News, Blogs and Events

Latest News...

Launch of new NHS GM Green Plan

NHS Greater Manchester has launched its Green Plan 2025–28, setting out how the region’s health services will cut carbon, protect health and create a fairer, greener future. With climate change already affecting local health - worsening asthma, increasing heat-related illness and deepening inequalities-the plan aims to build an NHS that is sustainable, resilient and rooted in climate justice. It calls on all health and care services to play their part, while encouraging residents to take everyday actions such as choosing greener travel. The launch coincides with Mode Shift Month, a September-long campaign promoting walking, cycling, wheeling and shared journeys to cut emissions and boost wellbeing.

​Click  here  to read more news stories.

Logo of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.

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Blogs

Click here to read the latest blogs, shared by various system partners, illustrating Fairer Health for All in action 


Monday 20th October 2025

Webinar: Insights from Expanding the GM Peer Support Network  

Join us for a 1-hour online session to reflect on the growth of the Greater Manchester peer support network and help shape its future. Over the past year, the network has expanded beyond personalised care into social care, housing, and support for people facing multiple disadvantages. In this session, we’ll share key insights from the proof-of-concept phase, highlight what’s worked well (and what’s been challenging), and explore how peer support can make a lasting difference. This is your chance to sense-check findings, influence final recommendations, and ensure the network continues to grow in the right direction. 

Time: 16:00-17:00

Tuesday 21st October 2025

Conference: Black History Month 2025 - Standing Firm in Power and Pride 

Join us for a powerful day of reflection, celebration, and courageous conversation. 

Black History Month 2025 is a time to honour the strength, creativity, and brilliance of Black communities—past, present, and future. This year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, calls us to recognise not only the struggles, but the resilience, resistance, and achievements that shape Black British life. 

Hosted at the iconic Martin Luther King House in Manchester, this one-day conference brings together community leaders, students, families, educators, and professionals for a dynamic and inspiring programme. Expect thought-provoking speakers, creative performances, lived experience panels, and practical actions we can all take to build a more inclusive and just society. 

This is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. Come ready to learn, connect, and stand firm in your own power and pride. 

Location - Martin Luther King House, Manchester 

Time: 09:30-16:00

Register for free here

Tuesday 21st October 2025

NBWL Workshop | Strategic Networking for Career Advancement: Mastering Influence and Relationship Dynamics 

Your network is your power. Your relationships are your leverage. 

In this transformational NBWL workshop, we invite Black women leaders to reimagine networking — not as a transactional exercise, but as a powerful, purposeful pathway to career growth, influence, and opportunity. 

Whether you’re looking to step into senior leadership, pivot industries, or grow your visibility and voice, this session will equip you with the tools and mindset to network with strategy and confidence. 

In this workshop, we’ll explore: 

  • The power of networking as a career advancement tool. 
  • How to build and nurture relationships that open doors. 
  • Ways to increase your visibility and influence in your sector. 
  • Practical strategies for positioning yourself for leadership and new opportunities. 

Who Should Attend 

  • This workshop is ideal for Black women of African and Caribbean heritage who are: 
  • Aspiring to leadership roles or more senior positions. 
  • Growing a business or personal brand. 
  • Seeking to expand their network with intention and alignment. 
  • Ready to build influence without compromising authenticity. 

Time: 10:00-13:00

Register here

Tuesday 21st October 2025

An introduction to the UK asylum system

This informative session offers an introductory overview of the UK asylum system, covering the rights and entitlements of people seeking asylum and exploring the lived experiences of those residing in asylum accommodation across Greater Manchester.

The webinar is ideal for Local Authority, NHS, and voluntary sector staff or volunteers who:

  • Don’t currently work with people seeking asylum but want to understand more.
  • Occasionally interact with asylum seekers (e.g. responding to emergencies at asylum accommodation).
  • Work directly with asylum seekers and would like a refresher on their rights and entitlements.

By the end of this session, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the asylum process, support needs, and key facts about people seeking asylum in the UK.

Please note: this session will not cover anti-migrant activity in Greater Manchester.

Time: 13:00-14:00

Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Insights from Expanding the GM Peer Support Network

Join us for a 1-hour online session where we’ll share insights from the proof-of-concept phase of the GM peer support network, now expanded to include social care, housing, and support for people facing multiple disadvantages. Together, we’ll reflect on what’s worked, explore challenges, and discuss what effective partnership working could look like. Most importantly, this is your chance to influence final recommendations before our report is submitted to NHS GM and GMCA — and help shape the long-term future of peer support across the region.

Register here

Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Our drinking stories, our way: Crafting stories of alcohol consumption

Join us for Our Drinking Stories, Our Way: Crafting Stories of Alcohol Consumption in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities on 22nd October 2025 (10:00–15:00) at the Manchester Poetry Library, Manchester Metropolitan University. This creative event explores personal and community relationships with alcohol through art, poetry and storytelling. Drop in anytime to view poetry and an exhibition of crafts made by community members, or book onto a hands-on workshop (11:00–13:00) where you’ll create an object from polymer clay to reflect your own experiences—no prior skills needed, refreshments provided. The event challenges stereotypes by sharing authentic generational stories from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, supporting wellbeing, identity and self-representation. Open to the public (18+), with particular relevance to GRT communities. Exhibition is drop-in; workshop booking via Eventbrite. For queries, contact samantha.wilkinson@mmu.ac.uk.

Location: Manchester Poetry Library, Grosvenor East Cavendish Street Manchester M15 6BG 

Time: 11:00-13:00

Register here

Thursday 23rd October 2025

Workshop: Help shape an agreement to enable effective working between the public and VCFSE sectors in Greater Manchester

As part of our open consultation on a new Greater Manchester voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) Accord agreement, we are hosting this workshop to provide an opportunity for you to have your say.

