What’s On’ South Newsletter ‘ March 2021 Compiled by the
Community Inclusion Service
What’s On Community Meeting: cancelled until further notice
World Book Day: changing lives through a love of books and
shared reading
World Book Day’s mission is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.
Thanks to National Book Tokens and lots of lovely book publishers and booksellers, World Book Day, in partnership with schools all over the country, distribute over 15 million £1 World Book Day book tokens to children and young people (that’s almost one for every child/young person under 18 in the UK and Ireland) every year on World Book Day.
The £1 book tokens can then be swapped for one of our exclusive, new and completely FREE World Book Day books available from participating booksellers or used to get £1 off any full price book or audiobook instead (as long as the book or audiobook costs at least £2.99 The World Book Day £1 books are a gift from booksellers, who fully fund the cost of the £1 book token redemptions. The £1
books are also available in braille, large print & audio via Guide Dogs and RNIB.
World Book Day book tokens will be valid until Sunday 28 March 2021.
In 2021 participating booksellers will honour the tokens beyond the 28 March while stocks last. Please contact your local bookseller to check if they are able to offer £1 off other titles. All school pupils in England will return to class from March 8. The return of students in secondary schools and colleges could be staggered due to the logistics of mass testing.
Boris Johnson confirmed the easing of lockdown restrictions as part of a gradual roadmap for reopening that will see Covid-19 restrictions eased over four steps spread across at least four months.
Mr Johnson told MPs on Feb 22: "All the evidence shows that classrooms are the best places for our young people to be and that's why I've always said that schools would be the last to close and the first to reopen."
Breakfast and after-school clubs can also reopen, and other children's activities including sport can restart "where necessary to help parents to work".
Families and childcare bubbles will be encouraged to get tested regularly.
Mr Johnson has also announced a multimillion-pound catch-up programme for children in England who have faced disruption due to Covid-19.
The news comes as the Department for Education (DfE) announced that summer exams will be voluntary and that the exam boards will set a number of questions in each subject for teachers to use for internal assessments if they wish.
The Education Secretary also confirmed on Feb 25 that face coverings will be worn in secondary school classrooms, stating that it is "a temporary measure" that will be "replaced at Easter".
Important information for people over 70 who have not yet been vaccinated.
If you or someone you know is over 70 years old and hasn’t had their Covid Vaccination yet it’s really important that you contact your GP. There are a number of people in these groups who have not yet had their vaccination and it’s vital that they do. The NHS want to make sure that they do not leave anyone out as they begin to vaccination other groups of people. It’s not too late for people over 70 or health and social care workers to be vaccinated. Some people have not yet had an invitation because their contact details are not up to date at their GP practices. This means that letters, text messages and phone calls have been left unanswered. Please call your GP practice as soon as possible if you are over 70 and you have not received an invitation for your vaccination. If you know a friend, family member or neighbour is over 70 and they haven’t yet had their Covid vaccination then please encourage and help them to do so. Even if you fall outside of these groups of people and you have moved address or changed telephone number and have not updated your details please get in contact with your GP asap. It’s important that they are able to get in touch with you in the future when it is your turn to be vaccinated.
Every Mind Matters | One You - The NHS website - NHS https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Feeling stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep? Every Mind Matters and One You can help with expert advice and practical tips. Start the fightback to a healthier you today.
Looking after your wellbeing during the pandemic We understand that you may be feeling worried or concerned. You are not on your own – we are all in this together.
Try to avoid speculation and look up reputable sources on the outbreak Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control. Check GOV.UK and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Things you can do to look after your Wellbeing:- Physical & Mental Wellbeing
• Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of coronavirus. We know that it is tempting to keep on checking the news or social media but a lot of coverage isn't correct, or becomes quickly out of date.
• Try and get just a little daily exercise. A walk outside for 5 minutes is better than nothing.
• Make time to unwind and remind yourself this is situation temporary. Like everything there is a beginning, middle and end. We are at the beginning and this is where a lot of uncertainty lies. We are all feeling very uncertain at the moment. This will pass.
• Connect with others and share your concerns and how you are feeling with friends, family members and colleagues. We are more than likely all feeling the same. Use technology like FaceTime or Skype to connect with others. Seeing a face when communicating makes all of the difference.
• Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking. Everyone is currently feeling anxious and worried. This is normal in these times. Try to watch your thoughts and notice when you may be moving into negative thinking.
MIND and the Mental Health Foundation have a wealth of information and links on their website https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and- yourwellbeing/ https://mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus Try to avoid speculation and look up reputable sources on the outbreak
Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control. Check GOV.UK and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
If you are feeling anxious If you have panic attacks or flashbacks, it might help to plan a 'safe space' in your home that you'll go to. You can also find ways to comfort yourself if you're feeling anxious. For example, there are games and puzzles you can use to distract yourself, and breathing exercises which may help. Living with anxiety can be very difficult but there are steps you can take which may help.
Here are some useful links https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/how-can-i-distract- myself/games-and-puzzles/ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health- problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/self-care-for-anxiety/
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has more information on how to cope if you're feeling anxious about coronavirus.
For more detailed information on looking after your wellbeing please see https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus- and-your-wellbeing
Find ways to spend your time
Try having a clear out. You could sort through your possessions and put them away tidily, or have a spring clean. You could set any old possessions aside to donate to a cause you care about, or use online selling sites to pass on things you don’t want to keep. If you do sell anything online, you might want to delay your delivery dates until you can leave the house to send your parcels. •You could also have a digital clear out. Delete any old files and apps you don’t use, upgrade your software, update all your passwords or clear out your inboxes. •Write letters or emails, or make phone calls with people you’ve been meaning to catch up with. •Do any admin tasks that you haven't got around to Maybe take up a new hobby, often in our busy lives we don’t find time to learn something new. Is there anything that you have always wanted to learn and could do so now using online resources? You could learn to speak a new language, play an instrument or learn to knit/crochet. You could try out that new recipe and get ready for MasterChef! You could spend time developing your existing skills such as painting, drawing, writing and cooking or read that book you have had for ages and not got around to yet.
Finding ways to relax, take notice and be creative are important Here are just a few ideas: arts and crafts, such as drawing, painting, collage, sewing, craft kits or upcycling , DIY, colouring, mindfulness, playing musical instruments, singing or listening to music, writing, yoga, meditation. See https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday- living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/ for some ideas on how to relax 10
See https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and- treatments/mindfulness/about-mindfulness/ for more information and ideas of mindfulness.
Wellbeing is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.” However, it is important to realise that wellbeing is a much broader concept than moment-to-moment happiness. While it does include happiness, it also includes other things, such as how satisfied people are with their life a whole, their sense of purpose, and how in control they feel. There are five ways to wellbeing, Connect, Be active, keep learning, give and take notice, here are some ideas of things you can do these while self-isolating. free skills for life programme via https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow/ learning how to master the basics of social media and internet free courses https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/free
Future Learn Learn 100% online with world-class universities and industry experts…For FREE! 100s of courses…Develop your career, learn a new skill, or pursue your hobbies with flexible online courses. https://www.futurelearn.com
Talk English Manchester If you live in Manchester and want to learn English or help other people to, please get in touch. Courses are free. Email: Kate Lloyd and Lisa Robinson, Manchester Coordinators talk.englishmcr@man- adulted.org.uk
Free MOOCs (Massive open online courses) Our massive open online courses – or MOOCs – bring The University of Manchester's teaching to a global audience. All you need to undertake a MOOC is an Internet connection! Unlike other courses they are free of charge and a typical MOOC lasts six to eight weeks. At the end you may choose to receive a certificate of completion for a small fee. Your study on a MOOC takes place entirely online, through videos, discussions, quizzes, and reading and research activities. https://www.mooc.org Mencap Learning Courses Mencap are launching an online programme for adults with learning disabilities in Greater Manchester. Offering a 10-week programme of group workshops and 121 session. To enable you to build on your skills and help you reach your potential. For more information contact 07960779734 or email Eleanore Banton (caseworker) [email protected]
Vision2Learn Online Courses They offer a wide range of courses which are nationally accredited and delivered in partnership with a further education college in England. They are all funded by the UK Government, so if you are eligible you can study for free! https://www.vision2learn.com
Manchester libraries have a page with links to a range of resources. Find out how to download books and audio books, comics and e-magazines. You can also get free courses and tutorials (Manchester Libraries) as well as an online learning package offering 100+ language courses free skills for life programme via https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow/ learning how to master the basics of social media and internet National
Online Courses and Training Open Learn (From the Open University) Open Learn has nearly 1000 free courses, between 1 to 24+ hours long, and lots of different topics.
