North Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project A Approach to the Covid Crisis

Independent Evaluation Report February 2021 – Sarah Forster For individuals and their families Report Summary Enabled survival Improved physical health The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project is delivered Improved mental health by the North Manchester Partnership – a group of nine Addressed isolation community organisations. The project is funded for six months Increased access to education from August 2020 by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, which has been distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund. The partners are: Cheetham Hill Advice Impact of the Steps for Survival and Recovery in North Manchester Project Centre (lead partner); Abraham Moss Warriors, Communities for All, 4CT, New Testament Church of God, North Manchester Black Health Forum, Saheli, Trinity United Church and The Wai Yin Welcome Centre. All partners are delivering community For organisations For the community services in the North Manchester area for the project, except Enabled survival Built capacity of the local VCSE for 4CT who provide project management and administrative Built capacity Increased connections support. A variety of community support is provided including Enabled new Covid safe services Increased needs led Covid-safe services telephone befriending, provision of technical equipment, Retention of key skills online health & well-being activities, food provision, domestic abuse support, and advice services. ‘I am over 70 years old and am affairs, has accessed benefits for us shielding during these Covid and talked to utilities suppliers and my times. They call me every week or two employer. My stress has really reduced for a chat to see how I am and if there’s and my confidence in coping in the anything I need. I would be lost if they future has increased.’ A total of 507 people have been supported didn’t get in touch. It helps me to cope with the lockdown. You are lonely if 86% are from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Communities, you have no contact and you can’t go out. Because of the way they’re ‘The children were doing their at least 22% have a disability, helping I don’t feel so lonely or isolated. school work using paper copies Otherwise I would be ill.’ and my phone overheated every time they tried to use it for online lessons. at least 57% are unemployed, The family worker got us a laptop which has really helped with the school and at least 73% live with their families. ‘I have always been in work and work. And also with them being able provided for my family. Last year to carry on with their sports activities, we experienced a very traumatic event which they’re very good at. She’s and I became unable to work. I was in helped us with getting food parcels. a fragmented, broken place and unable She goes beyond the call of duty and to do the usual day to day things. The I’m not worrying as much.’ advisor has looked at my financial

2 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 3 Introduction

The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project is delivered by the North North Manchester Partnership has Manchester Partnership – a group of commissioned this independent nine community organisations who have evaluation to complement the evaluation come together as part of their response work it has done, and particularly to gain to supporting North Manchester during views from people in the community the Covid-19 pandemic. The project is who have been supported by the project. funded for six months from August 2020 The evaluation aims to: by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, government coronavirus response assess the achievements and funding which has been distributed by The impact of the project National Lottery Community Fund. The provide learning to guide the nine partners are: Cheetham Hill Advice development of services in the future Centre (lead partner) (CHAC); Abraham Moss Warriors, Communities for All, 4CT, This report gives details of the New Testament Church of God, North evaluation findings about the project Manchester Black Health Forum (NMBHF), and key issues for the future. It uses Saheli, Trinity United Church and The Wai the views of people in the community, Yin Welcome Centre. All partners are partners’ staff and a small number of delivering community services in the North external agencies to underpin these Manchester area for the project, except findings. It also gives a summary of for 4CT who provide project management each organisation and the services and administrative support. A variety of it has provided, with real examples community support is provided including to illustrate the work. All people telephone befriending, provision of have given permission to use their technical equipment, online health & well- quotations and stories. being activities, food provision, domestic Contents abuse support, and advice services.

Introduction 5 About North Manchester 6 How the North Manchester Partnership came about 7 About this evaluation 8 People supported by the Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 9 It’s like speaking with a Achievement: Impact of the Project 10 Achievement: Partnership working 20 member of my family Learning from the project 22 – having the same Future developments 23 language helps Conclusion 24 An overview of what the partnership delivered 25

4 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 5 How the North Manchester Partnership came about

Prior to the pandemic most of the partners interested organisations got involved in the were already connected in a variety of development of the project, resulting in ways including through membership of the seven partners agreeing to work together. North Manchester Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) Group and being Workshops were held to determine: who part of the annual Cheetham Cultural is at risk of Covid; how are they affected; Festival. But no formal joint working had what would people need; and what can taken place. The VCSE Group has been be provided. The diagram below illustrates in place for about two years and has the summary of the project development. focused on building better coordination As well as respecting partners existing and trust between VCSE organisations core work, staffing expertise and client and the health sector, facilitated by the groups, partners wanted: a central resource local Health Development Coordinator. for purchasing equipment for Covid-safe When the pandemic came, all partners working and items for residents – including had to quickly adjust service provision, as devices and access to wi-fi; and a joint well as adapt their finances. Cheetham fast response to challenge of fake news Hill Advice Centre (CHAC) had done this in the communities. The workshops to the extent that they felt their future also determined two additional needs – About North Manchester was not under immediate threat. When domestic abuse support services & training, The National Lottery Community Fund and project management to make the contacted CHAC about their Coronavirus partnership effective which none of the North Manchester extends from The Covid pandemic has exacerbated the Community Support Fund for existing partners had the capacity to do. This led to Manchester’s city centre to the city’s challenges for many residents. Manchester grant holders, they decided that they didn’t the inclusion of Saheli and 4CT as partners. northern boundary and is home to about has one of the highest cumulative totals want to take money out of the system Funding was allocated to partners according 86,000 residents. This project took place of Covid cases in the county. The number that other organisations might need. They to where staff were at risk and to meet in six of the nine City Council North wards: of cases in North Manchester is constantly took the idea of the Lottery funding to identified needs without the need to recruit. Higher , Charlestown, Moston, increasing. Some partners report high the North Manchester VCSE group and The total amount of funding is £99,432. , Cheetham and . These numbers of cases in their service user neighbourhoods face a mix of challenging groups and the population of the area is and inter-related economic, social and made up of those communities known to physical issues including; poor housing; be most impacted by the pandemic. Children Accesible Stuff for Stuff for high levels of poverty and deprivation; Wellbeing and Young information poor health; and many people struggling orgs people ‘It’s been very clearly highlighted People to manage on low wages, long working that lots of our North Manchester hours and low levels of job security. The communities are more adversely community is made up of long-term affected by Covid than the general Preventing Community residents, settled communities and people Older North Creative DV support population. That’s for a whole variety debt and cohesion from newly arrived communities. Cheetham People Manchester activities and training of reasons including the numbers of destitution is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods people in North Manchester in low in the UK with 44% of residents in the paid work or not in work at all, and ward being born outside the UK and many Virtual the diverse ethnic communities of Community Hot meals Family Redesigning residents being from Black, Asian Minority community Cheetham Hill & Crumpsall - some of support delivered support services Ethnic (BAME) communities. Here, for centre these groups might be excluded or find nearly half of residents (48%) English it more difficult to access services.’ is not their home language, with many Strategic Lead – Neighbourhoods needing help and translation to navigate North, bureaucratic systems and structures. Strength based Maximum impact Led by experience

