COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR MANCHESTER
EMAIL BULLETIN – 4th May 2007

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 Transport Pool - Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Transport Pool is on the 8th May, 1pm - 2:30pm,
GMPTE online, Piccadilly.

The planned is below:
Agenda
Welcomes and Introductions
Apologies
Minutes from previous meeting
Matters arising
Feedback from the Friends of Route meeting April 13th
Concessionary fare increase: Transport poverty, are you, or do you know
somebody struggling to pay bus fares?
TTP funds for voluntary and community group projects - The TTP has a pot of
money for VCS groups to bid for funds over the coming year, we have been
invited to help draw up the criteria, any suggestions? (for criteria not
projects)
Congestion charging; What improvements need to be made to public transport?
Any other business

For more information about the transport pool please contact Bill Harrop,
Transport Pool Convener Tel:0161 273 1736
mailto:transport@transportpool.co.uk www.transportpool.co.uk

2.0 Training

2.1 Get a taste of higher education with The Open University
Did you know that you can study a short Openings course with The Open
University for £99, or even for free if you are on certain benefits?
Studying an Openings course will give you the chance to try out Open
University supported study. You can work on your study skills, build up your
confidence, get a taste of your chosen subject and decide what you want to
study in the future. The time commitment is approximately 6-8 hours per
week. Courses are 20 weeks long, and start four times a year. The enrolment
deadline for courses starting in June 2007 is May 18th.
To find out more visit http://www.open.ac.uk/openings , or
mailto:R08-RCWP@open.ac.uk
If you are a Union member in Greater Manchester, you can claim a 50% fee
reduction for Openings or Short Courses through the Aimhigher Union Learning
Clubs until July 2007. Half price Openings and Short Courses would range
from £49.50 to £87.50. mailto:R08-RCWP@open.ac.uk for further information
and a registration pack.
In the North West The Open University is working in partnership with a range
of community and voluntary organisations to widen participation in higher
education. In Manchester we are focussing on Wythenshawe, but are interested
in hearing from organisations across the city which might want to support a
group of learners to study with us. To find out more, or be kept up to date
with developments in this area please email mailto:R08-RCWP@open.ac.uk or
phone Sarah Wilkinson on (0161) 998 7272

2.2 GMCVO Training
GMCVO are offering the following training courses during May and June 2007:

ASET National Award in Professional Development for Assessors
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/157
5 day course - 16th May to 18th June 2007
This course is for practising assessors and provides a nationally recognised
qualification.

Introduction to Sustainable Funding http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/151
5th June 2007
This one day workshop provides an overview of sustainable funding and the
options available to the voluntary and community sector. Delivered in
collaboration with NCVO.

ILM Introductory Certificate in First Line Management
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/153
7 day course - 5th June to 10th July 2007
This qualification provides an overview of the wide range of
responsibilities of the first line manager. Covering topics like time
management, team building and briefing skills as well as more strategic
topics such as budgets, supervision and planning change.

Drug Misuse (2 Day Course) http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/187
5th & 6th June 2007
This course is a comprehensive two day introduction to drug misuse and
includes motivational interviewing techniques.

Using an Outcomes Focus Approach http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/229
11th June & 9th July 2007
This course aims to equip you to introduce an outcomes focus within your own
organisation. Focusing on outcomes allows an organisation to concentrate on
its aims and to bring about the changes that will help achieve them.

Introduction to an Outcomes Focus Approach
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/230
12th June 2007
This half-day taster course aims to introduce organisations to the concept
of outcomes and the benefits of using an outcomes focus.

Dealing with Difficult and Aggressive Behaviour
http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/188
12th June 2007
This course looks at a number of areas, including what workers can do to
reduce difficult and aggressive behaviour and how to defuse incidents.

Working Effectively with Young People http://www.gmcvo.org.uk/?q=node/189
13th June 2007
Young people have an amazing capacity to respond to your support and make
changes. Increase the effectiveness of your communication skills to better
engage young people.

For further information on any GMCVO courses visit www.gmcvo.org.uk/training
or mailto:ben.warren@gmcvo.org.uk or call 0161 277 1019/1009

2.3 Hidden Talents?

Come to St John's and have a go at designing and painting your own work of
art in a relaxing and friendly environment.

You don't need any experience of painting or drawing. The artists will be
there to teach you everything you need to know. It's all FREE and you will
have a piece of artwork to take home at the end.