Learn Digital Art School - Hospital Rooms The hospital rooms are free and open to anyone using mental health services and the general public. Hospital rooms have collaborated with acclaimed artists to provide art workshops remotely from their studios and homes. The workshops take place on Thursday. You can also watch summer highlights here and access the workshops https://www.youtube.com https://hospital-rooms.com/digital-art- schoolLearn
The Manchester Museum Manchester Museum have uploaded their digital content onto their website, to enable you to explore and enjoy the museum in your own home. https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk
Imperial War Museum Learn with Imperial War Museum every Wednesday are hosting a 2pm show ‘Adventures in History’. Hear museum experts telling their favourite stories and interesting facts! Drawing inspiration from the national curriculum, these new videos will help viewers explore a wide range of interesting subjects - https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north
Royal Horticultural Society RHS have launched ‘Grow at home’ encouraging people to do some gardening during lockdown. RHS will be sharing advice to help you get growing with grow at home over the coming weeks and months… https://www.rhs.org.uk/press/releases/RHS-Launches-Grow-atHome
Real Food Wythenshawe On-line cooking tutorial every Tuesday at 11 AM. On facebook: #TastyTuesday www.facebook.com/realfoodwythenshawe
St John's Centre Online Wellbeing Courses Our friends at Trafford College have a range of online wellbeing courses to keep your mind and body active during lockdown. There's something for everyone, and courses are free if you are on means tested benefits or a low income (less than £18,135 per year). You can choose from:
• Essential Digital Skills (FREE to all learners) • Support Your Child Online • COVID-19 Awareness (including Vaccine Myth-Busting) • Promoting Good Health During Lockdown (can be delivered in English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati and Punjabi) • Wellbeing • Confidence Building • Assertiveness • Introduction to Interior Design • Family Budgeting • Introduction to Setting Up Your Own Business
For more details of all of these courses, please email [email protected] or call Sandra McLennon on 07944933959.
One Manchester - Skills Support for Growth For 15 to 20 year olds in Manchester, who are not in employment, education or training. You will get tailored support specific to your individual needs, abilities and aspirations. The aim of the programme is to you back into education, training or employment, helping whilst also working with you to improve and nurture your motivation and confidence. You will be supported to upskill, gain valuable and exciting work experience as well as open doors for you, that may become the starting point for your dream career. Support includes: · 121 tailored advice and guidance and employment support · High quality work experience opportunities in various sectors · Accredited training linked to your aspirations · Access to functional skills support in maths and English · Activities that develop confidence and skills · Interview and Pre for Work skills · Support to make the transition to mainstream education/ employment easier. Drop Amber an email [email protected] a text or phone call to 07884 747 164 to sign up for the SSG programme.
M-EET Your Match A new website with opportunities for young people 16 to 24, who are not in education, employment or training. M-EET Your Match lists volunteering opportunities, educational courses, work placements, life and employment skills courses, and Level 2 apprenticeships for young people age 16 to 24 in Manchester, who are not in education, employment or training. https://meetyourmatch.org.uk
Motiv8 Motiv8 are continuing to support vulnerable adults during Covid-19 and are still accepting referrals. They are working to support people into the many job and online training opportunities that have recently become available. Agencies and individuals can email [email protected] or contact the Manchester office on 0161 946 3556.
The Edge Theatre New courses for unemployed people. The Theatre will be opening again in January and are launching three new 10 week courses for people who are unemployed. The courses are 2 hours a week. There are 10 free places on each course: 2 x Acting for Fun and Confidence 1 x Creative Writing. The courses will be helpful for people’s confidence and self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing, communication skills, focus and concentration and of course creativity.
Connect: Watch a live stream music/comedy performance : Some performers are doing live stream performances over the internet on Youtube and facebook . Recent performances have included, slow readers club, lottery winners and comedians at the Stand comedy club. There are a number of online activities which will enable you to connect with others and engage in meaningful activity from the comfort of your home. See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51977454 for some activities you can take part in online such as choir practice and quizzes.
HOME have created a digital channel, ensuring you can see HOME from home! This includes the Manchester Open Exhibition (the most successful exhibition in HOME’s history) and also some theatre productions. They have also made commissions for this period
When it became impossible to run his real-life choirs as normal this week, vocal leader James Sills launched The Sofa Singers. The virtual group invites people from all over the world to connect through the power of song – from the comfort of their sofas. You can sign up to the weekly online singing session on www.thesofasingers.net and see www.jamessillsmusic.co.uk for more details.
Bee Vocal Choir Are you 18 years and over? Are you or have you previously experienced mental health difficulties? Then we invite you to join us in finding fun, friendship and a voice through song. The Bee Vocal Choir will meet most Wednesday evenings during term time, led by Choir Master Dan McDwyer. Dan will be supported by Elaine Craig Graduate Psychologist and Ged Mulherin one of TripleC’s Workshop Leaders. Run by TripleC, the aim is to create a safe, fun and non-judgmental environment for you to make new friends, share experiences and join together as one voice. The new friendships remind people they are valued and belong. Singing relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression and group singing releases chemicals that make you feel happier. Please register your interest by emailing Bee Vocal Choir at https://www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/get-involved/community/bee-vocal-choir
Sign up for a free trial for film/TV or music package (remember to cancel your membership before you start being charged) Amazon prime – 30 day free trial : Love film – 30 day free trial : Now TV – 7 day free trial : Spotify- 1 month free trial
World of Music Youth Choir
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and the 30th March Calling all singers age 13-19!
Singing together makes us feel good. So Band on the Wall are starting a new Youth Choir, directed by award-winning folk singer Bella Hardy and award-winning gospel singer Carla Jane!
We’ll be singing folk songs, gospel songs, pop songs and traditional songs, learning harmonies, getting singing tips, working as a team, and generally having a good time. We’re starting online, building a repertoire of songs which we can sing together when we start meeting in person in a few months’ time!
You don’t need to be able to read music, we learn all the songs by ear. This choir is completely free to anyone who wants to join, with a suggested donation of £2 per week to our Youth Choir Fund for anyone who is able to do so, raising money for trips and special guest leaders.
REGISTER NOW and be a founding member of this exciting new choir! Email [email protected].
Connect with people. Give people a ring or keep in touch digitally •Make plans to video chat with people or groups you’d normally see in person. •You can also arrange phone calls or send instant messages or texts. •If you’re worried that you might run out of stuff to talk about, make a plan with someone to watch a show or read a book separately so that you can discuss it when you contact each other. •Think of other ways to keep in contact with people if meeting in person is not possible. For example, you could check your phone numbers are up to date, or that you have current email addresses for friends you've not seen for a while.