6 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 7 People supported by the Steps for Survival and Recovery Project

August 1st 2020 to 31st Jan 2021

Total number of individuals receiving a service = 507

86% are from BAME Communities

At least 22% have a disability

At least 57% are unemployed About this evaluation At least 73% live with their families

The funding criteria for the Steps for The project has been collecting 62% are female Survival and Recovery Project did monitoring data for the outcomes not set outcomes or targets and has for individuals. The evaluation allowed the project to develop its own methodology was created to collect means of assessment. Partners have mainly qualitative data and provide agreed the following joint outcomes: people involved with the North Age group Ethnicity Household Manchester Partnership a way of contributing their experiences, For individuals in the community: perceptions and reflections. Covid-safe working has been used throughout. We are connected to family, friends or community The evaluation process has involved: We have access to support when it’s needed Zoom meetings with each of the nine partner organisations Our quality of life is improved Telephone interviews with For partner organisations: individual people who have received services – two per We are connected to other partner, using interpreters ■ 0-11 years ■ Asian/Asian British ■ Lives alone organisations, groups and where needed ■ 12-18 years ■ Black/African/Caribbean/Black British ■ Lives with family support services ■ 19-49 years ■ Chinese ■ Homeless Zoom evaluation workshop ■ 50-64 years ■ Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups ■ Unknown with all partners We are part of a support ■ 65+ years ■ White network of groups that can help ■ unknown ■ Other each other Telephone interviews with four external stakeholders of the ■ Unknown Our services have improved North Manchester Partnership

8 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 9 Achievement: Impact of the Project Outcome: We have access to support when it’s needed Outcomes for people in North Manchester 99% of people feel more supported; 74% by ‘a lot’

Partners have provided a broad range of ‘It’s like speaking with a member ‘I know the community now. If services to the people of North Manchester. ‘It’s bought a lot of communities of my family – having the same anyone needs help you’re there This has been an extremely challenging together. Everybody knows each language helps as my English is not for a chat.’ period, where people have lost incomes, other. And we’ve met people we would very good.’ Local resident faced ongoing restrictions – Manchester never have met otherwise and learnt Local resident has been in a partial or full lockdown about their lives.’ situation since the end of July 2020 – and Local resident ‘It’s immediate, direct, tangible and become isolated from friends, family and Evidence for this outcome includes: very necessary support available their usual everyday lives. The project People have engaged with a range on people’s doorsteps. Whether the has seen 507 individuals, and the vast ‘You are doing a fantastic job, telephone befriending service, having a majority of these are members of family not just for the children but for of different support services aimed at meeting community needs in an bike, food dropped off, or advice on the households. The project design is such that the parents and the wider community. phone. It’s also neighbourhood based, outcomes achieved are often for the family And at this time especially when there immediate, Covid-safe and direct way – advice services, outreach services, relevant and accessible.’ group, based on their overall needs. a lot of people that are vulnerable. 4CT You are reaching out and keeping online activities, and face to face The project’s outcomes have been well communications open.’ support where rules allow met. There were a very small number of Local resident Partners have referred people to other ‘People really appreciate that they people in the first quarter who felt they organisations in the partnership with are getting much needed help & hadn’t been helped, but by quarter two all knowledge that their needs will be met people had positive outcomes. support from local VCSE groups because ‘It’s not true that schools were People report learning about the the City Council or Government or NHS giving out laptops in the way it was partnership’s services through word couldn’t manage it.’ Outcome: We are connected to family, publicised. None of our families were of mouth and telling others in their Councillor for the Cheetham ward, friends or community offered them by school. Parents have networks about the services Manchester City Council been overjoyed to receive them from us’ 98% of people feel more connected, New Testament Church of God Partners have actively engaged in 68% by ‘a lot’ informing the community about their services through their own community ‘We did a lot of engagement due to high levels of Covid - about ‘We have helped vulnerable networks, through community Evidence for this outcome includes: behaviours and how to keep families people to manage through newsletters and statutory services safe. Without this kind of project there People have engaged in many activities the crisis. Covid is a scary thing and networks wouldn’t be the same kind of response which keep them connected – online it’s helped them to manage. Some Partners have engaged with people in a or people to signpost to.’ classes and events, WhatsApp groups, people are fearful to go out and we’ve range of community languages, either Strategic Lead – Neighbourhoods telephone befriending, and face to face educated them and helped to take the directly through staff or with interpreters. North, Manchester City Council activities when rules allow right measures to go out. Otherwise People have been directly connected they might stay in the house and panic. It’s really important in domestic to others in the community by partners violence situations to keep going out ‘I rang CHAC and they responded ‘I am in awe of this VCSE and successfully encouraged to make when needed.’ to me much more quickly than I partnership. I can trust the support calls between themselves Saheli expected, having not received a useful they give the residents of this area. It 9 smartphones, 18 laptops, 35 tablets service from a national organisation. helps all of us in the area to know this and 26 dongles have been given out by I live really close to the Centre and group is there - it gives us confidence.’ had no idea it was there – I had never Health Development Co-Ordinator – partners ‘We have found Covid-safe ways to needed help before.’ Cheetham & Crumpsall, Manchester People have been supported and trained in show people how to use devices.’ Local resident Local Care Organisation how to use technology, including devices, Abraham Moss Warriors smartphone apps and internet sites

10 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 11 Outcome: Our quality of life is improved 99% of people feel their life is improved, 76% by a lot What people have liked about services