Wed 9th May 2007 with 6 follow up sessions 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm at St Johns
Church, Waterloo rd Cheetham Hill.

Contact Naomi on 0161 277 8846 for more info, or just turn up

2.4 'How to help voluntary and community organisations keep their staff (and
avoid employment tribunals)'
Does your work involve supporting groups with employment issues?

- Are you concerned that you are giving the best advice about current
employment law?
- Would you like to learn where organisations can get relevant guidance and
publications?
...there are still some places left on 'How to help voluntary and community
organisations keep their staff (and avoid employment tribunals)'
14th May - Manchester

This is a one-day courses from SKiLD and the Workforce Hub, and will be
really useful to development workers based in local infrastructure
organisations.
Cost is only £45 (including lunch and VAT) for voluntary and community
sector organisations.
To book - please contact May Johnson on 0114 289 3964 or
mailto:may.johnson@navca.org.uk
You can also find more information and a booking form at www.skild.org.uk

3.0 Events

3.1 Manchester's Service User Network for Homeless People
Come along and join us
Give homeless people a proper voice
Come along to our meeting - we need you!
Manchester's Service User Network for Homeless People are holding their
meeting at: Methodist Central Hall Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1
1JQ at 2:30pm on Tuesday 15th May 2007.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and travel expenses included. Further information
available from Angwen - Call me or text me on 07772582425 OR 0161-834-1661

3.2 Participatory Budgeting Evaluation Seminar
A workshop seminar has been organised to present the findings of the recent
evaluation of selected case studies of Participatory Budgeting in the UK.
The workshop seminar will take place on Monday 11th June at the Friends
Meeting House, Mount St Manchester, M2. Lunch will be served at 1.30pm and
the seminar will begin at 2 pm. At the seminar the results of the research
will be presented and their will be the opportunity to take part in a
discussion about the findings and receive a copy of the final report.
Please can you contact Kezia Lavan 0161 236 9321
mailto:kezia@participatorybudgeting.org.uk as soon as possible if you are
able to come to the seminar and any dietary or other special requirements
you have.

3.3 Manchester Residents Association Members Meeting

Tuesday 22nd May 2007 at Britannia Hotel, Portland Street Manchester from
11.00am till 1.00pm

Presentations
Transport - What are your views? Stuart Murray
Police Complaints Commission - How does it work? Elspeth Rogers
Mancunian Agreement - Dot Keller

Please come along and show your support, all welcome. Travel Expenses
reimbursed with valid receipt. Free Lunch provided


4.0 Information

4.1 Funding for Small Scale Regeneration Projects (UK)

Local community groups, community enterprises and registered charities that
address social and economic deprivation within specific geographic areas
such as a housing estate, neighbourhood or village may be eligible to apply
for grants of up to £5,000 through Comic Relief's Disadvantaged Communities
programme. The focus of the programme is on small scale local projects which
were started by local residents who came together to try to make their
community better.

This programme does not support work over a larger area, for example,
city-wide initiatives or across a whole town. To be eligible applicants need
to have a turnover of less than £150,000.

Applications can be made at any time..
http://www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/uk/application/dc-preview.php

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 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

4.3 Temporary & Permanent Desk Space Available in Central Manchester!
In response to the recent fire in the Northern Quarter, Ethical Property are
offering around 20 temporary desk spaces for affected groups in the
Greenfish Resource Centre on Oldham Street.
The desks are in an open plan office, allowing organisations to take as many
desks as they require. As well as the flexibility this gives, it enables us
to offer the desks at a much more reasonable rental, and encourages a
greater sense of sharing & co-operation between groups.
The rental cost of the desks is fully inclusive of rent; a full service
charge (covering utilities/waste/recycling/maintenance etc); a data charge
for broadband/phone line access, rates & VAT.
We can offer licenses on the space for a maximum of 2 months (until July
15th). After this date, there may be the possibility that there will be
desks available on a longer term contract, so if you are looking for a
permanent office, we may also be able to assist!
If the idea of this space interests you, please contact Janine on 01865
207813, or mailto:Janine@ethicalproperty.co.uk, who will be able to give you
more information and talk through the potential costs.

