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As part of its role in supporting and advocating for Manchester’s social economy, Adrian Ashton and the Manchester Social Economy Alliance (MSEA) undertook a short research project at the end of 2025 with support from Manchester City Council’s Work & Skills Team.
A mixture of surveys and round table discussions found that social economy groups are usually more…
Michaux Danzoll wrote a policy article to bring light to the Manchester Climate Plan in line with the Global Call for Climate Action.
In November 2025, nearly 8,000 kilometres apart, two significant events in the fight against climate change took place. In Belém, Brazil, on the edge of the Amazon forest, delegates gathered for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the…
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For January’s Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Awareness day, for this month’s Just One Thing article, we spoke with Jillian Alexander, founder and CEO of Unbound Programme, a community interest company supporting survivors of modern slavery in Manchester. Jillian shared her passion…
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Across Greater Manchester and beyond, thousands of people living with HIV are supported every year by George House Trust, based round the corner from the Manchester Community Central Office, a charity that has been standing alongside and supporting those living with HIV since 1985.…
To mark the UN's 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, Ellie Eckersley and Anushka Swannell interviewed Jack McGeehan and Carolina Hinojosa's work as Project Coordinators for Salford Foundation’s Steps Programme. Below is the interview written by Ellie Eckersley.
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Interviewed and Written up by Ellie Eckersley
Each edition of the Policy Voice Newsletter features Just One Thing, spotlighting people who are making a difference in the sector. For this month’s article, we spoke with Dr. Iyabo Fatimilehin, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Just Psychology, to hear more about her journey, her passion for prevention, and her commitment to culturally…
Written by Zainab Hashmi-Saatar
World Mental Health Day, taking place on 10th October each year since 1992, is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, promoting the importance of good mental health and supporting people who are struggling with their mental health. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is 'access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies…
"In celebration of the diverse work across Manchester’s VCSE sector, each edition of the Policy Voice Newsletter features Just One Thing, spotlighting people who are making a difference in the sector.
For this month’s article, in honour of Disability Pride Month, Ellie Eckersley (Project Worker at Macc) spoke with Richard Currie to share his personal journey of disability advocacy, research…
In conversation with Leah Millthorne, Associate Director & Chief Economist at CLES and Manchester Social Economy Alliance Steering Group Member.
Q: What is CLES and why are you focused on public procurement? A: CLES is the Centre for Local Economic Strategies – a Manchester-based think and do tank and charity, working across the UK and Ireland. Since 1986, we've…
Countless evidence has shown the benefits of physical activity, sport and movement for our physical and mental health, social and community development, and even the economy – according to research done by Sport England in 2024, the annual social value of community sport and physical activity is £107.2 billion in England. But we don’t necessarily need to look to scientific or social studies to…
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To celebrate this month’s Refugee Week (16th-22nd June 2025) and Volunteer’s Week (2-8th June 2025), Emily McKinnell who leads on the VCSE Sanctuary Seekers Network for Macc, spoke to Rose, who has recently joined us as a Migrant Destitution Fund Project Worker. Linked to Rose’s story, we are also…
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To celebrate Refugee Week (16th-22nd June) and Pride month this June (2025), we wanted to shine a light on the intersectional experiences of people in the LGBTQI+ community seeking asylum. Milly McKinnell who leads on the GM Sanctuary Seekers Network for Macc, spoke to African Rainbow…