Evidence for this outcome includes: ‘Call as much as you like. I don’t Practical help Help with money Laptops mind how many times you call it’s People reported a range of quality of good to talk. I look forward to your calls life improvements including feeling: it makes my day.’ Speaks my language more confident, happier, less stressed, Local resident It’s for children, parents and the wider community Support healthier, and enabled to be proactive 875 items of personal protective Exercise Reaching out Empathy ‘If this partnership wasn’t there, equipment (PPE) and 42 bicycles Explaining things Understand my situation and culture have been given out to people in the people would suffer really community badly. They are locked down in their Food parcels houses. Families couldn’t manage Keep in touch Services have successfully improved Haven’t needed to leave the house financial circumstances for clients – their children. It’s very stressful Someone to listen Good to talk through accessing benefits and grants, when you’re working from home and negotiating debt agreements and and children are at home and need Help with benefits managing. Unless you have support Hot meals reductions in payments Quick response Found unknown potential from somewhere else.’ Understanding People have received food parcels and Councillor for the Cheetham ward, Brought communities together hot meals when they could not afford to Manchester City Council buy food Calling me Cares for me Exercise challenge

People have engaged in many activities Talk to people ‘We are working with the NHS which keep them active and occupied Online activities around Covid and providing including: online classes and events, Keep children engaged information in community languages. WhatsApp groups, and face to face People are dying - we are helping activities when rules allow people to realise the seriousness.’ Communities for All

How people feel as a result Encouraged Better in myself Less lonely & isolated Less stressed Relieved Helps me cope Happy Hope Warm inside Connected Peace of mind Relaxed More active Inspiration Not worrying as much Confident

12 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 13 Outcomes for partners Outcome: We are part of a support Outcome: Our services have improved network of groups that can help All partners feel their services have each other The development of the North Manchester improved, 8 partners by ‘a lot’ Partnership in a time of crisis has enabled ‘In a crisis people tend to look All partners feel more part of a support partners to work together for the North inward because you’re struggling network, 6 partners by ‘a lot’ Manchester community and obtain funding to cope, and this helped us to look Evidence for this outcome includes: for services that may otherwise have been outward. Our service works better as Partners report learning from each lost. The project’s outcomes have been part of a complete system. So knowing Evidence for this outcome includes: other about service delivery well met. that system is there we haven’t had Partners report solving problems Partners have taken part in shared to worry about other things because together training, including some being other people are doing their jobs Outcome: We are connected Partners report being able to access delivered by a partner organisation, well and we’re doing our job well. It’s to other organisations, groups support with monitoring such as food hygiene and handling, functioning and better for us and our and support services first aid, Covid-safe working and clients in the community.’ Partners report being able to find domestic abuse awareness All partners feel more connected, CHAC support from each other 7 partners by ‘a lot’ Partners report being clearer about Some partners already had supportive current community needs ‘We’ve become a much closer relationships within the partnership and Partners report being less anxious Evidence for this outcome includes: community. We’re signposting rated this ‘a little’. about funding with a sense of having All partners have engaged in monthly to each other and are working together what was needed during the project more closely. Although Covid is terrible partnership meetings whenever possible ‘There’s been emotional support Partners received 5 devices, 3 Zoom this has been a good thing that’s come Partners report deepened trusting - we could have had decision accounts and 970 items of PPE to enable from it.’ relationships with each other overload and it’s been helpful to share them to deliver Covid-safe working The Wai Yin Welcome Centre those things.’ Partners report knowing more about Partners received 97 devices, CHAC each other’s services 1845 PPE items, 38 bikes and 21 ‘We have - a better training courses to enable them Some partners already had good understanding of what each to deliver Covid-safe working ‘At meetings I might discuss an relationships and rated this ‘a little’. other is doing; a shared passion and issue/problem and someone else commitment for our communities; will give me ideas or contacts.’ ‘We are better at recognising what expertise, strength, and the trust of the ‘Meeting new people and building New Testament Church of God families need - sometimes we community. We’re all based in heart of links is really important for giving have a preconceived idea and it’s not the community - and known.’ holistic support. Everyone has different those things, like food or other things. NMBHF services. I can signpost people to the ‘We’ve known the partners for Sometimes it’s just about connection.’ other services.’ a while and already have good New Testament Church of God Saheli relationships. This has solidified our relationships.’ Trinity United Church ‘We’ve become more focused on how we can improve what we do.’ The Wai Yin Welcome Centre ‘We are supporting each other In a crisis people tend which is important for our mental health. I want this to continue.’ ‘We’re now reaching so many to look inward because The Wai Yin Welcome Centre more people. We will keep this you’re struggling to new mix of services.’ cope, and this helped Abraham Moss Warriors us to look outward.

14 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 15 Additional outcome: We have influenced practice in the city

The individual partners have many cross sector relationships within the city (and for some beyond). The partnership has also jointly worked with local agencies.

Evidence for this outcome includes: Partners report working jointly with the NHS and Manchester City Council to challenge community myths about Covid. Partners pick these myths up early through their community knowledge, feed them in and are part of a coordinated response It’s brought a lot of Partners report other members of the North Manchester VCSE group learning communities together. from this partnership experience The Manchester Poverty Truth Everybody knows each Commission has used the project as a concrete example of listening to other. And we’ve met communities saying what they want ‘The sessions we are running and need people we would never would have died out. It’s given us 4CT are a pilot Test and Trace home more sustainability for the future and visiting service for the NHS and have met otherwise and been part of keeping our heads above are using the project’s translated water instead of drowning.’ information Communities for All learnt about their lives. Two partners – CHAC and Wai Yin - contributed to the Macc report ‘No ‘It has allowed us to build our Going Back’ - published in September capacity to reach more people. 2020 about the VCSE response to Covid. We’ve had a 35% increase in referrals CHAC report that funders have fed from the statutory sector of people back that it made them think differently who are isolated.’ about trusting grant holders to know NMBHF what their community would need

16 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 17 Findings about the impact of the project

For individuals and their families

Enabled Improved Improved Addressed Increased survival physical mental isolation access to health health education