Connect with others in similar situations •If you’re part of a group of people who are also self-isolating, you may be part of group communications to receive updates on your situation. This group could also act as an informal support network. •You could join a peer support community. Mind runs an online peer support community called Elefriends, where you can share your experiences and hear from others. •If you're going online more than usual or seeking peer support on the internet, it's important to look after your online wellbeing. See https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/online-mental- health/about-online-mental-health/ for more info
Talk About it Mate Talk About It Mate is a peer-support community interest organisation, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Where people can connect, share and learn from each other. We aim to make mental health as important as physical health. The events provide a comfortable and welcoming safe-space for members of our community to interact without judgement and take steps towards personal growth. Our individual stories have the power to inspire others. Peer support groups are currently running online but plan to meet in the community once lockdown is over. For more info https://www.talkaboutitmate.co.uk/ Phone: 07940 431 533. Email: [email protected]
Connect -Silver cloud - Free online therapy for the population of Manchester: All Greater Manchester residents can now access online therapy to help with stress, anxiety, low mood, and depression. Silver Cloud offers a number of online programmes to help ease stress levels, improve sleep or build resilience. Each programme uses proven methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy, and all information entered is anonymous, confidential and secure. To find out more and sign up to use Silver Cloud, go to https://GM.silvercloudhealth.com/signup NESTAC - Covid-19 is both a public health crisis but also a crisis that has highlighted the existing mental health inequalities in the UK. Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities including refugees, asylum seeker, families with no recourse to the public fund have historically experienced multiple disadvantages, which often affect their physical and mental wellbeing. NESTAC offers a safe early intervention platform to young and adult people within BAME communities living in the North-West to be listened to, using cross-cultural approaches to support them emotionally and combat mental health inequalities in the North-West of England: - Advice, guidance & information re Covid-19 matters - Cross cultural emotional support - Psychosocial therapy for women & young girls who have been victims of violence & abuse - Group therapy sessions - Online training if required. All services can be provided in a variety of languages including Somali, Kurdish, Swahili, Urdu, Arabic, French and more. Text ‘HELP’ or call 07862279289 or 07894126157. Open 7 days a week, 10am – 6pm
Can Survive (Manchester-wide especially for BAME, disadvantaged & marginalised groups) Providing telephone and online support and information for people affected by cancer, including carers and family members. • Advice, information and signposting to appropriate services • Weekly support group via Zoom (art therapy, exercise, games) • 1:1 Talking Therapy (via telephone or video call) • Advocacy (liaising with GPs, hospitals etc re: treatment) • Practical support with purchase of essential items Opening times: Mon to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm Contact Details: Mobile: 07496 089310 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cansurvive.org.uk Twitter: @CanSurviveuk
If you're worried about loneliness Think about things you can do to connect with people. For example, putting extra pictures up of the people you care about might be a nice reminder of the people in your life. Listen to a chatty radio station or podcast if your home feels too quiet.
Manchester Cares Online Social Clubs - Manchester Care are running Virtual Social Clubs at the moment, search on their facebook page for more information. Activities include creativity, video, memory, wellbeing workshop (run by an external facilitator)
Frazzled Cafe is a registered charity that operates with the purpose of providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where people who are feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the stresses of modern life can meet on a regular basis to talk and share their personal stories. To register https://www.frazzledcafe.org/
Desert Islands Discs/Pub Quiz- A virtual Coffee afternoon / catch up. Family Disco ( basically great music and dancing in the living room!) In addition to Social Clubs at Home the referral form also has options for friendship over the phone, postal activity packs and practical support. https://manchestercares.org.uk/social-clubs/events
Hearing Voices Network & Inter-Voice Hearing Voices Groups are based firmly on an ethos of self-help, mutual respect and empathy. They provide a safe space for people to share their experiences and support one another. They are peer support groups, involving social support and belonging, not therapy or treatment. - Over 180 groups across the UK, including groups for young people, people in prison, women and people from BME communities. Sharing information and free resources through our website, social media, e-bulletin, newsletter and email information service. Engaging with the media to present realistic and hopeful perspectives on hearing voices and related experiences.- Offering workshops, training and events – subject to resources.- Supporting members who want to set up a Hearing Voices Group. To register or join groups visit https://www.hearing- voices.org/hearing-voices-groups/
Try and keep a routine - Plan how you’ll spend your time. It might help to write this down on paper and put it on the wall. •Try to follow your ordinary routine as much as possible. Get up at the same time as normal, follow your usual morning routines, and go to bed at your usual time. Set alarms to remind you of your new schedule if that helps. •If you aren’t happy with your usual routine, this might be a chance to do things differently. For example, you could go to bed earlier, spend more time cooking or do other things you don’t usually have time for. •Think about how you’ll spend time by yourself at home. For example, plan activities to do on different days or habits you want to start or keep up. If you live with other people, it may help to do the following: •Agree on a household routine. Try to give everyone you live with a say in this agreement. •Try to respect each other's privacy and give each other space. For example, some people might want to discuss everything they’re doing while others won’t.
Try to keep active Build physical activity into your daily routine, if possible. Most of us don’t have exercise equipment like treadmills where we live, but there are still activities you can do. Exercising at home can be simple and there are options for most ages and abilities, such as: •cleaning your home •dancing to music •going up and down stairs •seated exercises •online exercise workouts that you can follow •sitting less – if you notice you’ve been sitting down for an hour, just getting up or changing position can help. For 10 minute workouts you can do at home without any equipment please see : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-workouts/
Workout Sessions to do at home! For 10-minute workouts you can do at home without any equipment. Available as an App on any smartphone or from the website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10- minute-workouts/ Join Morriso Health and take part in a zoom strength and balance exercise class! Every Tuesday at 10am, call 0161 271 0908 to register and book your place! Alternatively, email: [email protected] instead.
Couch to 5K App: Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or unift. NHS couch to 5K will help you gradually work up towards running 5k in just 9 weeks! For more information go to https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/
Free Women’s Zoom Exercise Class Wednesday 10am – 11:30am Text Kathy on Whatsapp 07504831651 to register. MUST PRE-BOOK. For help setting up Zoom link, call Fehmida on 07984793920 £50 fix your bike scheme The scheme is open to anyone in England who has an unused cycle in need of a repair. However, as there are a limited number of vouchers available, please consider the needs of others before applying for a voucher and do not delay making planned repairs outside of the scheme should your circumstances allow it.
Vouchers can only be used with bike repairers or mechanics that are registered for the scheme in England, and up to two vouchers can be claimed per household. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fix-your-bike-voucher- scheme-apply-for-a-voucher
Nike Training Club invite you to try out their app which allows you to join a community of living room athletes. You can take part in workouts and get nutritional advice. App can be downloaded via ios and android See www.nike.com for more information
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown, we've been helping Manchester residents to stay connected, creative and healthy with a diverse range of community mental and physical wellbeing initiatives. Follow us @buzzmanc #BuzzManchester on Twitter for daily health and wellbeing news and conversation, and visit buzzmanchester.co.uk for more information. If you would like any further information or would like to contact the buzz
Neighbourhood Health Worker for your community, please email [email protected] or call 0161 271 0505.
BE ACTIVE AT HOME in Manchester
As we remain in lockdown in Manchester, we are committed to supporting you to be active, wherever and whenever that may be.
To keep you abreast of all that’s happening across sport and physical activity in Manchester, we encourage you to explore the vast resources below to help you stay healthy and active at home, no matter your ability.
Here Mancunians can access various activities, including over 40 free live-streamed classes, that parents, children, young adults and families can take part in and feel inspired through ...in your own home, garden or nearest outdoor green space.
And if you needed a little more motivation - be sure to follow MCRactive on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for inspiration and support so you can keep active.
Visit our social wall for inspiration of how your fellow Mancunians and the city is keeping active. Share your tips and ideas using #MCRactive to appear on our wall and engage with us across social and help others.
https://www.mcractive.com/activity/be-active-at-home
Welcome to Simply Cycling! Your all ability cycling community
Have fun, make friends, get fit! Come and join us – Everyone is welcome! Session times: 1. Following the guidelines laid down by Manchester City Council and government advice re Covid-19, we will be open each day but with VERY limited numbers. We cannot ‘unfurlough’ all our staff as income will be greatly reduced due to low numbers.
Session prices are £3 per person; this will enable us to continue running with such limited numbers in compliance with current guidelines.
Card payments are preferable. Please phone ahead to book your slot. NOTE: SESSIONS START ON THE HOUR AND ARE FOR 45 MINUTES
Wythenshawe Park sessions:
Tuesday : Wythenshawe 9am – 3pm Wednesday : Wythenshawe 9am – 12pm Friday: Wythenshawe 9am – 3pm Saturday : Wythenshawe 1pm – 4pm
Please call Sue to book: 07753 428937
2. We are also continuing to offer our “led Rides’ in and around the local community. These have been extremely successful over the last few weeks and have meant cyclists have grown in confidence, developed bike handling skills and been able to explore the local area. These need to be booked and again places are VERY limited as we cannot ride in groups larger than 6. Led Rides are available each week day morning and afternoon and last between 2 and 3 hours. Please phone to book your place and rides will be tailored to each group depending on need and level of support required. Led rides cost £20.00 per person.
