please contact Naomi Davies
mailto:n.davies1@manchester.gov.uk 0161 277 8846

3.5 The Best Laid Plans - Planning Event

The event will take place on Tues 22nd May 2007 from 4pm - 8pm at the
Mechanics Institute

Baffled by the planning system?
Want to learn how it works and how you can have your say?

The Sustainable Neighbourhoods Pool and North West Planning Aid are holding
an event to help community and voluntary groups better understand the
planning system. Through presentations and workshops the event will explain
the planning system and how and when you can influence it.

For more information and to book a place please email Julie Goreham
mailto:sustainable@merci.org.uk or phone 0161 273 1736.

3.6 Community Calls for Action Seminar

The North West Together We Can Network is holding a free Learning Exchange
Seminar on the Local Government White Paper initiative 'Community Calls for
Action'. It will be held on Friday 25th May 12.30 - 3.30 in Blackburn.
The seminar will include a case study provided by hosts Blackburn with
Darwen Borough Council, a guest speaker, structured round table discussion
and a networking lunch.

Further details will be sent as soon as they are confirmed, Councillors,
CVS, council officers all welcome.
To book a place please contact Thea mailto:nwtwc@lgiu.org.uk 07793 811214
0161 234 3022

3.7 Green City Network Conference 2007

Following on from the launch in 2006 of the Green City Network, this year's
event will be about two important developments for Manchester Green City. We
will be discussing what's happening already around the city and what action
we all need to take to meet the challenges on a local and global scale.

There will be two workshops on Green City Themes and targets and on Climate
Change Strategy that will inform and be informed by delegates and speakers
alike. This is your chance to let the Council and the region's environmental
support networks know:

· Your ideas and priorities for growing Manchester's economy within
environmental limits
· How you can help to deliver on the work of the Green City and
Climate Change
· What support you and your organisation need to deliver on the goals
of Manchester's Greenest City

To register to attend the event please use the form at the link below
http://www.manchestergreencity.co.uk/climatechange or call Lisa Lingard on
0161 234 4506

4.0 Information

4.1 Participatory Budgeting Working Group
This is a request for anyone interested in being part of a working group
looking at how the voluntary sector and other key stakeholders can take PB
forward in Manchester
What is participatory budgeting?
Participatory budgeting (PB) is a mechanism of local government, which
brings local communities closer to the decision-making process around the
public budget.
It is a flexible process, which has been implemented in varying forms across
cities of all sizes. It works to enhance participation in local democracy
whilst improving community cohesion and ensuring the delivery of
cost-effective local services.
Some of the proposed benefits of PB can be summarised as:

· Enhancement of participation in local decision-making, reducing the
so-called 'democratic deficit';

· A better focus on issues of social exclusion and neighbourhood renewal,
bringing clear benefits to the poorest neighbourhoods;

· Cost-efficient improvements in service delivery.

The proposed date for the 1st meeting is Tuesday 15th May 2007 @ Greenfish,
For more information and to confirm attendance please contact Francess Tagoe
mailto:fran@cn4m.net or 0161 234 2917

4.2 Commissioning Framework for Health and Wellbeing Survey
This survey is aimed at managers and directors of health and social care VCS
organisations. It is to find out which voluntary and community sector (VCS)
organisations deliver public services in Manchester and beyond, and the
benefits and barriers to doing so.
This is to prepare the ground for a consultation workshop taking place on
May 22nd. This will aim to give VCS organisations a chance to discuss the
new commissioning framework published by the Dept of Health as well as
commissioning more generally.
This is a link to a brief summary of the new commissioning framework (please
read prior to filling in the survey).
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/files/Commissioning%20Framework%20Summary.doc
To take the survey click here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=395713661820
To read more about the consultation workshop and book a place click the link
below:
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/184

5.0 Jobs

5.1 Environment Network for Manchester - Network Co-ordinator

3 days (22.5 hours) per week. £20,245 pro rata (£10.38/hour) Contract until
end of March 2008 (extension subject to funding)

We are looking for a highly motivated and proactive individual to provide
support to environmental groups and enable them to influence decision-making
in Manchester. The Environment Network for Manchester is a collective of
over one hundred groups which has been working to make Manchester a more
sustainable city for the past four years. The groups in the network are
involved in a wide range of activities, from conservation of parks and open
spaces, to recycling, composting, environmental education and sustainable
transport and energy. The network co-ordinator will provide groups with a
range of support services.

The ideal candidate will have experience of working with community groups,
promoting sustainable development and delivering grant funded projects.

You will be based at Bridge 5 Mill, Manchester's Centre for Sustainable
Living, and employed by Manchester Environmental Resource Centre initiative,
an independent charity.

25 days annual leave pro rata in addition to Bank and Statutory Holidays A
Time Off in Lieu system is operated. ½ hour paid lunch break per day.
The post is funded by the Safer Stronger Communities Fund

Application packs are available to download from
www.manchesterenvironment.net, 'Downloads' 'EN4M Network Co-ordinator Job
Pack' or go to
http://www.manchesterenvironment.net/downloads.php?section_id=19.
Alternatively call Jemma on 0161 273 1736 or mailto:sustainable@merci.org.uk
to receive a copy via mail or email.

Application deadline: Monday 14th May.
Interviews will be held on 25th May.

5.2 Moss Side and Hulme Community Development Trust Senior Administrator
Vacancy

Salary £17,500 per annum

We are looking for an enthusiastic, full time senior administrator for a
fixed term of one year.

We need a well organised person with a flexible attitude, to carry out a
wide range of administrative tasks, including financial administration and
supervision of staff.

Application by CV and covering letter.

Deadline for applications: 4 May 2007

For further details, please call in, phone or e-mail us at: Moss Side &
Hulme Community Development Trust
Windrush Millennium Centre, 70 Alexandra Road, Moss Side, Manchester, M16
7WD.

Tel: 0161 636 7500 mailto:info@mshcdt.co.uk

5.3 The Roby BME Development/Group Worker (male) Vacancy

NJC point 27: £21,588 pro rata (in 2006, increase pending) Part-time 0.5

The post holder will be responsible for initiating a South Asian Men's
activity-therapeutic group for elderly people from the BME community to
improve their capacity to identify their own health needs, address them
appropriately and improve well-being. The work is preventative and will
address issues relating to social exclusion, awareness of mental health
problems and access to statutory and community based health services.

The post is initially funded for one year through the POPP Programme
(Manchester's Partnership for Older People Projects). There is a research
element to the post that is linked to a National Evaluation of the quality
of life for Older Citizens.

Section 7(2) of the Sex Discrimination Act applies to this post.

Development and / or Group Work experience is essential. Community languages
Urdu and Punjabi are required.

Interview date: 23rd May 2007 from 9.30 am
Closing dates for applications15th May 2007 5.00 pm
Start date: as soon as possible

All enquiries for an application pack to: The Roby, Roby Church, Dickenson
Road, Longsight, Manchester, M13 ONG Telephone: 0161-257-2653
mailto:roby@mcr13.freeserve.co.uk

The Roby strives to be an equal opportunities employer positively
encouraging applications from all sections of the community.

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