April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month. For this edition of ‘Just One Thing’ Jessica sat down with Sam Palmer, CEO of Respect for All. Respect for All offers specialist counselling and group support services for autistic and/or learning disabled people and their families and carers who live in Greater Manchester. 

Learn from Sam on how to build a neuro-inclusive workforce, on the social model of disability and the common misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity.

Michaux Danzoll has written an informative article on the history of Earth Day and the importance of greenspace in our city of Manchester.

"April 22nd marks the celebration of Earth Day, a day honouring nature and raising awareness of the growing human-made threats our world faces, from climate change to biodiversity loss. The modern environmental movement began 55 years ago in response to the rise in air pollution and its impact on public health and nature, as twenty million students, workers, activists, and people passionate about preserving the environment poured onto streets across the U.S. demanding government action. As the issues impacting the natural world evolved, so has Earth Day."

We want to hear from you! Whether your organisation is actively involved in climate action or not, your insights will help map the sector’s challenges, support needs, and opportunities. Take just 5 minutes to complete our survey and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable future for Manchester’s communities.  

If you have any questions, please contact michaux@macc.org.uk 

April also marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

"April 2025 marks the official 24th anniversary of NSVRC's Sexual Assault Awareness Month — but did you know we can trace its history even longer?

Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence, it’s clear why: It’s impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it’s difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem, and they always have. From the civil rights movement to the founding of the first rape crisis centers to national legislation and beyond, the roots of SAAM run deep" 

Are you passionate about mental health, community wellbeing, or women’s safety? Do you have lived experience or belong to a voluntary, faith, or support group? Your voice is needed. 

The University of Manchester is recruiting four new members to their Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Advisory Panel to help shape two meaningful research studies: 

• The DAWSO Study: Developing a Standardised Workplace Safety Intervention for VCFSE organisations working with women affected by domestic abuse.
• The PsyLerg Study: Understanding how and the type of Psychological Support provided by Christian and Muslim congregations for Black (African & Caribbean) Women experiencing Breast Cancer.

What is involved? 

• Attend advisory meetings or workshops
• Offer feedback and insights based on your experience
• Help shape questions, tools, and ideas that reflect real community needs

What will you gain? 

• Recognition of your contributions
• Remuneration according to the guidance provided by the National Institute of Health Research
• The chance to be part of research that creates real change

Who can join? 

• Community members
• Faith leaders
• Survivors or carers
• VCFSE staff and volunteers
• Anyone with lived experience or insight

If you are interested, contact omolade.allen@manchester.ac.uk.

"As many families struggle with rising cost of living, more and more children are pulled into poverty. The appalling scale of poverty across the country is something our advisers witness every day. Stagnant wages and the sky-high cost of essentials have pushed many families into a negative budget, where their income fails to cover the cost of essential outgoings.

The government is due to release its Child Poverty strategy later this year, and the scale of the challenge is huge. If it succeeds, it could pull thousands of children out of poverty, allowing them to focus on their education and future. If it fails we face a future where many children's entire childhoods are unfairly restricted by poverty."

Date and time: 29 April 2025, 14:00 - 15:00

Venue: Online

The session will include:

• Considering neurodiversity: what it is and what it is not.
• Disclosure: do we need to know?
• Barriers: what causes any perceived barriers and how can we make changes?
• Accessibility: the dignity of the individual
• Questions and answers: a change to ask without judgement

Our next Community Explorers will be themed around housing in Manchester. We will be joined by Social Homes for Manchester and Manchester City Council to discuss social housing in Manchester and how we can work together to advocate for change and address the housing challenges faced by the communities your organisations support.

We will hear presentations from a panel, before a Q&A session and table discussions led by our speakers around the housing challenges participant organisations are addressing and the housing issues they feel the Social Homes for Manchester Coalition/Commission should be looking at.  

Date and time: 12th of May 10:00-13:00

Venue: St. Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

Macc invites you to continue the vital conversation around safeguarding support and practices in Manchester’s VCSE sector. 

Details

Our past events have helped participants identify key challenges, training needs, and gain a deeper understanding of the Manchester Safeguarding Partnership’s role. 

This third session will focus on Safeguarding Children and Young People, featuring guest speakers who are eager to listen, foster stronger relationships, and enhance communication channels for better collaboration with the VCSE sector. 

By the end of the event, we’ll identify clear, actionable steps and explore how these conversations can evolve to better serve the community. 

To get in touch:

Telephone information service: 0333 321 3021

• Support line open Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm
• Calls are charged at the same rate as a local call, whether made from a landline or mobile phone

Email: info@mcrcommunitycentral.org

Website: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org

Or get in touch directly with the Policy and Influence Team:

Zara: Policy and Influence Manager, zara@macc.org.uk – Health and Wellbeing Leaders Group, VCSE Representation, VCSE Strategy, Climate Action, Voluntary Sector Assembly

Josie: Policy and Influence Development Worker, josie@macc.org.uk – Inclusive Economy, Manchester Social Economy Alliance (MSEA), Real Living Wage, Greater Manchester Social Value Network (GMSV)

Milly: Policy and Influence Development Worker, Emily.mckinnell@macc.org.uk -  Sanctuary Seekers Community Response, Alternative Venues, Community Explorers

Anushka: Policy and Influence Development Worker, anushka@macc.org.uk –Family Hubs, Community Safety Partnership and P&I Newsletter

Jessica: Policy and Influence Trainee, jessica@macc.org.uk – Just One Thing, Climate Action, data and administrative support, social media and communications