3. We cannot clean down helmets in between sessions so if you want to wear a helmet please provide your own. There will be no toilets or refreshments available.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Ever considered Volunteering with Us? Simply Cycling welcomes new volunteers – From kitchen staff to mechanics, signing customers in to assisting cyclists on the track – we need you! If you have some time and are able to volunteer then please contact Sue via phone or Email: [email protected]
The Great Big Art Exhibition
Take part in the largest exhibition ever staged! We’re inviting everyone to make an artwork and display it in your window for all to see! Receive our free pack to find out how to get involved, including inspiration from artists as well as inspirational artworks from major UK collections. The Great Big Art Exhibition runs until the 7th May 2021. https://firstsite.uk/#form-section
The Royal Oak Community Centre are very excited to announce a new community arts programme for the residents of Baguley and Wythenshawe and kicking things with ‘Embroidery for Beginners’ is professional embroidery artist, Victoria Merness. Running every Tuesday at 4pm over a four-week period, her Zoom sessions will offer participants the opportunity to create their own designs using thread from start to finish Royal Oak Community Centre, [email protected] 0161 998 2146
The Owl and The Coconut – Mindful Art Practice (MAPS) Courses Join the folks at The Owl and The Coconut to explore how to use meditation and simple art making to ‘Stop.Notice.Create’. No experience of art or meditation is necessary and “all you need is to find a space to sit and connect with us online and have any art materials you can to hand, even if that’s just a pen and paper”. Participants will work in small, friendly, and supportive groups and learn self-care tools which will improve levels of both health and happiness. To book onto their next MAPS 8-week online course which starts on 12th January 2021. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mindful-art-practice-maps-8-week-course-tickets- 122216299241?aff=erelexpmlt Donation based tickets are available.
Royal Voluntary Service – Virtual Village Hall
Bringing you a programme of themed online sessions led by expert tutors, Royal Voluntary Service activity coordinators & volunteers. Activities on offer are wide ranging and include creative arts, music and singing, dance and exercise, and technology skills workshops designed for people to do at home so they can enjoy the things they love & maybe even learn some new skills! http://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/virtual- village-hall
Manchester Settlement – Enhanced Online Lockdown Offer
Every week until the end of March
MONDAY MINI MEDITATION - 10AM
MONDAY ‘CORE CONCEPTS’ WORKOUT - 6PM
TUESDAY VINYASA FLOW - 12:30PM
WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK MINDSET MEET-UP - 2PM
THURSDAY PLANT BASED COOKING - 3PM
THURSDAY YIN YOGA - 8:30PM
FRIDAY SEATED YOGA & MEDITATION -11AM
FRIDAY YIN/YANG FLOW - 4PM
SATURDAY ART CLASS - 4PM
SUNDAY BOOK CLUB - 5PM
Click an activity in the calendar and complete the enquiry form https://www.manchestersettlement.org.uk/ or call 0161 974 1300
The Fabric of Protest- Online
Saturday 27 March 2021
14:00 - 15:30
Once a month join this informal creative workshop for an hour of stitching, chatting and sharing, inspired by the museum’s collections. The specific techniques being introduced and topics being explored will be shared with participants in advance of each session so you can gather materials and equipment you might want to use. Participants can bring their own sewing projects to work on while watching and listening, or switch on their cameras and microphones to join in the conversation. This is a workshop for all textile abilities, whether participants are new to textiles or have been stitching for years – all are welcome to join in! Suitable for 11+ (under 18s must have an accompanying adult present during session). https://phm.org.uk/events/the-fabric-of-protest-workshop/ People's History Museum, Manchester
Easter Egg Workshop: Online
Thursday 1st April 2021
12:00 - 13:00 12:00 - 13:00
Join online for this mini workshop to learn how to create your own little Easter egg decorations. As well as learning how to wrap your eggs and then stitch and weave your yarns through, there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and of course everything you will need to make a series of decorations will be posted straight to your door. More than ever, crafting is a great way to have some time out from other commitments or worries and joining the workshop via Zoom means that you can share in the fun alongside others and have a chat along the way.
Please book by midnight on 25th March to allow time for kits to be posted.
Cost: £20.00 includes postage https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stitched-woven-easter-egg-with-agnis- smallwood
Live Virtual Craft Beer Tasting Sessions
6 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 26 Mar and the 2 Apr 2021 Missing your craft beer fix?
Craft Beer Tour Manchester is running live tasting sessions with local breweries during the lockdown. Tickets cost £25 and include all beer delivered to your door for a live tasting experience. Their fully interactive session will include a live Q and A with the brewery who will guide you through all the beers on offer. 50p from every person at the event will go to Big Change Manchester, a local charity working to eradicate homelessness in the city. https://craftbeertourmanchester.co.uk/virtual-tours/
The Craft Tour Company, International House, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 3HZ
Manchester Irish Festival 1 - 17 March 2021 There is no Irish festival this year but watch out for 17 Days of memories to celebrate the 2021 #ManchesterIrishFestival
The Manchester & Whitworth Art Galleries Must book the Free online tickets for allocated times. For your safety and the safety of our staff, everyone must book online in advance. Tickets are FREE. Monthly events, every changing online groups for well-being and art fanatics! Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 11am- 4pm - A day before the event you will be emailed the Zoom login details to attend the event. All our current events are listed on the website. Visit: https://manchesterartgallery.org/exhibitions-and- events https://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on
Manchester Museum from Home We believe that everyone needs a place to connect and be inspired. We have uploaded our digital content onto this mobile site so you can explore and enjoy Manchester Museum in your own home. We hope it helps entertain, educate and sparks joy and wonder. Online Exhibitions & Displays, The things they didn't teach us, Resources for Home Educators & Families, Resources for Researchers & Adults, Resources for Carers and much more. https://www.mmfromhome.com/
Barlow Moor Community Association 23 Mersey Bank Ave, Manchester M21 7NT. Barlow Moor Community Association has re-opened with limited places. Social sessions including: 1. Bingo and quiz (Mon 10am-1pm) 2. Card making and craft (Mon 1.30-3pm) 3. Men’s den (Mon 1-3pm) 4. Cooking on a budget (Wed 1-3pm) 5. Employment support (Fri 1-3) 6. Lunch club (Fri 12-1pm) Limited places – and must pre-booked for all sessions. MUST BE PRE-BOOKED for all sessions call 0161 4464805 or text 07985740669.
Free Manchester Walking Tours: Guided tour of Manchester - Starting from Sackville gardens, meeting near the Alan Turing statue on Sackville Street M1 3WA. Tour lasts around 3 hours with a café break (donation may apply) Weekend bookings NOT required for Friday / Saturday / Sunday walks - just turn up! Mid-Week tours for Monday/ Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday booking IS REQUIRED Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected] with the subject 'Booking' and the date if you wish to join us.
Allotment Volunteering Supported Placement
Manchester Mind is an independent Mental Health Charity. We have been supporting better mental health and delivering services for 30 years. We’re here for the people of Manchester.
Manchester Mind provide placements to support recovery for people with mental health issues who may have become socially isolated or who struggle with their confidence, self- care or self-esteem.
The placements aim to build skills, increase confidence, and improve wellbeing, with a view to supporting people to engage with further volunteering, training, or employment, along with a sustained improvement in managing their mental health.
Time commitments
Supported allotment sessions take place between 12pm – 4pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays only.
Location
Chorlton, Manchester
Referral Information
All placements require a supported referral from a mental health practitioner, Social worker, CPN, Support worker, Teacher, Carer, GP or other professional.
Please note: To protect our vulnerable service users, all staff & volunteering roles are subject to satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS check)
We look forward to hearing from you.
