Manchester Community Central weekly ebulletin
29 March 2021
 
Manchester Community Central
 
 
Coronavirus advice and resources
 
National day of reflection to mark one year since the first national lockdown
 

On 23 March we remembered all those people who have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19 and all those whose lives are still being affected by it. The Central Library flag flew at half-mast as we remembered those who have lost their lives. Manchester's iconic Central Library was also lit up yellow as we remembered the past year.

 

Beacon of Trees

beacon of trees

Tribute trees have been planted to honour those at the heart of the city’s pandemic. Oak trees have been planted in Manchester’s cemeteries to remember people who have died in the Covid-19 pandemic and those who have helped protect the city. The ‘beacon’ trees will be a lasting legacy that will live on for generations as a tribute.

 

Thank you to our NHS
We cannot forget the heroes of the NHS who continue to work tirelessly to provide care day in day out under the most immense pressure they have ever seen. Watch the thank you videos:
Greater Manchester Hospitals rise to the challenge of Covid-19
NHS thank you to the public
Thank you Greater Manchester NHS
NHS Bereavement service supporting people with knitted hearts for their loved ones  
 


 

Changes to restrictions from today
From Monday 29 March, the Stay at Home rule will be lifted. Where possible, you should continue to work from home and minimise the number of journeys you make. Holidays abroad will not be allowed. From this point you can gather with either 2 households or up to 6 people outdoors, and outdoor sports facilities will also reopen. Find out more about the changes here

 


 

Website resources

On our website you can find a range of resources and support aimed at local charities, community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises on issues relating to Covid-19, view our website resources here

These pages will be regularly updated and added to, if you have any resources or learning to share or if there is anything you think needs to be added, please email: [email protected]
 

 
Vaccinations and testing for Manchester VCSE sector frontline health and care staff against Covid-19

vaccinations and testing

Staff and volunteers in the voluntary community and social enterprise sector have played a major role in the community response to Covid-19. We want to make sure all workers who directly provide frontline support AND who are working with people clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 across the city can work safely and access Covid-19 vaccinations as soon as possible, wherever they work, whoever they work for, whether as an employee or as a volunteer.

 

Vaccinations
The scale of this is of course unlike any vaccination programme we have seen before so firstly we need to understand the numbers of people in the workforce who need to be vaccinated and of those, how many are at particular risk. Macc will send a daily update to the local NHS staff who are leading on the vaccination programme. This will ensure your organisation is on the list to be contacted as vaccines become available. As vaccination slots become available, you will be contacted by the vaccination team with further details.

 

Rapid Covid testing
Rapid Covid testing is available in Manchester for anyone who can’t work from home and whose organisation or employer doesn’t have an asymptomatic testing system in place. The move is preventative and is to test people who live or work in the city, who do not have symptoms – but could still spread the virus without knowing they have it. The testing uses lateral flow devices which involve a swab of the nose and throat – and can give a result within half an hour because it does not require sending off to a lab for analysis. If the person is negative they can continue to work, but must still follow all other safety measures like social distancing, hand-washing and face-coverings. But if the result is positive they must self-isolate immediately and the result will also feed into the NHS Test and Trace system.

 

Sign up your organisation here
 

Help us to get our online directory of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Manchester up to date

online directory

We want to make sure everyone has access to up to date information about the support available from local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) organisations in Manchester – and, for those wishing to help, how they can support the work of local community organisations to ensure nobody is left behind during these difficult times.
 
We have repurposed our
online directory as a free, open resource for pulling all this information together in one place so that local people, public sector partners and businesses can use it. Our directory is Manchester’s public record of VCSE organisations, containing basic information about who they are and what they do. We will expand this with much more detailed information about the support and services on offer, opening times, contact details and information about what organisations need, such as volunteer support or asks for donations and fundraising campaigns.
 
This means that individuals can find what is open and what kinds of support are available. It also helps us at Macc understand what organisations need and how we can support our amazing VCSE colleagues in their continuing response to Covid-19.
 