Impact of the Steps for Survival and Recovery in North Manchester Project

For organisations For the community Enabled survival Built capacity of the local VCSE Built capacity Increased connections Enabled new Covid-safe services Increased needs led Covid-safe services ‘They have responded very ‘We’ve got closer connection Retention of key skills quickly to the demands of this to other groups. And to local time that have started to emerge. It’s businesses like Tesco’s, the post happened so seamlessly, so it hasn’t office and pharmacies - people now got onto people’s radar in the same recognise us more. We’ve got a deeper For individuals and their families: For organisations: way as it normally would when there’s a base into the community.’ Enabled survival through replacing Enabled survival through maintaining the need in a particular place. It’s been well The Wai Yin Welcome Centre incomes via the benefits system and expertise of staff within organisations managed.’ providing food and funding needed services Programme Lead - Our Manchester Funds, Manchester City Council ‘Some of the community can Improved physical health through Built capacity in organisations to see us working together. We’re engagement of people in exercise, recognise and communicate needs; and taking pride in working together to and through informing people about for smaller organisations to carry out ‘This funding has strengthened make this community better and Covid19 and challenging community monitoring processes relationships in a community that’s helping to sow the seeds of myths about Covid Enabled new services in response to the that needed it. People understand pride in the community that has been Improved mental health through harsh conditions of lockdown restrictions each other which can only be a good missing for a long time. The long term keeping people engaged in activities and thing for planning for the future.’ vision for most of the organisations with each other For the community: Health Development Co-Ordinator – is to stay grounded in the community Addressed isolation through keeping Built capacity of the local VCSE through Cheetham & Crumpsall, Manchester where they are and take the whole people in touch with services and with successful partnership working Local Care Organisation community further. It’s a long term process of change.’ each other Increased connections through building Trinity United Church Increased access to education by trusting networks and relationships for people and organisations ‘All of our projects have made a providing laptops and tablets to families difference to our communities. and by providing online learning support Increased availability of needs led Covid- When you put that together – in a short safe services time the difference that we’ve made is Retention of key skills in the area that probably quite immense.’ benefit the community Abraham Moss Warriors

18 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 19 Achievement: Partnership working Collaboration for the first time ‘I joined the organisation recently. The project has brought together a group In voluntary organisations of partners who knew each other but had I’ve been involved with previously there’s been that edge of ‘they’re the The pandemic has catalysed the Recognition of the coordinating role varying levels of trust. In a short time they have been enabled to work together and competition’. I’ve been taken aback development of this partnership for The understanding of the partners during deepen their relationships, such that they with how honest and open and for the North Manchester VCSE agencies. North the development phase of the need for are fully committed to continuing to work goodness of everyone they are. It’s a Manchester has long-established VCSE coordination has been critical. Finding an jointly on an ongoing basis. In normal really good example of how partnership agencies but has disproportionately fewer experienced partner to deliver this due to times, this kind of relationship building should work.’ VCSE groups than other parts of the city lack of capacity in other organisations was a takes more time to develop. CHAC and has had less investment to develop and particularly astute move. Frontline partners sustain the sector. This has led to a smaller have really valued having the freedom this amount of collaboration and joint working has given them to focus all their energy on ‘To be selfless in that way when ‘The freedom from the Lottery compared to other areas of the city. service delivery. you’re having to go through the to just get on with whatever we Partners unanimously view this as having situation yourself of adapting and being need to do is refreshing. It’s given us been a successful partnership. They have Project planning uncertain about what the future holds a greater sense of control. So we can found ways to work well together, despite The project was co-produced by partners is quite a remarkable thing. It’s a tricky immediately react without having to the restrictions of the pandemic, with and the development process – despite thing to balance. No-one has been in jump through a load of hoops. You’ve the project meetings being held online. A needing to be done quickly - was valued this situation before or knows what’s got be able to react immediately where few partners have never met face to face. for its inclusive approach, focused on coming around the corner, even funders problems need that – not in two weeks’ The elements of success are in line with community needs, and its selfless approach are uncertain about what the long term time.’ many known factors that determine good to the survival of people and organisations. funding situation is going to be.’ The Wai Yin Welcome Centre partnership working. That the partnership Programme Lead - Our Manchester has achieved this in a time of crisis and Delivery model Funds, Manchester City Council stress is all the more remarkable, and there ‘This partnership has looked at are some factors which are different from The mode of delivery, necessary to provide their own communities that they a quick response to the pandemic, has the norm. Key factors are: ‘The planning process was understand and has been able to hone been that each partner has provided incredible and intense. You had to in on that. And say - this is where they individual funded services according to Appropriate leadership think very carefully.’ can best help. I like that this funding existing expertise. This has been done has allowed that. There has been Leadership has been shared between New Testament Church of God without joint delivery but with an emphasis genuine trust given to the groups.’ CHAC as lead partner and 4CT in project on building connections and cross referrals Health Development Co-Ordinator – management. The style has been seen between partners, and having some Cheetham & Crumpsall, Manchester to be inclusive, supportive, fair and ‘It has brought us closer together. shared overarching project procedures and Local Care Organisation transparent. resources. Coordinated joint responses We have a united goal to improve have been made to community issues such the area we live in. In the past we’ve Trusting non-bureaucratic as challenging misinformation about Covid. competed for funding, and there’s been ‘I am always very keen on seeing funding approach The structure set up to deliver the project duplication or copying of activities. organisations working together has allowed regular contact between Now the competition has reduced.’ The funding for the project has allowed the rather than competing with each other partners. Monitoring and evaluation Abraham Moss Warriors project to be relatively self-determining for funding. And it is funding that systems have been straightforward and in its structure and outcomes. Trust has creates the competition.’ been given to the partnership to know the allow impact to be demonstrated. ‘We’re working well together Strategic Lead – Neighbourhoods needs of their community and decide how without problems or tensions. North, Manchester City Council best to meet these. Partners have been Everyone knows their role and included that might not usually be funded contributes. It’s like a well-oiled machine.’ by statutory sources – particularly faith Communities for All based groups. Monitoring requirements have been uncomplicated.

