Sector News

Local government in England is going through one of its biggest periods of change in a generation. Through devolution and local government reorganisation, new decision-making structures are emerging that will shape how services are designed, funded and delivered in communities.

To help organisations navigate these changes, NAVCA and ACRE have launched a new website, bringing together practical resources for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, local authorities, strategic authorities and rural community support organisations.

Across the UK, communities are already doing incredible things to support one another every day – from running youth groups and staffing food banks to hosting local events and neighbourhood initiatives.

From 13 – 20 May, A Million Acts of Hope is bringing these everyday acts together – showing that care, connection and community are stronger than the divisions that often dominate the headlines.

The Community Hub is now live, offering ideas, resources and simple ways for community groups to take part.

Groups can:

Action Tutoring have charity spaces available to complete the Manchester 10k run or half marathon on 31st May 2026 and you can support young people facing disadvantage.

Entry donation: £20 
Fundraising target: £200

Entry donation: £30
Fundraising target: £300

Secure one the spots by emailing: sarah.chandler@actiontutoring.org.uk 

Lingua GM have launched a Listening Line supporting the Farsi-speaking community in Greater Manchester / Northwest region. 
Are you feeling overwhelmed or alone? 

From the current global conflict in Iran to simple challenges in life Lingua GM can help you get through it. 

Phone / WhatsApp / Text 0734 096 3753 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am-8pm and Sundays 10am-6pm. 

The survey wants to know how (and if) your organisation is embracing digital. This encompasses digital tools, technology and AI. Embracing digital is about the skills, strategy, leadership, governance, funding and investment you are developing, in order to use online tools, technology and AI effectively. This also includes your efforts to put people at the heart of your services and operations.

Use this survey to help you and your team

Action for Conservation’s (AFC) Summer Camps are a chance for young people to spend five all-inclusive days exploring and experiencing the outdoors, taking action for nature and making friends for life. The camps are open to young people aged 12-16 who are living in England or Wales.

AFC mission is to bring the magic of nature into young people’s lives, inspiring a youth movement committed to conservation and to the earth. AFC work with 12 to 24-year-olds across the UK, empowering and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

On Thursday 7 May 2026, local elections will take place across Manchester. At these elections, you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including passports, driving licences, and cards with a PASS Mark.

If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Apply by 5pm on 28 April 2026.

The 2026 AI Playbook for Charities is now available to access for free. The playbook has been developed by Make Sense Of It, a specialist agency supporting charities and nonprofits to implement AI in ways that align with their missions and values. 

Communities across Greater Manchester are achieving extraordinary change despite the odds stacked against them. The Museum of Community Futures, presented by We’re Right Here and the GM Live Well as part of the Live Well Spring Festival, was exhibited at Factory International during March 2026. It can now be viewed online.

A participatory worker inquiry is being launched in Greater Manchester and this is an invitation for people to become part of the inquiry panel, which will be formed from a small group of people with experience of insecure work. This panel will work together to develop ideas for addressing issues relating to insecure work. The inquiry is independent and collaborative, and is being coordinated by Dr Ceri Hughes at the University of Manchester.