All Sector News

DBS Manchester at the Gaddum Centre are to end the free DBS checking service currently being offered to referred organisations through Volunteer Centre Manchester. To date they have provided over a years’ worth of free DBS checks to qualifying organisations. However, due to funding coming to an end, they can no longer offer the free service.

From October 1, 2013, charges will be as follows:

Volunteer checks £10
Non-Volunteer £15 (plus DBS certificate charges)
ID check £10

The Manchester University Amp programme is a five year research programme focusing on Mental Health in the Black Minority Ethnic communities with a major focus on South Asian Communities

The findings of the programme have stressed the importance of working with strategic groups in bringing together the diverse local and national organisations who are essential in addressing the often complex needs of communities.

Mental Health is often seen as a taboo subject and not openly discussed by individuals, families or communities.

Edge Fund supports communities, campaign groups and activists struggling for social, economic and environmental justice, in particular they fund work that:
• Is run by and for people facing discrimination and injustice (due to their class, ability, gender, race, nationality, religion, sexuality, or other factors) who are actively working to challenge these injustices and to create just and healthy communities, and / or

There has been a great deal of publicity within the sector lately about the 'Lobbying Bill' and how it could affect the campaigning work of charities. In the run up to the Second Reading of the Bill the, Political and Constitutional Reform Committee of the House of Commons put out a call for evidence. I sent in the following email below.