The current GM VCFSE Accord was signed in 2021 for a five-year period. It is a formal agreement between the GM VCFSE Sector represented by the GM VCFSE Leadership Group, GMCA and TfGM, and NHS GM, based in a relationship of mutual trust and sharing responsibility. Its purpose is to further develop how we work together to improve outcomes for Greater Manchester’s communities and citizens. The Accord is jointly owned by the 3 partners and the 10 local authorities across Greater Manchester.

This in-person workshop is an opportunity to help shape the refreshed agreement, including its underlying values and principles, priorities for change, how it could be implemented, and what work could be delivered at a Greater Manchester-level to support its aims.

Location: St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green N, Manchester M12 6FZ

Time: 10:00-12:30

Sunday 2nd November 2025

Calling all grassroots sports clubs and groups in Greater Manchester!
Join us for Greater Manchester Moving’s first-ever Sports Club Conference – a day to connect, learn and be inspired with others helping grassroots sport thrive.

Whether you’re a coach, committee member or volunteer, this event is for you.

Why attend?

  • Hear from inspiring speakers, including Hayley Lever (GM Moving), Rosie Benson (Sport England) and keynote speaker Karen Leach, international Safe Sport advocate.
  • Choose from interactive workshops designed by clubs, for clubs.
  • Learn how to grow your impact, engage your community, and access funding opportunities.
  • Network with peers, partners and support organisations.

Workshops include:

  • Understanding the funding landscape
  • Creating an inclusive environment
  • Engaging your community
  • Funding application clinic
  • Networking space

Location: Manchester Metropolitan University, Institute of Sport, 99 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7EL

Time: 10:00-16:00 

Tuesday 11th November 2025

Workshop: The GM Participation Playbook - Shaping how we Live Well together  

What if people across Greater Manchester weren’t just heard, but had real power to shape the places they live and the support they receive?

Join us as we launch the GM Participation Playbook: Shaping How We Live Well Together - a practical, co-designed guide showcasing proven participatory approaches like citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting and co-production.

At this interactive event, you’ll hear from Mayor Andy Burnham, community leaders, and partners across the NHS, local authorities and VCFSE sector. Experience participatory methods first-hand, connect with others driving community-led change, and help shape a shared Greater Manchester Participation Charter.

Together, we’ll celebrate and build a movement where communities don’t just have a voice - they have the power, resources and confidence to shape decisions and grow a Greater Manchester where everyone can Live Well.

Location: 1830 Warehouse @ The Science and Industry Museum entrance via Liverpool Road Manchester M3 4FP

Time: 09:30-12:30

Wednesday 13th November 2025

Seminar: The Alternative Provider Collaborative Convention

The APC Convention is coming to Stretford Public Hall (M32 0LG) on Wednesday 13th November 2025. This special event will celebrate the incredible work of APC providers across Greater Manchester, featuring a dynamic mix of exhibitors, engaging activities, and panel discussions with system leaders. Together, we’ll explore key themes across health, social care, equalities, and how a social value agenda can drive better population health outcomes. 

Time: 09:30-15:30

Wednesday 26th November 2025

Webinar: Live Well Live - Reimagining Neighbourhood Regeneration with Communities  

Join us for Live Well Live: Community-led Placemaking, an online webinar exploring how residents can take the lead in shaping neighbourhoods, towns and cities that reflect their priorities, strengths and aspirations. Hear inspiring stories from across Greater Manchester and beyond, including Ageing in Place partnerships and resident-led networks, showcasing how collaboration between communities, councils and organisations can create places that truly help people to live well. With new national investment and local momentum building, this is your chance to learn how community-led placemaking is transforming spaces into thriving, connected and inclusive places for all. 

Time: 10:00-11:30

Thursday 27th November 2025

Conference: VSNW and AGM 2025 - 'From Uncertainty to Strength – Building Capacity & Resilience in Our Sector'

In 2025, the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector faces increasing challenges. With welfare budget cuts, economic pressures, and rising demand for services, many organisations are being asked to do more with less. 

This year’s VSNW Conference and AGM will focus on a vital question: How do we move from uncertainty to strength? Together, we will explore ways to build internal capacity, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and continue leading the future of public service delivery across the North West. 

The day will feature keynote speeches, breakout workshops for discussion, and valuable networking opportunities. 

Refreshments and lunch will be provided. The event is free to attend and is aimed at VCFSE leaders who are members, associates, or partners of VSNW. If you’re not yet a member, this is an excellent opportunity to join and connect with peers across the region. 

Location: King's House Conference Centre, King's Church, Sidney Street, Manchester, GTM M1 7HB 

Time: 10:00-16:00

W/c 9 March 2026

GM Live Well Festival

We’re excited to share an early heads-up - during the week commencing 9 March 2026, we’ll be hosting the GM Live Well Festival.

As always, this event will be co-designed with you - communities, partners and colleagues across Greater Manchester.

Building on the success of our March 2025 event ‘Growing Great Everyday Support in Every Neighbourhood’, which brought energy, connection and system-wide movement building, the 2026 Festival will be a space to learn, reflect, connect and celebrate the impact of Live Well across our communities.

What’s next:

  • Open space co-design session in November – open to anyone who wants to help shape the Festival.
  • Smaller co-design sessions from November at Live Well events, in teams and across GM.

Main ask for now:
Please keep the week free of major events so we can come together to showcase, celebrate and strengthen the Live Well movement.

Tuesday 16th June 2026

Stronger Things 2026 Conference

Registration is now open for New Local's 2026 Stronger Things conference - the UK’s leading event on community power.

Do you have an event related to Fairer Health for All that you want to share? Email nhsgm.fhfa@nhs.net