20 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 21 Learning from the project

The learning from the Steps for Survival and Recovery project is in three themes:

About services Value for Money How to work online and Covid-safe skills Relatively small levels of funding per What an individual organisation organisation can achieve a good impact can do differently (which may with VCSE organisations who are able to never have been previously work innovatively and quickly considered possible or desirable) Investment in local organisations will What partner organisations provide stay in the area and have an ongoing and how this can enhance an individual impact there partner’s service Future developments ‘They’ve got a broad range of About partnership skills, knowledge & expertise, and The future developments for the project and the North Manchester area were How to work collaboratively through organisations who work with different discussed in outline. The following themes and ideas were mentioned. building relationships and having the communities and at different levels right mechanisms in place. Appreciating and scales. They bring different things the trust and confidence this engenders. to the table. What’s good is a mixture Partnership Community development How to come together quickly to between organisations who bring Partners are committed to future joint Use the partnership’s shared respond to needs and/or opportunities structure, policy & process and others working. Developments could include: knowledge to influence others that arise and build a needs led project who are really in touch with what’s strategically needed right now because that’s what Future plan for this group to develop service users are telling us. And they and maybe involve others who Use learning to support other want to get rid of the bureaucracy and represent different parts of the organisations/residents groups get it done as quickly as possible.’ community in the community to develop Programme Lead - Our Manchester Respond to opportunities that Build capacity and sustainability Funds, Manchester City Council arise and involve whoever is best in the area placed - could be a range of different Develop parity for the area through groupings, depending on the needs greater investment. Build better to be addressed. infrastructure for the long term for Investigate other funding methods the benefit of local people such as social prescribing. Greater publicising of a project to ‘I want to see the future statutory services and the community, priorities coming from those including a joint day to day close to the ground rather than from programme – to celebrate and inform public services. If they’ve found a Recruitment focus on people with way to work together which takes community languages away much of the politics and the bureaucracy and it’s making a More established presence in more difference we need to hold on to that’ areas of North Manchester Programme Lead - Our Manchester Funds, Manchester City Council

22 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 23 An overview of what Conclusion the partnership The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project has involved nine grassroots community organisations with different strengths and expertise coming together for the first time in a formal partnership – the North Manchester Partnership. 507 individual people have delivered been supported with services also aiming to meet the wider family’s needs. Partners have delivered services and solutions that meet practical as well as financial, social and well-being needs.

The clear impact of the partnership’s work for this project has been managed in a has been demonstrated – for individual relatively non-bureaucratic way which has people and their families, for the partner trusted partners to know and respond to organisations and for the North Manchester community needs, and freed them to focus community. This has been a cost effective predominantly on service delivery. and informed response to local needs during the Covid pandemic, building on The priorities for the North Manchester assets already based within the North area in the future will continue to be to Manchester area. address inequalities and build sustainability. Themes emerging from both the work of The North Manchester Partnership this partnership and the national picture will has created a successful model for continue to underpin the approach of the VCSE partnership working in the North partners to addressing both preventative Manchester area, which has the potential and crisis needs, including focussing on to be taken forward in a variety of ways. mental health; financial stability; digital A critical factor for future partnership exclusion; and preventative health working in the area will continue to be programmes. project management capacity. Funding

24 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 25 Abraham Moss Warriors

Abraham Moss Warriors is a grassroots families have a tablet or smartphone and community charity, operating in the internet access. The Project Coordinator Cheetham Hill and Crumpsall areas. It was coordinates the online work, supported set up 20 years ago in response to the gang by six volunteers and providing 53 online culture in the area to keep young people activities per week. When not in lockdown, away from crime by playing football. It has face to face activities resume where evolved over the years and now provides possible, involving up to 40 volunteers. a range of sports activities to involve the whole family, as well as educational The online programme includes a daily support for children to learn key subjects - activity challenge, sports sessions, chess numeracy, literacy and science. club, debate club, arts & crafts clubs, cookery lessons, educational classes, The Steps for Survival and Recovery and bingo & quiz nights. 350 families are Project has enabled the organisation to engaging for three or more times a week – offer services online. They have also given more than prior to Covid. Families are 98% 13 bikes to families. The funding runs in from BAME community backgrounds from tandem with that from other sources, 49 nationalities, and about a third have including having provided 75 electronic experienced Covid-19 within the family. devices so that all the organisation’s

‘My two boys have become involved with Abraham Moss Warriors during lockdown. They have done a lot of online activities. And when the lockdown rules were relaxed, they were in the park doing cycling, rounders and football. They have been taught life skills, like cooking – what the utensils are and how to weigh – they can make scrambled eggs. My eldest is going to be a good cook now. They have had maths lessons – I didn’t have a clue how to help as the school is doing different techniques than I learnt. We have joined the quiz as a family. They have helped so much with keeping the kids engaged during lockdown rather than wasting time on TV and games. That also gives me more time for me and helps my mental health. ‘I have four children, and my younger two have been involved with Abraham Moss I am quite active and do the exercise challenge. The walking challenge has encouraged Warriors for quite a while. Since Covid, they have really helped to combat isolation. a lot of my friends to be more active. People keep in touch via a WhatsApp group and As soon as lockdown hit they put football sessions online and the boys and I took part. we can see how everyone is doing. What they do is brilliant. It’s a great inspiration for I’m a very closed person, staying in my closed bubble. They reached out to me and I’ve our community.’ got involved. I’d never played rounders or football in my life but I’ve been out in the park. Now my husband has also got involved. They gave my eldest son and my husband bikes and they go out together. It’s all boosted our family’s confidence. It’s good exercise and boosts mental health more than anything. We do more together now. I’ve lived here twenty years and never knew there was a park behind my house – I’ve started walking there for an hour every morning since I found my confidence. I have started to look out for myself which I’ve never done before. I feel so much better in myself that I’m doing some exercise. Since January 1st I’ve been doing their Pennine Challenge – to walk 268 miles in two months. Lots of people are joining in – it feels hard taking that first step but once you’ve done it you can carry on, and they’re very encouraging. It’s increased my social and my multi-cultural networks. They have helped me find potential I couldn’t see was there.