Manchester Mind Manchester Mind are offering three online sessions each week (on Zoom) while we are unable to offer face-to-face sessions. These will be free to access but we ask that you pre-register first : Mondays: Calming the nervous system. 45 minutes. 12 noon. (Not bank holiday Monday) Join Manchester Mind in a session to help you calm your nervous system and ground the body and mind. This session will include some easy practises that you can use in your everyday life. Wednesdays: Lunchtime meditation: 12.15pm. 45 minutes Join Manchester Mind for a chance to meditate and connect with others. This session includes a couple of mindfulness meditations and opportunities for questions and reflections. Morning meditation: Fridays (not bank holidays) 8am, 30 minutes. Join Manchester Mind in a morning meditation to help you start the day on the right foot. Session will be half an hour, but the meditation itself will be around 15 minutes, with time for questions and reflections. More info and links to the registration pages: https://www.manchestermind.org/events/Any questions, please contact Ruth Rosselson directly at Manchester [email protected]
Online Anxiety and Depression Support Groups Our new, online Anxiety and Depression support groups are open to everyone, over the age of 18, across Manchester. In light of the current situation, we have changed the way we deliver services at the moment. As we’re not currently able to run our drop-in groups, we’ve created a new Peer Support Facebook group. The group is open to everyone, over the age of 18, across Manchester. Like our face-to-face drop-in groups, it aims to offers a sympathetic and non-judgmental space online where you can meet others who also struggle with anxiety and depression. Anyone who joins the group will be able to share ideas on how to cope with anxiety and depression, and access help and information. Facilitators from Self Help will moderate the group on a regular basis, with information shared week-by-week on when they will be available to respond to messages. To join the group, please visit: www.facebook.com/groups/selfhelppeersupport. If you have any questions about the group, please contact:George Barrow [email protected] or Nicola Mungroo [email protected]
We've summarised some of our favourite free mental health apps and online communities to help you cope during the latest lockdown. Here's our favourite 5 for you to try out if you feel a bit anxious right now, or if you have a more serious mental health condition too.
Meditainment - App good-thinking.uk/resources/meditainment This app offers guided meditations and visualisation techniques, leading you on imaginative journeys to dreamlike destinations to explore and reflect on a wide range of wellbeing topics. Unique, highly accessible and engaging, the app's guided meditation journeys promote better mental wellbeing in an exciting and interesting way. Think meditation that takes you places!
Catch It from Universities of Manchester and Liverpool - App liverpool.ac.uk/csd/app-directory/catch-it Catch It is a joint app between the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, to help you make sense of your moods by using an ongoing diary. The app was designed to illustrate some of the key principles of psychological approaches to mental health and wellbeing, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The app includes a step by step mood tracker and mood diary.
Side By Side from Mind - Online Community sidebyside.mind.org.uk This is Mind’s supportive online community where users can share their mental health experiences and give and receive support. Side By Side is open to anybody who has an experience of mental health problems, or is closely connected to someone that has. The community has been designed to exist alongside your current methods of managing your mental health.
My Possible Self - App mypossibleself.com This app lets you track how you feel every day with a Mood Tracker. Select from Great, Good, Okay, Bad, or Awful, and add notes and photos to each entry to personalise your moods. Do more of the things that make you feel great and less of the things that don’t by learning from the app's Mood Tracker insights. Understand what activities, places and people influence your mood!
Calm Harm - App calmharm.co.uk Worried about self-harm? The urge to self-harm is like a wave. Learn to ride the wave with this app using these activities: Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, Random and Breathe. When you ride the wave, the urge to self-harm will fade. Calm Harm provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. You can make it private by setting a password, and personalise the app if you want to. Once you track your progress you'll start to notice the changes and learn how to cope better.
We hope you enjoy trying out these apps and online communities, and they help you throughout the current lockdown! You can also check out our own mental health guides, and our COVID-19 Resource Hub where you'll find lots more useful information to support you throughout the lockdown.
We love to hear from you on Twitter too, please drop us a tweet @buzzmanc! https://buzzmanchester.co.uk/blog/2021/free-mental-wellbeing-resources-to-help-you-through-lockdown
Team buzz x Rethink Mental Illness – Manchester Group The Rethink Mental Illness Manchester Group welcomes
people from anywhere in Greater Manchester affected by
mental ill-health, inviting them to ‘come together to share information and support one another.’
Open to those who are personally affected by severe mental illness and their family members, friends and carers, this peer-led group currently meets weekly via Zoom on a Thursday evening from 6.30-7.30pm. For more information and a link to the weekly meetings, email group coordinator, Mary Patel, at [email protected] / 07816 754032
8 week mindfulness and relaxation for menopause course An 8 week course, focusing on using mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help manage the physical and psychological impacts of this life transition. This online training is held on Zoom. What will I get from the course? 1 induction session of 2.5 hours per week (4.30 - 7pm on 9th February) 7 sessions of 2 hours per week (rest of the sessions, from 16th February until 30 March) 1 optional half day retreat at the end of the course Participants are expected to establish a home meditation practice during the course of around 20 minutes a day. Guided meditations, and a course handbook are included to help support you with this. This course will allow women to support each other, while also teaching mindfulness techniques which are already proven to help stress, anxiety and low-mood. Instead of being a ‘pure’ mindfulness course, we will also include relaxation techniques specifically aimed at increasing capacity to manage anxiety. It is hoped that these techniques will also help women cope with the impact of the physiological symptoms as well.
Course dates: Tuesdays. 9th February - 30 March. Sessions are from 5 -7pm
The course is free, but we will be inviting those who can afford to do so, to make a donation to Manchester Mind on completion of the course. Contact Ruth via Phone: 07527127786 or Email: [email protected]
Welcome to our live online South Manchester Dementia Café Do you have dementia or care for someone with dementia? Do you need support or information? Due to COVID-19 we are unable to open up the Dementia cafe in person so we are going online using Microsoft teams. This is currently the safest way we can bring people with dementia and/or their family carers together. Come and join Our Admiral Nurse, Dementia Support Advisors and Manchester Carers Forum for a virtual cuppa and chat. This is a ‘safe’ place bringing people with dementia and their family carers together in the community. Here you can come and get support and meet other people in the same situation as you. It’s a place to make new friendships.
Our South Manchester Dementia Café has gone virtual! Every 2nd Wednesday we are holding morning and afternoon cafes.
Dates of the Dementia café are:
Wednesday 3rd March 11am – 12pm Wednesday 17th March 2pm – 3pm Wednesday 31st March 11am – 12pm
If you want to join us, please contact us on 0161 219 2336 and ask for Teresa, Gill or Pam. [email protected]
We will need your email address to send you instructions needed to take part. If you need help in using Microsoft Teams and logging in please ask us, a tech savvy relative or friend. Helpful Apps. For anyone needing a little boost from their device or when they’re on the move… Bright Sky App Is free to download providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or anyone looking for information about issues of domestic abuse, stalking and harassment. Their website is https://www.hestia.org/brightsky Calm Harm App Is an app designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. The app provides tasks that encourage users to distract themselves from urges to self-harm and help manage their emotional mind in a more positive way. The website is www.nhs.uk/app-library/calm-harm Or you can download the app from google play and App store. The distrACT App Is for anyone over the age of 16 who is concerned about self-harming. The app aims to help better understand urges of self-harm and encourages you to monitor and manage your symptoms. It can also help reduce the risk of suicide. The app can be downloaded from App store and Android/ Google store. Stress and anxiety Companion This app helps you handle stress and anxiety on the go using breathing exercises, relaxing music and games designed to calm the mind, the app helps you change negative thoughts to help you better cope with life’s ups and downs. The app can be downloaded from App store and Android/ Google store.
For those with children Where possible try and keep a routine at home for you and your children, maybe devise a timetable for them including some school work and other activities. Where possible support your child/children to engage with some academic work sent by the school. If needed contact the school for extra resources. If your child/children are in receipt of free school meals and isn’t attending school either contact school or see www.manchester.gov.uk for more details of how to receive the £10 payment per week for each child eligible for free school meals. Depending on the age of your child/children some activities you can enjoy at home are Arts and Crafts, Baking, Making Dens, Household Treasure Hunt, Science Experiments, Recycle cardboard boxes, Making music. If you have a garden or outdoor space, do some gardening/planting seeds/bulbs (only with members of same household). If you allow your child/children to use technology there are a number of online sites which have lots of games and activities. Please ensure the site is safe and monitor usage of tablets/phones/laptops. Below are a number of sites:- www.cbeebies.co.uk www.peepandthebigwideworld.co.uk www.funology.co.uk www.thegreatplantescape.co.uk www.switchzooanimalgames.co.uk www.bubblesphere.co.uk www.funbrain.co.uk www.kodable.co.uk www.gigglepoetry.co.uk www.hacketyhack.co.uk www.abcya.co.uk www.inventionatplay.co.uk If you have support from health/social care professionals please speak to them about your challenges, they may be able to offer extra support, advice and reassurance. If you have teenage children the website www.teentips.co.uk can offer advice and guidance around coping with your teens in these challenging times.
