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During the reorganisation of the NHS the responsibility for production of the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessments (PNAs) transferred to the Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWB) which are hosted by the local authorities.

Manchester HWB and local authority have produced their first draft of the PNA in collaboration with the Greater Manchester Commissioning Support Unit (CSU).
As part of the legislation the draft PNA must be available for local health partners to comment on the contents of the assessment before it is finalised and published.

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