26 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 27 Cheetham Hill Advice Centre I have always been in work and provided for my family. My wife also works and we have been fortunate never to fall upon hard times until now. Last year we Cheetham Hill Advice Centre (CHAC) is time for them as a lead partner. They have experienced a very traumatic event and became unable to work. I was in a fragmented, an independent advice charity based in had overall project responsibility including broken place and unable to do the usual day to day things. The usual emotional support Cheetham Hill, serving the whole of the city for overarching delivery, due diligence and services I might have used have not been available due to Covid. We got into real financial of Manchester with the majority of people governance. difficulties. I contacted CHAC a couple of months ago. From the time of first contact all coming from North Manchester. SSRP has enabled the organisation to the way through, the empathy, the support, the understanding, the help from the advisor Advice is provided predominantly in increase capacity of their advice services and other staff has been absolutely amazing. The advisor has looked at my financial welfare benefits, housing, debt and level two days per week on the telephone, which affairs, on my behalf and with my permission. She has accessed benefits for us and talked one immigration. The service has always takes longer than face to face working. An to utilities suppliers and my employer. She has applied for funding for to replace our previously been provided face to face, experienced advisor from within the CHAC fridge and oven which have broken and given us a tablet for our children to help with their which has been an important element in team has been employed, and the service school work. I like to think of myself as a capable person but I couldn’t have done that at supporting people with understanding and is offered in a number of community the moment. My stress has really reduced due to the caring, professional support they resolving their problems. languages, using interpreters where have given. And my confidence in coping in the future has increased. needed. The clients have been different CHAC provide advice in ten languages from the usual CHAC clients and many directly during this project as well as in have not accessed the welfare system other languages via an interpreter. The before. They are predominantly from the majority of people who use the service are hospitality industry and also retail, catering, from Asian and Black communities. At least taxi drivers, and security; people who’ve one in five people are also Disabled and always managed to be self-sufficient and many are carers. for the first time don’t have enough money and don’t know the system or what to do. CHAC have taken the lead partner role There has also been an increase in the for the Steps for Survival and Recovery number of Chinese clients, who hadn’t Project (SSRP). They are experienced in used CHAC’s service in great numbers partnership working and this is the first previously.

‘I used to work in a Chinese restaurant. In late 2019, I had some health issues - I was in pain and had to stay at home. Then the pandemic came and the restaurant folded. I used to get sick pay from the restaurant and that stopped. Because of the virus I am not allowed to leave the house. My husband is still working at a take away and we have one son. CHAC told me about the benefits I am entitled to and helped me apply for them. I had surgery in August 2020 and needed a medical certificate for my benefits. I don’t understand how the benefits work and my English isn’t very good. The CHAC advisor explained things to me on the phone and did applications for me on the internet. She made the service work even though there is the pandemic. It’s been very good that I haven’t needed to leave the house as that is safer for me. She has been very patient and I’ve learnt how to do applications. Now I can fill in a form myself, then get the advisor to check it for me. I feel like the advisor cares for me and that I have support with everything. That gives me confidence and I feel warm inside.’

28 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 29 Communities for All

Communities for All is a community community cycling rides, gardening club organisation based in the same building (including delivering gardening packs as the Khizra Mosque in Cheetham Hill. It during lockdown), and a well-being café engages the community in health and well- when Covid rules allow (e.g. for up to being advice & sessions, a range of exercise six people). The engagement officer has sessions, youth clubs, elderly peoples coffee carried out befriending over the phone and mornings and gardening club. Communities helped identify individual needs. They have for All also provide food parcels through provided four laptops through the project donations made to the mosque. and have bikes available for people to loan. The funding runs in tandem with other The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project activities, such as providing food parcels has enabled the organisation to employ a and cultural food packs. part-time engagement officer and to offer some activities which would not otherwise Approximately a third of people supported have been funded. They have provided have experienced Covid-19 within the family.

I am a self-employed driving instructor but my work has completely gone dead since last March. Thankfully I have been able to get funding from the government so we are just about all right. I live with my wife and 11 year old daughter. We had an old laptop but it wasn’t working properly – and it’s very expensive to get another one. My daughter now has to do online learning and Communities for All have given us a laptop for that and she’s doing very well with her learning.

When someone calls, you feel like the world is still going on and like you are still connected to the world. You feel like you have someone behind you

I borrow a bike sometimes and go cycling with friends when we’re allowed. And I used I live at home with my parents and my siblings. I work and also look after my dad, to do other exercise with Communities for All like badminton. Its’s tough now to fill who has many health problems. We have managed fine at home but my sister, my time as we’re not allowed to do the activities we used to. I might go for a walk but who works for the NHS, had Covid and we all needed to isolate for two weeks. I am a on my own I only go for half an hour. It’s very hard. You’re sitting all day and night and member of the Communities for All cycling club and enjoy going out on the rides, and thinking and watching TV. Communities for All are good at calling people to keep in I go for the community walks mainly to different Manchester parks. It’s good to see touch. When someone calls, you feel like the world is still going on and like you are still nature, as well as talk to different people and it helps my health to ride every Sunday for connected to the world. You feel like you have someone behind you. an hour and a half. It depends on the weather and the Covid rules what we can do now. Since Covid started I have been helping Communities for All sort out the food parcels and deliver them to people’s doorsteps. The City Council identify the people we take them to. Last week, the cycling club went out in Cheetham Hill and delivered hats, gloves, blankets and food to homeless people sleeping rough. They were very happy to get these things. Communities for All have now started a cycling club for young people and have been putting exercises classes online. With Covid, people are sitting at home feeling stressed and not going out to meet family and friends. It’s good for them and their health to take part in exercise. They are motivating people which helps their mood.

30 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 31 New Testament Church of God

New Testament Church of God, Faith addressing anti-social behaviour during Tabernacle is in the centre of Cheetham lockdown, but this has not been the case. Hill and has been established in the area since 1971. The Church has a strong focus Family support has been offered across on social responsibility and has delivered North Manchester to 17 families, many of various projects over the years to support whom have come through word of mouth. the local community, such as holiday clubs, They have been helped with emotional coffee mornings, health days and fun support across the family as well as very days. In Cheetham Hill, they have played a practical issues such as providing laptops role in seeking to address gang culture by and tablets for children’s online learning, providing activities for children and young accessing food banks via referrals, people as a positive alternative by working writing letters of support, and referrals to in partnership with community groups, Cheetham Hill Advice Centre for help with organisations and statutory agencies. benefits. Needs differ and families may be seen once only, for three to four visits, The Steps for Survival and Recovery or more regularly. There has also been a Project has enabled the church to provide women’s drop-in provided online, which is a Family Support Worker one day a week. particularly important for women who are This is an experienced worker, who is well working part time and managing families – known in the local community, having run to have some time to access support and the church’s youth project. The church socialise with other women. expected there might be a need for

