News, Blogs and Events

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy.  

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Number One Riverside, Rochdale: 19 Nov, 12:00 – 16:00 

The Social Model of Disability: Comms/Engagement/Governance colleagues 

NHS GM's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) improvement plan highlights the need for leaders to foster an inclusive culture, particularly for disabled colleagues. Following the successful pilot of the Foundations for Change programme, Breakthrough UK will deliver eight 3-hour courses tailored for different staff groups. The training will focus on understanding the Social Model of Disability, identifying barriers in the workplace, applying inclusive policies, and fostering a culture where staff feel comfortable declaring disabilities. It will also link these practices to the NHS EDI Improvement Plan and workforce data requirements. 

Register for free here 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Central Library, Manchester: 20 Nov, 11am-3pm 

Time:  11:00 – 15:00 

Islamophobia Panel Discussion ‘Seeds of Change’ 

Islamophobia Awareness Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the values of inclusion and collaboration that are essential to our organisation. Regardless of personal experience with Islamophobia, it’s crucial that we unite as allies and advocates for those affected. By engaging in the planned activities, we can raise awareness of the challenges faced by Muslim colleagues and community members, foster a more inclusive work environment, enhance our leadership in diversity, and proactively address prejudice and discrimination. One key event is the Islamophobia Panel Discussion, "Seeds of Change," on Wednesday, 20 November, held virtually and open systemwide across GM.  

Register for free here. 

Time: 12:00-13:30 

Faith and Beliefs in the Workplace - NHS GM policy focus 

The Faith Network for Manchester will host three half-day workshops focused on workforce inclusion, patient needs, and future NHS GM policies. Each 3-hour session aims to enhance well-being, strengthen the NHS Equality Improvement Plan, improve EDI, raise awareness of protected characteristics, and support High Level Impact Actions. Topics will include faith and belief data, religious holidays, accommodating faith in the workplace, and managing crises. Trainers from up to eight faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhi, Buddhism, Baha’i, Jainism, and Rastafarianism, will lead the sessions. 

Register for free here 

Time: 13:00–16:00 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Stockport Town Hall: 22 Nov, 09:30 – 13:30 

Anchor Exchange (Health Anchors Learning Network) [National Event] 

This lunchtime peer learning session offers an open space for people to come together, share learning and problem solve to build effective anchor organisations. Monday, 25 November 2024⋅12.30 – 1:30pm Where: Zoom  

Events — Health Anchors Learning Network (haln.org.uk) 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Spindles Shopping Centre, Oldham: 26 Nov, 1pm-4pm 

GM Live Well: co-designing our ‘everyday support in neighbourhoods’ event 

Join the GM Live Well Team to help shape the upcoming GM Live Well event in March 2025, which will focus on “everyday support in every neighbourhood” to foster health, social connection, and economic inclusion. This in-person event will address community-driven support, tackling systemic barriers and elevating local efforts. Bring your ideas to make this event inclusive, impactful, and aligned with your ongoing work. Key topics include accessible information, community-led services, peer support, and inclusive spaces. This co-design session on Zoom is your chance to contribute to Greater Manchester’s mission to address health, social, and economic inequalities through community power and action. 

Register for free here 

Time: 14:00-15:30 

Green Social Prescribing Economic Evaluation Stakeholder Workshop 

Join us at St James' Building, Room 7, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EG, for a two-hour stakeholder workshop on the economic evaluation of Green Social Prescribing (GSP) programmes. This interactive event is designed for delivery partners and professionals in the field to share insights, shape an effective evaluation framework, and amplify the impact of GSP. Discussions will focus on identifying key economic outcomes, understanding GSP's value, and crafting compelling reports for funders and decision-makers. Your input is crucial in highlighting GSP's benefits, influencing future funding, and expanding these transformative nature-based health initiatives. Space is limited—register now to contribute and shape the future of GSP! 

Register for free here 

Time: 12:00-14:00 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Salford Suite, Civic Centre, Swinton: 29 Nov, 13:00-17:00 

World AIDS Day 2024 

The PaSH annual World Aid’s Day vigil will take place on Sunday 1st December 2024 at 6pm at Sackville Gardens in Manchester. 