Update or register your organisation on our online directory here
 
If you have any questions please email Michelle at:
[email protected]

 

Be a hero from home!

be a hero from home

Our Hero From Home microsite offers information, guidance and practical resources on ways you can get involved in lots of different opportunities, events and activities from home. These pages include information about virtual volunteering opportunities that you can do from home, including our Online Advocate role which involves sharing messages of hope and help on social media to support voluntary organisations, charities and communities in Manchester. If you are a group or organisation and would like to add something to the Hero From Home microsite, please contact Volunteer Centre Manchester on 0161 830 4770 or email: [email protected]

 

Send a digital postcard: help us change perceptions of ageing

digital postcard 

Help us share these wonderful images of older people by sending a digital postcard.  Spread some positivity and help us change perceptions of ageing. Send your digital postcard here

 

News
 
funding
 
VCSE Covid Recovery Fund
 
Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, Manchester City Council, One Manchester and Young Manchester are investing over £1million in a new fund, to support voluntary and community sector organisations to work together to help to strengthen their support to people across the city. The VCSE Covid Recovery Fund will reach out across the city and fund voluntary sector organisations to come together and use a range of activities such as training with partners to support accessing new funding, leadership development support, and collaboration that supports the development of shared systems and peer to peer work all of which will reach and benefit residents and communities. More information about this fund and how voluntary sector organisations across the city can get involved will be available from next month and it will be open from May 2021.
Read more
 
 
 
arnold clark community fund
 
Arnold Clark Community Fund
 
Grants are available for UK registered charities and local community groups who need financial assistance due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are awarded by a monthly draw. At the end of each month, 500 applications will be granted. Applications that are unsuccessful one month will be kept in the draw for the following month. Up to £1,000 grants will be awarded through a draw. Registered and unregistered charities, as well as community groups including grassroots sports teams, can apply. Deadline: 31 May
Read more
 
 
gov.uk
 
The Restart Grant scheme
 
The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Grants will be available from 1 April but you can submit applications in advance. Eligible businesses in the non-essential retail sector may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000 from their local council.Eligible businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000 from their local council.
Read more
 
 
opportunity
 
Manchester Disabled People’s Engagement Panel
 
Applications are now open for individuals to join the new Manchester Disabled People’s Engagement Panel. Members of the panel will use their lived experience of disability to ensure that Manchester’s services and businesses do not create unexpected barriers to disabled people. It aims to be a ‘go-to’ group where key organisations from across public services and businesses in the city will come to get advice on being more inclusive. Applicants need to live or work in the city of Manchester. Also to either identify as a disabled person, or as having a long term health condition. Members will receive £65 for each monthly panel meeting they take part in and £40 for each monthly peer meeting attended. Deadline: 6 April
Read more
 
 
gm wellbeing toolkit
 
Greater Manchester Wellbeing Toolkit is now live
 
The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Toolkit for the health and care workforce and is an interactive online toolkit to help support you to be your best. The last twelve months have been really challenging for us all, and it is more important than ever that we all prioritise good wellbeing in everything we do. This toolkit provides support on keeping well physically, practically and psychologically, as well top tips on how you can support those around you and seek help for yourself or someone you know when it’s needed. You can digest the whole toolkit at once or skip to the sections that are relevant to you.
Read more
 
 
gmca
 
The Greater Manchester Strategy to tackle violence against women and girls
 
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has published proposals for a 'Gender Based Abuse Strategy: The Greater Manchester Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls'. In light of the tragic death of Sarah Everard and the urgency to address gender-based abuse, the public are being asked to provide their feedback on the Greater Manchester proposals to make sure it has sufficiently captured the right issues and how to address them before going to a full public consultation in May 2021. Deadline: 18 April.
Read more
 
 
tackling women's multiple disadvantage in GM
 
Tackling women’s multiple disadvantage in Greater Manchester
 
A new briefing by women’s rights charities highlights that over 60,000 women and girls in Manchester have experienced extensive violence and abuse in their lifetime. It calls for all local authorities in Greater Manchester to work together to ensure the most marginalised women are included and involved in its Covid-19 recovery plans. This briefing specifically focuses on women facing multiple disadvantage in Greater Manchester and makes recommendations aimed at decision makers to improve responses. It was funded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation of England and Wales and lots of Manchester-based VCSE organisations contributed to this.
Read more
 
 
answer cancer
 
Free online training sessions from Answer Cancer, the Greater Manchester Cancer Screening Engagement Programme
 
