Policy and Influence

With a general election now scheduled for 8 June, many charities will be wondering how they can engage with the public and politicians to raise awareness of their work and the issues that matter to them. Charlotte Ravenscroft explains what charities can, and can't, do over the coming weeks.

Radio 1 and 1Xtra Newsbeat is hosting a live discussion programme in Manchester on 6 June leading up to the general election. It’s an opportunity for young voters to explain how they’re feeling about the vote on 8 June.

You need to be aged 18 – 25 years old to take part in the live discussion. To express an interest in taking part, email: newsbeat@bbc.co.uk

The 90 minute programme will be broadcast on Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network. It’ll also be televised on BBC One and BBC News Channel.

Greater Manchester is on countdown to elect their first ever mayor. As the hustings come to a close, we can reflect on the pledges and views that have been shared by candidates to win votes on Thursday 4th May. To see some of the candidates in action, here are three short films made at the recent Older Peoples Greater Manchester Network event, featuring invited candidates: Sean Anstee, Conservative; Jane Brophy, Liberal Democrats; Andy Burnham, Labour; and Will Paterson, Green Party.

One in five adults have suffered mental health issues in the last five years, due to housing problems.

Shelter’s new report reveals that the mental health of millions of people in England has suffered in the last five years because of housing problems. As a result, many have sought help from their GPs.

This issue includes a report on the challenges posed by Greater Manchester’s unsupported temporary accommodation and its hidden homeless, GM Poverty Action examines the role of local employment charters and, as part of the Work and Wages series, take a look at whether sharing skills reduces inequality. There is also the usual list of forthcoming local events. 

Homeworkers Worldwide would like you to get in contact if through your organisation’s work - or wider community engagement - you are aware of anyone involved in garment and textile manufacturing in Greater Manchester.

Voluntary Sector Assembly
The next assembly will be in June. The main focus will be “State of the Sector” (see below).

Spirit of Manchester Awards
Nominations for this year’s awards are now open. Nominate your group/volunteer here: http://bit.ly/SpiritofMcr by 30 April.

The Politics Project's new free resources site designed to support teachers and youth workers to have conversations about political and social issues.

This issue, from Greater Manchester Poverty Action, includes a report on GMCVO’s hustings meeting with the Mayor candidates, in the work and wages series we also look at the Mayor’s post in relation to employment challenges in GM and GMPA report on the campaign fighting for the women whose pensions have been delayed, as well as the usual forthcoming local events.