Join us to remember people we have lost, show our solidarity with people living with HIV around the world and commit ourselves to ending HIV stigma and discrimination. 

This inclusive event will represent all identifies, facets and elements of the HIV community who will be represented through speaking, through artistic performances and visibility. We will centre the history of HIV and the trailblazers who inspired us and paved the way to today. We will have talks from our Positive Speakers [people living with HIV] who will share their story and experiences.  

Date: Sunday 1st December 2024 

Time: 18:00 – 19:00 

Location: Sackville Gardens, Whitworth St, Sackville St, Manchester M13WA 

Monday 2nd December 2024 

Cost of living webinar: What’s next for Household Support Fund? 

The next cost of living webinar will be held on the 2 December, 2pm-4pm, and bookings are now open. Speakers from the LGA, the Trussell Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation will share the work they are doing on and around the Household Support Fund. We will draw on these to inform facilitated discussions with attendees, to enable you to share ideas and practice and inform national conversations with government and partners. 

Register for free here 

Tuesday 3rd December 2024 

Greater Manchester VCSE Manchester 2035 Online Event 

At the University of Manchester, we are writing our new strategy – we are calling this Manchester 2035. This is about our whole community – students, staff, alumni, partners and local residents - coming together to shape our strategy and take on the challenges of the future. With your help, we will create a joint vision that reflects our aspirations and benefits our staff, students, and the communities we serve. 

This booking is for the online event you will be emailed the Zoom link one week before the event. 

If you are attending as a local resident or in a personal capacity, you will receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for attending. At the event we will ask you to provide your email so we can send you the voucher. If you cannot attend these events, you can still contribute your views by visiting www.manchester.ac.uk/about/manchester-2035/ and submitting comments here. If you want to know more about these two external partner events you can email: socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk 

Register for free here 

Time: 15:00 – 17:00 

Wednesday 4th December 2024 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Library Community Room, Tameside One: 4 Dec, 11:00 - 15:00 

Thursday 5th December 2024 

Devolution and new local structures: opportunities for anchor institutions 

Join the Health Anchors Learning Network for an engaging online webinar exploring how devolution and new local structures create opportunities for anchor organisations, places, and systems to collaborate on shared health and wellbeing goals. Chaired by Michael Wood (NHS Confederation), this session will feature insights from experts and real-world examples of partnerships between combined authorities, integrated care systems, and anchor institutions addressing social determinants of health. Participants will gain practical tools, share experiences, and explore strategies for leveraging devolution deals to enhance population health and tackle inequalities. Open to all via Zoom—register now to secure your place! 

Register for free here 

Greater Manchester Green Summit 2024 –  The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays – Now in its seventh year, Greater Manchester Green Summit 2024 will be held at The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays on Monday 9 December, hosted by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. 

Bringing together businesses, community groups, policymakers, suppliers, industry, local government and academia, the summit will see the launch of the next Greater Manchester Five-Year Environment Plan, giving delegates the chance to understand the challenges and opportunities that face partners across the city-region. 

The Green Summit offers a great opportunity to meet and network with people who are determined to drive change and help the city-region meet its ambitious goals for the environment, with networking and exhibition stands open until the end of the event. 

Register for free here. 

Registration from 08:30, runs until 18:30  

Understanding LGBTQ+ monitoring: Data as a tool for change (all staff) 

The LGBT Foundation Training Academy offers a bespoke module for those seeking to enhance their confidence and understanding of LGBT community needs. This interactive, online session provides tools to create positive changes in workplaces by addressing demographic monitoring concerns and exploring the impact of LGBTQ+ inclusive policies. Participants will learn best practices for data collection, discuss its role in improving work, and tackle challenges in policy implementation. The session encourages discussion and offers opportunities for questions throughout. 

Register for free here 
Time: 10:00–12:00 

Manchester 2035 Local Residents & Community Partners Event 

At the University of Manchester, we are writing our new strategy – we are calling this Manchester 2035. This is about our whole community – students, staff, alumni, partners and local residents - coming together to shape our strategy and take on the challenges of the future. With your help, we will create a joint vision that reflects our aspirations and benefits our staff, students, and the communities we serve. 