Cancer awareness saves lives. Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with Cancer. We know that the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the outcome for the people involved. Early detection saves lives. Cancer screening saves lives. Why not top up your knowledge and confidence so that you can help yourself, your family members, community leaders and staff. All sessions are fun, interactive, and informative.
Read more
 
 
lgbt centre
 
LGBT+ centre update – it's gold
 
At the end of February the scaffolding came down on the LGBT+ Centre to reveal the newly installed cladding – it's gold! With the cladding fitted, the Centre is a literal shining beacon for the LGBT+ community. The building is still on track to be finished by the summer and The Proud Trust are so excited for the moment they get to finally move in. The Centre will be a hub for a community cafe, youth groups, adult groups, staff and our new online help service. The Proud Trust still need to fit out the inside of the Centre, and want to make sure it looks as good inside as it does outside. Individuals can 'Buy a Brick' for £100 and organisations can buy a corporate brick for £1,000. Individuals and organisations will be thanked on a wall of thanks in the Centre, so donors will be able to come and see their name in the new building.
Read more
 
 
media trust
 
Media Trust’s Digital Spring School
 
Now more than ever, it is vital that charities embrace digital, and the myriad opportunities that it presents. As well as to future-proof operations. At this critical time, it’s so important that charities tell their story well, grow and engage their audiences online and mobilise them to take action and support their cause. Media Trust’s Digital Spring School is a free, three-week online programme where you’ll learn how to inspire, engage and mobilise your audience. Media Trust are partnering with digital and charity experts to provide specialist training and mentoring – helping you to supercharge your comms.
Read more
 
 
 
gmpa
 
GM Poverty Action newsletter 24 March 2021
 
The latest GM Poverty Action newsletter announces the appointment of four new non-executive directors to the GMPA board. Reflecting on the ‘Strengthening the role of local welfare provision’ report – GM Poverty Action consider what the next steps should be and share a report on the rising costs of childcare as providers struggle to remain sustainable. The Tameside Poverty Truth Commission invite local people to an information session to find out how they could get involved and there is a report on the GM Poverty Reference Group.
Read more

 

 

 
easyfundraising
 
easyfundraising - Ongoing funding for voluntary organisations
 
We are working with fundraising website easyfundraising to provide organisations in our region with a source of free funding. While traditional face to face fundraising is on hold, we think this offers a good online alternative and it’s free too. Find out how your organisation can benefit
Read more
 

 

 

    Events 


  > International Women's Month Festival

     31 March, 11am - 8pm, Online

 

  > We can't breathe: Gary Younge in conversation with
     Zubaida Haque about race, class and Covid

     31 March, 1.45 - 3.15, Online

 

  > Get Energy Smart

     7 April, 10am - 11am, Online

 

 

 

 

  > The Greater Manchester Mayor and the VCSE Sector – a hustings

     14 April, 12pm - 1.30pm, Online

 

  > GM BAME Network – Meet the funder event with The National Lottery Community Fund

     15 April, 11am - 12.30pm, Online

 

  > Get Grants Virtual Fundraisers Networking

     28 April, 1pm - 2pm, Online

 

  > GM Communities of Practice

     20 May, 9am - 12.30pm, Online

 

Search for more events here

 
   Training

> Free Shoosmiths webinar: Charity Trustees Legal Update

   21 April and 28 April, 10am - 10.30am, Online

> Free Beyond webinar: How to develop principles of
   safeguarding within digital development

   21 April, 2pm - 5pm, Online

> Free Macc and Ethical Property Foundation webinar:
   Everyday premises management in a Covid world

   22 April, 11am -12pm, Online

> Free Volunteer Centre Manchester webinar: Volunteers and
   the law

   23 April, 1pm - 3pm, Online

> Free Macc webinar: Beginners guide to social media

   29 April, 1pm - 2.30pm, Online

> Free Macc in partnership with Lasting Difference webinar:
   The Lasting Difference – Sustaining your charity:
   principles and practices

   12 May, 10am - 11am, Online

 

Search for more training opportunities here

 
Jobs

Jobs

> Support Worker at District Homes Housing Association

   Salary: £22,627 per annum | Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm | Deadline: 5 April, 12pm

> Winning Hearts and Minds Community Development Fieldworker at MCRactive

   Salary:  £22,627 per annum | Deadline: 6 April, 9am

> Social Workers (Caritas Schools’ Service) at Caritas Diocese of Salford

   Salary: SCP19-26, Qualification Bar at SCP24 | Hours: 3, 4 or 5 days per week | Deadline: 6 April, 10am