The Whitworth's regular Age Friendly Programme: Handmade Sociable craft workshops for adults aged 50+
On Fridays, 2-4pm In 6 week blocks, term-time only Free, booking essential.
Please note: Sessions are currently held as closed zoom sessions.
Join us and try your hand at a range of arts and craft skills from; printing to felt making and more. Each season we will focus on a different technique with an artist who will introduce and guide you through the processes.
Artist-led sessions. Booking essential and on a week by week basis.
Handmade 2020-2021 dates
Handmade Block 1, Block 2 & Block 3 Dates have passed.
Handmade Block 4 Fridays: 26, February 2021 Fridays: 5, 12, 19 & 26 March 2021
Handmade Block 5
Fridays: 23 & 30 April 2021 Fridays: 7, 14 & 21 May 2021
Handmade Block 6 Fridays: 11, 18 & 25 June 2021 Fridays: 2 & 9 July 2021
Email Claire Cowell to book your free place: [email protected] or send a text message to: 07776 170 688 Please include your name, address, phone number and confirm that you are aged 50+.
For further details about Handmade or any other Age Friendly activities please get in touch with our Age Friendly Coordinator, Claire Cowell .
The Help Hub Supporting those who need emotional support The Help Hub has been set up to support individuals who find themselves struggling emotionally due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus. We are a group of over 800 professional trained therapists and counsellors who believe that it's important to bring our community together during a crisis like this and ensure the more vulnerable members of our community feel that they have help where needed and support in what is an anxious time for all of us. Every worry is valid If you have found yourself on your own and feeling isolated and fearful - we are here to help. If you are worried about your health or the health of another. If you have concerns about your job or about money, are feeling loss and confusion or grief – it’s all valid We aim to provide a free service for as many people as possible by listening, supporting and helping where we can. If you would like a 20 minute chat on Skype, FaceTime or on the telephone, you can book a session with us through our calendar and we will contact you at the relevant time. https://www.thehelphub.co.uk/
Citizens Advice are available via the national phone service to offer you support and advice on a variety of topics including:-
o Paying your bills o Going to work or what happens if you've been told to stay at home o Can't pay your rent or mortgage
Call the national phone line on Adviceline: 03444 111 444 Adviceline's available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For your local number visit:- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/
Request support Arrange a chat with one of our team https://www.manchester.gov.uk/Helptogetwork The Manchester Employment Support Partnership has been set up to provide support and assistance to Manchester residents and employers who have been affected by COVID-19. The partnership includes Manchester City Council, The Growth Company, Citizens Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus and many other trusted partners. The partnership can support you if you’ve been furloughed, are in the process of being made redundant or are newly unemployed. We can provide employment opportunities, training, advice, guidance and more through an informal chat. You can request a chat with a member of our team who will be in touch to start helping you find your way.
Supporting Greater Manchester with nourishing meals prepared by top chefs.
These times of global crisis have reduced the quality of life for vulnerable NHS workers and people facing food inequality. The aim of Eat Well MCR is simple: provide chef-made, nourishing meals to Mancunians severely affected by the Covid- 19 crisis and food poverty.Eat Well MCR prepares and distributes food to homeless people, to people experiencing food poverty, to women seeking refuge, and to frontline NHS workers putting their lives at risk to protect the public. Visit https://www.eatwellmcr.org/
Age Friendly Winter Warmer Campaign The Wythenshawe Age Friendly Network create winter wellbeing bags for local older people who struggle to get out and about and are at risk of deteriorating during the winter months. We are asking people to knit and donate a hat. Meetings are currently taking place virtually however when we meet in person again we use a number of community centres across Wythenshawe. Contact Emma Farrell – Neighbourhood Health Worker. Mob. 07971 331 540. Email: [email protected]
Early Essentials
Early Essentials : Working with midwife, health and social care professionals and other agencies- We are a non-profit Christian organisation – our goal is to give as many women as possible a helping hand who have a newborn baby and are in desperate need of even the most basic of supplies. All referrals to our service must be made by emailing [email protected] email first to ask for referral document. Early Essentials : The Den Café, 40 Merseybank Avenue, Chorlton, M21 7NN, Manchester. You can also donate items or give online earlyessentials.org.uk/give
RVS Home from Hospital service RVS Home from Hospital service prioritise at-risk people who are 55 years of age or over, living alone, with a carer or co-caring, with limited or no social support or social care. Volunteers undertake safe, warm and welfare checks over the telephone, weekly shopping and garden gate visits in line with local and national restrictions. A time limited intervention (up to 12 weeks) in which our volunteers will help to build confidence and help clients to develop their own resilience including key information to divert people away from unplanned hospital admission. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we are supporting some clients longer than 12 weeks to maintain contact if they are completely isolated, have no next of kin and are not able to go outdoors. If you would like to refer a client (over the age of 55) to us that has recently been discharged from hospital call: 0161 850 8650 or 07557 544 904.
Morrisons Doorstep Delivery Free delivery for those who need an extra bit of support: 0345 611 6111 (order before 5pm and receive next day delivery)
Aldi has introduced a voucher scheme to make it easier for volunteers to buy food on behalf of the vulnerable and those self-isolating. The vouchers are available to buy on a new Aldi voucher website vouchers.aldi.co.uk. Once purchased, the vouchers can be posted to any address in the UK so they can be given to volunteers, friends or family members to shop on their behalf.
Cupboard fillers right to your door Right now, it’s tricky for some to get to their local Asda store - vulnerable customers especially. Asda Food Boxes are packed with a selection of cupboard fillers, perfect for replenishing your stocks without needing a trip out. Ideal for those who are self-isolating. Get grocery items right to your door. Create your account or log in Select your box Enter your details & finalise your order We’ll do the rest, keeping you updated on the delivery Please Email: https://foodboxes.asda.com
Most foodbanks usually operate on a referral system, either with a red voucher or an e referral. You can be referred by a health/social care worker, DWP, GP or another professional involved with you or your family. You may also need to bring proof of address. Below are a list of local foodbanks -If possible please contact the foodbank to ensure they are open before you visit. Please be aware foodbanks often have limited stock and resources, if you would like to donate food or volunteer please contact them to find out more.
Unit E at Wythenshawe Civic Centre will be continuing to offer this service for referral agencies only for the foreseeable future. The unit will remain open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 12:00 for collection of parcels and donations, we will also be opening 2 of our centres for foodbank collections however these will be operating on a restricted basis as follows: - Food parcels can be collected by clients with a food voucher but the referrer must pre book the collection with the relevant centre before the client arrives, in the case of St Lukes this must be done by 17:00 on the previous day. St Lukes, Brownley Road, M22 4PT 07476305947 Saturdays only, 11:00 to 12:00. Dandelion Community, Oatlands Road, M22 1AH 0161 437 4292 Wednesdays only, 11:00 to 13:00.
There will be no need to pre book a collection from Unit E but may I remind you that this is for referral agencies only.
We will be offering pre booked collection of emergency food parcels from our new location at Sandilands Primary School, Baguley, M23 9JX from 15:30 to 16:30 during school term time, there will be sessions out of term time and times will be confirmed at a later point. Access to the centre will be via the gate opposite Chesterton Road and not the main school building. This centre is available to accept electronic vouchers. This additional centre will provide much needed support to local families attending schools in the Wythenshawe area, and provide additional child focussed support where required.