‘I have six children, five of them are school age, and I work part-time in a care home. I’ve known the family worker for a few years. I was doing ok but when my eldest child turned 18 and left education last year - during the pandemic - our tax credits were automatically reviewed and I was put onto Universal Credit. It was a big shock as I lost some of my entitlements, like Council Tax support. The family worker has helped with trying to address my financial issues, as my costs have gone up and I’m getting into debt. I’m on minimum wage and trying to show my kids the right way, like working. But I’m really struggling. I had Covid in the autumn and had severe headaches & feeling nauseous – I’m still not fully over it but have barely stopped working. The children were doing their school work using paper copies and my phone overheated every time they tried to use it for online lessons. The family worker got us I am originally from Western Africa and have lived in the Blakeley area for the a laptop which has really helped with the school work. And also with them being able past four years. I have two children and work part time as a care worker. When to carry on with their sports activities, which they’re very good at. She’s helped us with lockdown came, it was a difficult time. I was so worried about how to cope. Someone getting food parcels, and Christmas presents from Wood St Mission. She has helped at work told me to call the project and the family worker has helped me a lot. I have a with my peace of mind – I speak to her every week if not more. She’s like a god-send – smartphone but I didn’t have money to buy a laptop. She got one for my seven year old she goes beyond the call of duty and I’m not worrying as much. to access online learning. She helps me get food every two or three weeks. Now that the kids are at home all the time we need more food and sometimes we get short. She calls me regularly and it means so much to be able to talk things through with her. I can talk to her about anything. She has ears to listen to you even if she doesn’t do anything else. Every time we talk it really, really helps. She gives me hope.

32 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 33 North Manchester Black Health Forum (NMBHF) I’ve been coming to NMBHF for some time for learning sewing and other stuff. North Manchester Black Health Forum is on need. They have also linked people I live with my in laws as we can’t afford to buy a house, I have two children and a participant focused registered charity, together so that they can independently my son has learning needs. I have been looking for work for a long time but because working with the North Manchester call each other, and set up WhatsApp I have never worked I have no experience so no one will give me a job and I can’t have community, based in a multi-agency groups which use verbal as well as written experience because no one will give me a job – it is a vicious circle. NMBHF recognised centre in Cheetham Hill. It offers services messages, as not everyone in the groups more than I did that I have smartphone skills – I learnt my basic skills from a course for wellbeing, prevention and resilience has literacy skills. The Forum has also that the Job Centre sent me on and I quickly pick up new apps. When NMBHF offered including physical & mental health activities, addressed digital exclusion through training me a role training women in smartphone apps I was so shocked that I started to cry. chat & craft groups and casework. Services ten women to use smartphone apps. They I jumped at the chance. I knew some of the women already as we are from the same are open to the whole community - 150 have also given out 20 tablets to people community and I can speak their language. I was nervous at first in training them but people attend per week. 90% of participants who needed them. The funding runs in I find it easy to teach them. They had the phones but didn’t know how to use them. I are from BAME communities and 40% are tandem with that from other sources, love seeing women scream with joy when they know how to use apps and what they over 70 years old. including for providing culturally specific can do like setting reminders, using WhatsApp in different ways, emailing and zoom hot meals to 60 people. The Forum has learning. Now they are connected so don’t feel lonely and some are accessing online The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project also been instrumental in supporting courses like English. I enjoyed being part of a team which I have never experienced has enabled the organisation to offer the provision of Covid information to before. I feel much more confident and am comfortable in helping others. I have taken befriending services in English, Urdu and the community in the most common a Level 1 English course recently. My life has changed. Eventually I would like a bigger Punjabi. The well-being workers usually call languages - Urdu, Punjabi and Arabic. job and to buy our own house. people once or twice a week, depending

I am over 70 years old and am shielding during these Covid times. I have had my son living with me for a while as he is recovering from cancer. My grandchildren do the shopping for me but can’t come in - they leave it at the door. Before lockdown I used to go out and about and to sessions at NMBHF. I used to enjoy the socialising and having friends there. A few of us do keep in touch and call each other. Once a week NMBHF bring me a hot meal. It’s good and makes me happy – I look forward to it every week. I can’t wait for that day to come. And sometimes they bring me wordsearches and things that I like to do. NMBHF call me every week or two for a chat to see how I am and if there’s anything I need. I would be lost if they didn’t get in touch. It helps me to cope with the lockdown. You are lonely if you have no contact and you can’t go out, you miss going there. Because of the way they’re helping I don’t feel so lonely or isolated. Otherwise I would be ill. It’s good for you to know that you have got someone to ask if you need help – even though I haven’t needed to ask.

34 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 35 Saheli 4CT

Saheli provides confidential advice, with emotional and practical support with 4CT is a multi-purpose community Partners say: information and support services to domestic violence. The worker acts in the organisation and charitable company, Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic & Refugee same way as an Independent Domestic delivering services across the city and ‘It has been so helpful having 4CT (BAMER) women and their children in the Violence Advisor (IDVA) – to advocate with involving residents and volunteers in to provide project management. Manchester area who are experiencing statutory services like the police & social creating a better Manchester. They manage None of us had the capacity. It’s or fleeing domestic abuse and/or forced services - to help women feel safer. She has a number of community centres and been fantastic and taken all that hard marriages. Its services include a refuge, also done education about Covid issues - youth clubs in the city and support the work out and let all of us get on with outreach services to women in the giving information and personal protective development of a range of community delivering the services.’ community and group work. equipment, and sometimes dropped off projects. food. Initially the work is intense with a case The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project to sort out domestic abuse situations, and 4CT have taken on a project management/ ‘4CT have been a major player has enabled the organisation to offer a then becomes more of a regular check- coordinating role for the Steps for Survival in coordination and organising dedicated outreach service for two days in to give emotional support. 24 women and Recovery Project. They provide the monthly meetings and admin, per week to the North Manchester area. An have been supported through the project. administrative support, do collective as well as ordering items we need. experienced outreach worker from within Many of the women have not left their purchasing of equipment and oversee the That collective way of doing things the Saheli team has been employed, working family homes, due to being scared and also monitoring & evaluation of the project. As has worked brilliantly. I’m free to do mostly by telephone. The outreach worker because refuges are very difficult to access partners are at differing developmental the work. They have helped me be has provided women and their families during the pandemic. stages as organisations, they have also offered capacity building support to those disciplined about providing information who need it. These are unseen and much - the monitoring aspects have been I contacted Saheli because I was going through emotional abuse and coercive valued aspects of the project’s delivery. done along the way rather than at the behaviour from my ex-husband. Saheli have really helped me emotionally. As a end – it’s really effective.’ BAMER organisation they understand my situation and culture, and understand the mind games my husband has been paying and his manipulation. They helped me financially as well by getting a grant for household items. I also had an immigration issue and they ‘I’ve learnt a lot from 4CT, like arranged a free consultation for me for legal advice which was really useful. I am doing about monitoring, planning, some free online training courses with Saheli – team leading, retail and adult health. I am resources needed, and expenses - hoping to get a job after this. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and the courses precision. I didn’t notice it at the time, also help to distract me. The outreach worker continues to check up on me. I am scared as it was done very gently but it was my husband will try to take my child and they can reassure me about his safety. Whenever I there. Keeping you on track. It freed need to speak to Saheli or get advice they are there to help me and I feel relaxed or relieved.’ you up to get on and do the work you need to do.’