> Bank Counsellor (Caritas Schools’ Service) at Caritas Diocese of Salford

   Salary: £14.78 - £17.66 per hour | Hours: Bank staff | Deadline: 6 April, 10am

> Grants Administrator (maternity cover) at Salford CVS

   Salary: £20,493 per annum, pro-rata | Hours: 30 hours per week | Deadline: 6 April, 12pm

> Family Reunion and Parenting Project Administrator at Just Psychology CIC

   Salary: £20,500 per annum, pro rata | Hours: 24 hours per week | Deadline: 6 April

> Chief Executive at the Proud Trust

   Salary: £48,000 - £58,000 per annum | Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Deadline: 9 April, 12pm

> Practitioner and Trainer MiDASS at The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid)

   Salary: £24,868 per annum | Hours: 35 hours per week | Deadline: 9 April

> Education Assistant (Children’s Services) at Fortalice

   Salary: £10.52 per hour pro rata | Hours: 21 hours per week | Deadline: 11 April

> Caretaker at the Medaille Trust 

   Salary: £18,914 per annum, pro rata | Hours: 25 hours per week | Deadline: 12 April, 10am

> Trust and Grants Administrator at Henshaws

   Salary: £16,380 per annum | Hours: 35 hours per week | Deadline: 12 April

> Communications Lead at Gaddum

  Salary: £30,507 per annum, pro-rata | Hours: 17.5 hours per week | Deadline: 19 April, 12pm

> Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Gaddum

   Salary: £30,507 per annum, pro-rata | Hours: 17.5 hours per week | Deadline: 19 April, 12pm

> Development Coordinator at Made By Mortals

   Salary: Fee £1200 per month inclusive of VAT | Hours: 8 days per calendar month | Deadline: 23 April

 

Search for more job opportunities here

 

  Volunteering and Covid-19

 

Sign up to volunteer and help here

 

 

 

If you are a charity or community group which needs people to help sign up here

 

Search for funding on our FREE Funding Portal

Funding portal

In order to support the sector during these unprecedented times access to our Funding Portal is currently open to all VCSE organisations in the city of Manchester. Special thanks to IDOX for allowing us to offer this. If you need any help with using the funding portal please email us: [email protected]

 

Sign up to our mailing lists

Greater Manchester Older People’s Network – Membership is open to all older people living in Greater Manchester sign up here


Volunteer Coordinator’s newsletters – Email updates and newsletters relevant to those who manage, coordinate or work with volunteers in Manchester sign up here

 

Keep up to date with the latest news from us on Twitter

@McrCommCentral   @VolunteeringMcr    @PolicyVoiceMacc   

@GMOPN1    @hour_manchester   @SkillGivers    @MikeWildMacc

 

   Visit our website: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org 

> Information, factsheets and resources

> Online Directory of VCSE groups

> To sign up to become a member and much more

   Active Communities

The aim of the Greater Manchester Older People's Network is to inform and influence Greater Manchester strategies that affect older people. Membership is open to all older people living in Greater Manchester.

 

Skill Givers

The Skill Givers project has expanded and is now able to offer support to ALL voluntary groups, community groups, charities and social enterprises across Salford and Manchester. Over the next six months we will be focusing on trying to support the voluntary sector with adapting to the new ways of working that have had to be in place due to Covid-19. We want to know how employee volunteers can really make a difference to your organisation Get in touch and let us know! You can find out more and register for the project on the Skill Givers website or contact the Project Coordinator if you have any questions about how this may work for you organisation, tel: 0791 225 9255, email: [email protected]

 

Volunteer Centre Manchester provides information, support and training to Manchester residents who want to volunteer and to organisations who work with or involve volunteers.

   Group Development

The Capacity Building Team provides group development support to build the capacity and sustainability of Manchester's voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. This is available through bespoke, one-to-one support and our training and we co-ordinate a training calendar of other relevant training opportunities from across the city.

Click here for resources on starting a group, governance, funding factsheets, managing / taking on a building, policy templates, a directory of VCSE organisations and much more.

 

   Policy and Influence

The Policy and Influence Team promotes positive change in Manchester through bringing the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector together, enabling opportunities for constructive dialogue with the statutory and private sectors, encouraging creative solutions and informing the sector about policy and strategic developments.

Contact us

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: [email protected]

Web: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org

 
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