Please not that this centre is primarily for families and must be pre booked for a collection, we are unable to offer a parcel if the client has not been pre booked, I would also like you to be mindful that this collection location is at a school and so would ask that you are aware of any safeguarding concerns that may be an issue in regards to collection of parcels. Trussell Trust Foodbanks
Please contact the foodbank to ensure they are open and are able to distribute food to yourself other than a key worker. Below are details of the foodbanks:
Fallowfield and Withington Foodbank [email protected] 07411077654 Union Chapel Fallowfield Baptist Church, 2 Wellington Rd, Fallowfield, M14 6EQ Fridays 12 – 2pm
St Cuthberts Hall, 3 Palatine Rd, Withington, M20 3LH Tuesdays 12- 2pm
Chorlton and Didsbury Foodbank [email protected] 07938191038 St Barnabas Church, Hurstville Rd (off Hardy Lane) Chorlton, M21 8DH Fridays 11am – 1pm
Christ Church Hall, Darley Ave, West Didsbury, M20 2ZD Wednesdays 11am – 1pm
Chorlton Central Church, Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton Tuesdays 4.30 – 6.30pm
We will not be able to offer access to any centres at this time due to keeping with social distancing procedures and so parcels must be pre booked and collected from the front door.
Location: The Message Enterprise Centre, Harper Road, Sharston, M22 4 RG Opening times: 9.30-4.30 PM every day except Tuesday, when it opens a 10 AM. Many households are feeling the financial impact of Covid-19. In response to this, we’re launching a community grocery using surplus food from local supermarkets. Our aim is to support local residents with their weekly shopping, offering the option to save money on food and reduce food waste.
The details £5 Membership for the year with £3 paid on each visit. Fill up your basket with a range of fruit, vegetable, chilled, tinned and toiletry items up to twice a week. Members will also have access to the range of free support services listed.
Alongside our community grocery we will be offering the following services to support our members:
Job Clubs Debt Relief Mental Wellbeing Courses Exploring Christianity One on One Counselling Voluntary Work Placements Community Café Youth Groups Skills Training (inc. Cooking, Computers and Barista Training)
To find out more visit www.communitygrocery.org Contact us: 0161 946 9494 Cooking on a Bootstrap! Learn to cook cheap new recipes for as little as 15p per portion. Visit: https://cookingonabootstrap.com/
Other organisations
The Manchester City Council Hub Food parcels, medicine, fuel top-up payments for people with no support network and those told by the NHS they are high risk. 0800 234 6123
Crossacres Resource Centre, M22 5DG Donating food parcels to those in need. No age restrictions apply. 0161 498 8266
Phone A Friend Pilot - We're piloting a new friendship programme, introducing older and younger neighbours over the phone. Digital Social Clubs – We are teaching older neighbours how to join us online for group video chats and social gatherings. Emergency Food Delivery - We're piloting small food parcel deliveries to older neighbours who are unable to get out and about or rely on friends and family to get important food items. Referrals and Signposting - We're regularly catching up with our network to make sure their needs are being met and so no one is left behind. Check the website https://manchestercares.org.uk/home If you'd like any more information regarding our work, please email: [email protected] or call us on 0161 207 0800.
Be Well
Be Well is here to help you find a way to live and feel well whatever twists and turns life brings. We can even help you get on top of work, housing, family and money worries. Be Well is here for people living in Manchester. We’re free to all, near to home and personal to you. Just ask your GP to put you in touch with us or call us on 0161 470 7120. Who Be Well is for It’s for anyone who lives in Manchester, or whose GP surgery is based there. You’ll come to us if you speak to your GP and think that you could be helped by ongoing support in the community, rather than just by a medical approach. How we help When you come to Be Well, you’ll be assessed by one of our trained coaches. They’ll talk to you about the help you need and the goals you want to achieve and set you up with the most appropriate person in the team to get you to where you want to be. You’ll then have regular one-to-one sessions– either face-to-face or over the phone. Together with your worker, you will talk through any changes in your life you would like to make; and ways to keep you motivated along your journey. Through coming to Be Well, you’ll feel motivated to make changes that stick and you’ll have learned some new ways of staying on the right track. It might be that you have one particular issue that’s central to you. Because Be Well is a partnership of local organisations we also have coaches who specialise in certain areas: •If your needs include issues with work – for instance if you need help to stay in work through physio or HR support, or you’re looking for a job – you’ll see a specialist coach with experience in that area.• If you need advice around welfare issues, housing, money management and so on, you’ll be able to access a telephone line run by Citizens’ Advice Manchester. Where we see you Our team are based all over Manchester in different places, so you can meet them at the doctors, in a community centre, or even a fire station. Who we are Be Well is a partnership is made up of The Big Life group, Pathways, Citizens’ Advice Manchester, One Manchester, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Southways and Northwards Housing. In addition, nine organisations host our team, to make sure that they’re available in convenient community locations. These are: Barlow Moor Community Association; Benchill Community Centre; BHA For Equality; Ethnic Health Forum; the Gaddum Centre; Healthy Me Healthy Communities; Mind; Old Moat Learning Hub; and the Tree of Life Centre, Mustard Tree, Wai Yin Society, LGBT Foundation, Football Club United of Manchester.
Zion Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Manchester, M15 4ZY. Telephone: 0161 470 7120
As lockdown measures change and ease, older people and their carers may need additional support to begin to feel comfortable and confident to visit the supermarket, attend medical appointments and generally reintroduce themselves back into public life safely.
Who can access the service? This free service is available to anyone over the age of 50 who lives in the City of Manchester. What is included in the service? Our Befriending Service will provide older people with up to eight hours of support to help them regain their confidence. How the eight hours are to be used will be up to the individual.
He/she may, for example, want to be accompanied to a nearby coffee shop or pub, want support to do a weekly grocery shop, need support to attend a hospital appointment or wish to attend a service at a place of worship.
The older person and the Befriender will agree how the visits will be structured to ensure the older person receives the kind of support they need. Is the service safe? Our staff all carry current DBS checks and are experienced in understanding and supporting the changing needs of older people. Staff will have undergone Public Health England’s Psychological First Aid Training to understand how to support older people through these challenging times. Visits will be provided in a socially distanced manner, with staff wearing relevant PPE and abiding by strict hygiene policies.
How do I access the service for myself or an older person I know?
To enquire about the service for you or an older person you know, contact
Crossacres Day Centre, Peel Hall Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 5DG Tel: 0161 437 0717 or Email: [email protected]
Useful Numbers
NHS helpine 111 – a helpline for medical concerns • Socially isolating means that people who are suffering from domestic abuse are more at risk. The advice we should be stating to victims on every contact is; If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact the following number Freephone 24 hour
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
Support is available from national Women's Aid's online chat service, (can be found via google internet search) open from 10am-12pm Monday-Friday.
• Bright Sky app by Hestia https://www.hestia.org/brightsky Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app, launched by Hestia in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is also designed to be used by specialist and non-specialist practitioners and other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent.
Moodswings 0161 832 3736 helpline from 10am to 4pm Mon to Fri www.moodswings.org.uk
• Crisis Point 0161 225 9500 http://www.turning-point.co.uk/crisis-point.aspx
• Manchester MIND 0161 226 9907 or [email protected]
• Samaritans - Calling Samaritans is now free of charge from a landline or mobile. Their new number is: 116 123 (24 hours every day) www.samaritans.org
• Sanctuary - 0300 003 7029 (phone 24hrs a day 7 days a week. Open doors 6pm -1am, new opening hours)www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/sanctuary
• SANEline - 0300 304 7000 (6 -11pm every day) www.sane.org.uk A specialist mental health helpline that is now a local-rate, 0300 number. Calling the helpline costs no more than calls to geographic (01 and 02) numbers from a landline, and is included in inclusive and free minutes on mobiles.
• SANE - offers ‘Textcare’ - a way of providing emotional support and connection for anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and careers. Having a mental health condition, or caring for someone who does, may leave you feeling distressed, lonely or isolated. Contact from SANE via text can provide an important source of support.
• PAPYRUS HOPELINE UK 0800 068 4141 A specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals. Providing a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe. For children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. For anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide. Our advisers are all trained to help you focus on staying safe from suicide. Their training enables them to provide advice and support that may help you to move forward and stay alive. If you are concerned that a young person is feeling suicidal, advisors can support you to start a conversation about suicide and explore options of how best to support them. Call 0800 068 4141, Text: 07786209697 or Email: [email protected]
• CASS ANY AGE Women's Self Injury Helpline 0808 800 8088 www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk
• No Secrets supporting those affected by self-injury www.no-secrets.org.uk
• Hearing Voices Group –A talking and socialising group for anyone who hears voices, sees things or has unusual experiences. Support given for friends and families also. Didsbury Hearing voices Group, Fortnightly Monday 11.30-12.30 at Home Café, Emmanuel Church, 6 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, M20 6TR. Harpurhey Hearing Voices Group, Fridays 1.30-3pm. Harpurhey Day Centre, 93 Church Lane, Harpurhey, Manchester, M9 5BG. Contact Kate Crawford on 07590837359 or the Day Centre on 0161 205 0188.