I have six children and moved to a new place in North Manchester, having fled from a domestic violence situation. It was a difficult time to move during the Covid crisis. The outreach worker helped me settle in to this new area, like registering with the GP and giving me information. They also helped me get school and nursery places for all of my children. My eldest child will be going to high school after lockdown – it’s about a 40 minute walk, and Saheli have given us a laptop and a bicycle which we really needed. I feel really good speaking to the outreach worker because she can speak Urdu and she understands my culture. Saheli means ‘friend’ in Urdu and they have shown me properly that they are friends. The whole team are very helpful and offer support. The outreach worker has also referred me to the local Sure Start centre who have visited me, and they will keep helping. I feel like Saheli treat me as if my issue is their issue and they try to resolve it as soon as possible to the best of their ability, so I always feel confident and good about contacting them.

36 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 37 Trinity United Church The Wai Yin Welcome Centre

The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project The Welcome Centre is a project of Wai services for nine hours per week. This has supported the Church to start its work Yin, one of the largest Chinese community runs alongside other funding sources to as a creative hub. It has delivered a creative organisations in the UK. Wai Yin provides give a total of about 20 opening hours writing pilot class during the late autumn a range of employment, education and per week. Many of the people they have and a ten week online Podcast course community services for Chinese men seen have become unemployed during the with nine participants. The podcast course and women and for other ethnic minority pandemic and many were on zero hours has attracted a range of people from the groups. The Welcome Centre, which is contracts, e.g. people from manufacturing, community (only some are from the Church situated in the centre of Cheetham Hill, restaurants and taxi drivers. People have congregation) and is a multi-faith group of provides a range of services for the local tried to manage without accessing benefits adults, two people have disabilities. Further community – such as English, IT, gardening, but then that has become necessary online courses are planned for the hub: a and arts and craft classes, Work Club, as they fall into debt. This has left them six week creative writing course, a family job search support, welfare advice, free getting penalised for Universal Credit craft course (including providing craft packs lunches and food parcel distribution to for not applying sooner. The Centre has for families) and Ukrainian dancing. Not all the most in need. The Centre is doing helped people with benefits applications, planned activities have taken part during the EU Settlement Scheme, holds virtual negotiating better payment terms with the life of the project. immigration clinics for the Home Office, utilities providers and applying for loans. and is a Citizens Advice Manchester virtual They provide Covid-safe facilities for people hub in Cheetham and Crumpsall. to access online services, as they can’t ‘I have been a volunteer presenter afford broadband at home. The Centre at a number of local radio stations The Steps for Survival and Recovery Project also provides 35 food parcels per week to for four years. I like to inform people has enabled the organisation to continue families in need, 10 are delivered to people. about community issues, for example to provide face to face community support They see 80 to 100 people per week. about hate crime, and about sources Trinity United Church, based in the heart of information. As a Jewish woman of Cheetham Hill has a fledgling creative who is partially sighted, I have come ‘I am from Lithuania where I worked as a cashier – I got paid very little, and quite programme for Cheetham Hill and across various issues I would like to talk enjoyed the work but didn’t get on with my boss. It was hard to live in the political Crumpsall. It has developed from the crafts about. I attended the podcast course environment there, being ruled by Russia. My childhood friend has lived in the UK for classes held in the church prior to Covid-19 as I am interested in doing podcasts a while, and was trying to persuade me to come over for a few years. I finally came which demonstrated how being engaged about health and also matters for the last January – just as Covid struck. I had no work and stayed with my friend. I used creatively with others builds mental Jewish community. I have learnt how to the savings I brought with me to buy food. I went first to a homeless charity and they health. The Church plans to set up a more structure and create podcasts and am found me a place to live but couldn’t help with my other needs. The Welcome Centre formalised organisation (8th Day Arts), now confident I’ll be able to do what helped me to set up a bank account and sort out my residency here – I now have acting as a creative hub and running a range I want to in the future. I also one day Leave to Remain for 5 years, which makes me feel secure. They also helped me get of workshops using local creative tutors. would like to have my own radio station.’ benefits, register with a GP, get self-employed status and they have given me food. I really wanted to find a job and the Welcome Centre have employed me as a Covid-19 Recovery Cleaner – cleaning screens, chairs and door handles after people have been using them. The number of hours has gradually increased and now I do four hours a day, five days a week. I speak very little English but every day I speak to people at the Centre and outside and it’s helping me learn. There are no other jobs around at the ‘I have already been producing my own sports podcasts, but without any training. moment but I am hopeful for the future that I will get more work and earn more money. Every week I do a different aspect. Someone told me about the course and I I enjoy my life and have more hope here even in these times. I’m glad that I escaped like thought it would be good to get more information and experience of how to do podcasts, a rat from a ship. Now everything is ok.’ from a professional’s angle. The course is intriguing and challenging as you learn about the technology and about formats for a podcast. I have also learnt how to use different channels to distribute a podcast, like a Facebook group, which I really wanted to know. I am interested in maybe doing podcasts as a self-employed person. The course has been very good, there are interesting characters in the group and we have fun.’

38 North Manchester Partnership Steps for Survival and Recovery Project 39 During the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic nine partners came together in North Manchester to design a community based response. This led to partnership working, resource sharing and collective action all informed by a real-time understanding of how the pandemic, the lockdown and economic strain was impacting on the diverse community in North Manchester.

The work outlined in this report was delivered by Abraham Moss Warriors, Cheetham Hill Advice Centre, Communities for All, New Testament Church of God, North Manchester Black Health Forum, Saheli, Wai Yin, 8th Day Arts / Trinity and 4CT. This work was made possible by Government funding from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.