4.4 Review of NW community groups involved in tension monitoring
A project funded by Government Office North West is exploring the different
types of organisations whose work includes monitoring political, racial or
other forms of tension in the community at local or county-level. The
project is also interested in learning how the flow of information between
the community and the police could be improved to support the positive
impact of tension monitoring on common concerns such as community cohesion,
social inclusion and preventing terrorism.
Is your organisation already doing this? If not, do you want to contribute?
Do you have ideas to improve communication between the community and the
police?
If you have any information or ideas about this (or would simply like to
know more) please get in touch with Clare McGregor 01625 599 225 or 07903
502 455 mailto:clare@claremcgregor.co.uk

4.5 Ladybarn Community Association Coast to Coast Walk

Members of Ladybarn Community Association (charity no. 700038) are taking on
the Coast to Coast Walk (192 mile walk, starting in St Bees in Cumbria and
finishing in Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire) in July of this year to raise
money towards the continuation of their services and in celebration of their
20th Anniversary.

The Just Giving website is now set up which means people can donate on line
and, if you are a UK taxpayer, they can easily claim back gift aid, which
will make a massive difference to the total amount raised. The website
address is:

www.justgiving.com/ladybarn/supportus

4.6 Help MERCi to build an effective project and win a hamper of Fair Trade
and Eco goods worth £25!

MERCi, one of Manchester's leading sustainability organisations has been
successful in securing funds to develop a stage 2 BASIS Lottery bid
"Sustaining Change". The project will provide support for Voluntary and
Community organisations to become more engaged in the sustainability agenda
and help those wishing to move towards more sustainable income generation.

Our voice is important because we need you to tell us the problems and
opportunities you can see for engaging in this arena. We would appreciate it
if you could follow the link www.merci.org.uk/questionnaire.php to our
online questionnaire. All completed questionnaires received before 11th May
will be entered into a draw, and the winner will receive a hamper of Fair
Trade and Eco goods worth £25. If you would like any further information, or
are interested
in being considered for our flagship scheme, you can email Amanda at
mailto:amandaw@merci.org.uk

5.0 Jobs

5.1 Cheetham and Crumpsall Welcome Centre Volunteer Co-ordinator Vacancy

£13,777 per annum 21 per week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Fixed term contract until March 2010 (subject availability of funding).

The aim of the post is to develop CCWC's use of volunteers especially from
the local community, mainly by providing a continual programme of
recruitment, selection, training and supervision of volunteers.

For an application pack please: ring the office on 0161 795- 7139 or ring
Teamirat Seyoum on 07983981762, alternatively, please email Nick Hunter on
mailto:n.hunter@manchester.gov.uk

5.2 'Sustainable Schools Network Co-ordinator'
35 hours per week Fixed Term Contract to March 2008 Salary: £24,296 pro rata

Manchester Development Education Project (DEP) is an educational charity in
the north west of England. DEP promotes development education working with
partners locally, nationally and across the globe. We provide consultancy,
INSETs, advice and resources for schools, educators, youth workers and
others.

The main aims of the post will be to:
Establish and expand a Regional Network for Sustainable Schools
Promote the '8 Doorways' contained in the Sustainable Schools approach and
the achievement of Every Child Matters through engagement in Sustainable
Schools
Promote Sustainable Schools to both the schools and wider audiences in the
North West
Co-ordinate activities on Sustainable Schools around the North West
Achieve a sustainable Action Plan to ensure continuation of Sustainable
Schools in the Region
Promote the UNESCO Decade for Education for Sustainable Development

Please contact Clive Belgeonne on 0161 921 8020 for an application pack or
email mailto:info@dep.org.uk for an electronic copy.

Closing date: Friday May 11th 2007.
Interviews will be held on Friday May 25th 2007.

5.3 Volunteers wanted to Advise Police on Race Issues

The Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), the governing body for
Greater Manchester Police (GMP), wants to recruit new members to a
county-wide independent advisory group (IAG) on race issues which has been
operating for just over a year.

The advisors will meet at least six times a year on a voluntary basis to
look at race issues relating to policing and must either live or work in
Greater Manchester.

The purpose of the IAG is to assess and evaluate the work of Greater
Manchester Police (GMP) in relation to race issues. The independent advisors
are not employed by the Police Authority. This ensures fairness and
neutrality in the work that is carried out, as well as impartial and
constructive critical advice.

To apply to become a member of the Race Independent Advisory Group click on
www.gmpa.gov.uk or call 0161 793 3127 for an application pack. The closing
date for applications is 30 May 2007.

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.