• Get your voice heard. Advocacy information and advice so you understand your rights and help you speak out at your reviews or other meetings. Free phone 0808 800 5792. Email: [email protected]
• The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Calls are free on 0800 4 70 80 90 www.thesilverline.org.uk
MacMillan Information and Support Service. We offer friendly, informal and confidential support. Call into the Forum Library or phone 0161 227 3727
• B-EAT youth helpline - 0845 634 7650 (Monday to Friday evenings from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays 1.00pm - 4.30pm) Email [email protected] Information, help and support for anyone affected by eating disorders. Withington Social Anxiety Practice Group. This is a user –led group and aims to provide people with social anxiety a supportive environment to practice a wide range of anxiety provoking situations, from reading aloud to acting in front of the group. All activities are optional. The group runs on the second Wednesday of every month from 6pm until 7.30pmm at Withington Library. I hope you pluck up the courage to come along. You won’t regret it! If you would like more information please email:[email protected]
• Manchester Talking Therapies - “self help” groups: Wythenshawe Anxiety Group and Altrincham Anxiety Group These groups offer a sympathetic and non-judgmental space where you can meet others who also struggle with anxiety. Our groups care about your experiences and really understand. If you want to attend please call 0161 226 3871 first and refer to Self Help Services. If you would like someone to greet you upon arrival at the venue, you can give us a call or send us an email and we’ll make sure someone is available to meet you. We also provide telephone sessions, Age: 18+ Wythenshawe Forum Library - Opening times: Saturdays 10-12. Free. 0161 226 3871 St George’s Parish Centre, Church Walk, Altrincham, WA14 4DB Opening times: Mondays 1.30-3.30. Free. 0161 226 3871
• Alcoholics Anonymous –meet in the Forum Library, every Monday at 1pm, Meeting Room 1
• Narcotics Anonymous Membership is open to anyone with a drug problem seeking help. Every Tuesday, 6 – 7.45pm, Meeting Room 1, Forum Library, Forum Square, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5RX.
• Manchester Drug and Alcohol Team – Drop in without an appointment, Friday 1-2.30pm. Alderman Downward House, Wythenshawe Civic Centre, next to Poundland.
• Narcotics anonymous helpline 0300 999 1212 for those battling drug addiction
• Manchester Rape Crisis - 0161 273 4500. Monday – Friday 10 – 4pm. Wednesday and Thursday 6 – 9pm. Confidential support service run by women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Provides signposting for male survivors of sexual abuse.
• Survivors Manchester – 0161 236 2182/0808 800 5005. Mon, Weds, Fri 9 – 6pm, Tues 9 – 8pm, 9 – 8.30. Confidential support service for male survivors of sexual abuse. Telephone support, face to face support, police support.
• Sands still birth &neonatal death helpline 07756 466841. Manchester group of the nationat Sands charity https://www.uk-sands.org. Also hold monthly meetings which are open to all , no matter when bereavement occurred. www.manchester- sands.org.uk.
• ADVICE – FORUM LIBRARY: Council Tax and Benefits Surgery The Revenues and Benefits Unit provides an appointment only surgery. Third Wednesday of the month, Meeting Room 2 call 0161 234 3695 Handing in Benefit documents Are you claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Education Benefits? We can make it easier for you!
• Weighed down by debt? Free debt counselling in your community from an award-winning charity. Call free on 0800 328 0006 – CAP debt help (Christians against poverty, you do not have to be Christian to access). A charity we offer a completely free service to help you lift the burden of debt.
People First Advice Service-Advice service for clients needing support with filling out forms, reading through letters, housing advice and more. Drop in every Thursday 10 – 1pm, Meeting Room 2Forum Library, Forum Square, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5RX. If you prefer to book an appointment call 0161 235 6900
• Mike Kane MP Surgery: Constituents to contact Mike for appointments. Phone: 0161 499 7900 or email: [email protected]
Tell Us Once – A free government initiative to help those that have been bereaved. When someone has died, there are lots of things that need to be done, at a time when you probably least feel like doing them. This will include contacting Government departments and local council services that need to be informed. When you use Tell Us Once, the services notified will include: DWP Pensions and Benefits, Personal Tax, Council Tax, Passport, Driving License, Blue Badge, Electoral Register and the Public Sector Pensions. You will need to contact your Register Office in advance of using the Tell Us Once service which will normally be when you register the death. The options to connect the Tell Us Once service are online, face to face and telephone. For more information about Tell Us Once please access the website: www.gov.uk/tell-us-once
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. On this site, you can find out about support in your area and nationally, as well as advice for practical issues that losing a loved one may bring.
• Call us on 0161Call 983 us 0902on 0161 for help983 0902in finding for help the inright finding support the forright you. support for you. Monday to Friday, 9amMonday to 5pm to (except Friday, bank 9am holidays)to 5pm (excep t bank holidays) Wednesday, 9am to 8pm Wednesday, 9am to 8pm Or, you can email [email protected], you can email [email protected]
If you already have contact with mental health services: • Contact your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) • Contact your crisis team • We are also launching a helpline for service users and carers which will be supported 24/7 – the number is: 01204 483071 and went live at 5pm on Friday 20 March 2020. • For Manchester service users who usually use 0161 271 0450, this number will automatically transfer to the new number without the caller being aware, however we would encourage all service users and carers to contact 01204 483071
Local Link is your 24-hour-a-day connection to workplaces in the Wythenshawe area, including Manchester Enterprise Zone. Local Link operates every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Book your connection in advance and Local Link will pick you up from the Local Link stop on Rowlandsway at Wythenshawe bus station, Stand L at Manchester Airport bus station or from Brooklands Metrolink stop. We’ll also pick you up at your workplace for your return journey. You need to register to use the service. You need to book at least one hour before you want to travel and you can book all your journeys at the same time, up to a week ahead. 08456 055505
• Ring and Ride - Ring and Ride provides a door-to-door accessible minibus service for people of all ages who find it difficult to use ordinary public transport, providing the opportunity to book trips in Greater Manchester including travel into neighbouring districts of up to six miles. The service will continue to run 8am to 10.45pm, seven days a week and trips can be booked through one call centre phone number between 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, up to seven days in advance. Information about Ring and Ride services is available at www.tfgm.com/ringandride or by calling 0845 688 4933.
• The Metroshuttle – This fee bus service links the main transport hubs and leisure destinations. Tickets are not needed, just hop on and off as often as you like. For more information visit tfgm.com/metroshuttle
Metrolink Tram Service–Greater Manchester’s Tram system offers easy travel around the city centre and further afield. Trams run on the Metrolink network from approximately 6am to 11.30pm Mondays to Thursdays with last trams running later on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, trams start later and finish earlier in a time range of approximately 7am to 10.30pm. Details of specific first and last tram times from each stop are displayed on the stop platform. Bike stands and lockers are available at most stops. For full details see ‘Stop Information’ at www.metrolink.co.uk
If you would like any information included in the newsletter please contact [email protected] The newsletter is also available via Twitter - https://twitter.com/GMMH_NHS/status/1116960966594445312 Facebook - www.facebook.com/GMMentalHealth Intranet - https://newintranet/services/community-mental-health/community- inclusionservice/Pages/whats-on-newsletter.aspx External internet - https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/community-inclusion-service
Please be aware we cannot always include all information received. The Community Inclusion Service workers are now based in the local Community Mental Health Teams and along with producing the monthly newsletter continue to provide a range of flexible one to-one support, peer support, and short courses: a clear support plan via realistic goal setting around *Managing mental health *Developing confidence/independence *Community inclusion *Relationships and support networks *Work readiness *Physical wellbeing.
This list is not exhaustive but provides a snapshot of activities in your local area. We are unable to provide information on the quality of individual services. Kind Regards. The Community Inclusion Service