If you are attending as a local resident or in a personal capacity, you will receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for attending. At the event we will ask you to provide your email so we can send you the voucher. If you cannot attend these events, you can still contribute your views by visiting www.manchester.ac.uk/about/manchester-2035/ and submitting comments here. If you want to know more about these two external partner events you can email: socialresponsibility@manchester.ac.uk  

Register for free here 

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-health-gm-a-place-partnership-tickets-1038865112517

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Sale Library, Trafford: 6 Jan 2025, 11:00 – 14:00 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Moss Bank Cafe, Bolton: 7 Jan 2025, 10:00 – 13:00 

Anchor Exchange (Health Anchors Learning Network) [National Event] 

This lunchtime peer learning session offers an open space for people to come together, share learning and problem solve to build effective anchor organisations. Wednesday, 8 January 2025⋅12.30 – 1:30pm Where: Zoom  

Events — Health Anchors Learning Network (haln.org.uk) 

Public consultation for Greater Manchester's Local Nature Recovery Strategy. 

You’re invited to a drop-in session for Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy public consultation, running from November 15, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, this initiative invites everyone to shape a shared plan addressing the biodiversity emergency and improving access to nature across the city-region. Attend local drop-in sessions—online or in person—to learn about the strategy, provide feedback, and contribute to creating a greener, thriving Greater Manchester over the next decade. Your voice is vital in ensuring this roadmap reflects diverse perspectives and achieves maximum impact! 

Location: Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Bury: 8 Jan 2025, 13:00 – 16:00 

Understanding LGBTQ+ monitoring: Data as a tool for change (all staff) 

The LGBT Foundation Training Academy offers a bespoke module for those seeking to enhance their confidence and understanding of LGBT community needs. This interactive, online session provides tools to create positive changes in workplaces by addressing demographic monitoring concerns and exploring the impact of LGBTQ+ inclusive policies. Participants will learn best practices for data collection, discuss its role in improving work, and tackle challenges in policy implementation. The session encourages discussion and offers opportunities for questions throughout. 

Register for free here 

Time: 10:00–12:00 

Register for free here 

The Social Model of Disability: HROD/E&I colleagues 

NHS GM's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) improvement plan emphasises creating a culture where all staff, including disabled colleagues, feel they belong. Following the pilot of the Foundations for Change programme, Breakthrough UK will deliver eight 3-hour courses focused on the Social Model of Disability. Sessions will cover policy, culture, inclusion, co-production, Accessible Information Standards, and barrier removal. The training aims to help staff understand disability models, identify workplace barriers, and foster an open culture for disability declaration, aligning with the NHS EDI Improvement Plan and workforce data needs. 

Register for free here 

Wednesday 29th January 2025 

Evidence Bites! Improving your evidence skills & confidence: Session 1 

Introduction: UKHSA Knowledge & Library Services (KLS) gives you a whistlestop tour of the services they offer to Local Authority Public Health staff. This session will provide an overview of services and resources available and how to access them.  

To register please click here 

Fairer Health for All Fellowship Celebration Event

1-4pm in person.

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS

Trans inclusivity in the workplace (all staff) - With an estimated 1% of the population identifying on the trans spectrum, public-facing organisations are increasingly likely to interact with diverse trans individuals, making it essential for employers to support trans and non-binary staff. NHS GM's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan emphasises creating a culture of belonging, especially for LGBTQ+ employees, as shown by the NHS Staff Survey, where one in five LGBTQ+ staff reported violence from patients or relatives. To address these challenges, Gendered Intelligence offers "Trans Awareness: The Basics," a one-hour session that introduces trans-related concepts, legislation, and practices for fostering trans inclusion, followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A.  

Register for free here 

Evidence Bites! Improving your evidence skills & confidence: Session 2 

Accessing evidence: In this session we shall share our librarian secrets, hacks, and top tips for accessing high quality & relevant evidence. Looking at preparing a search question; formulating a search strategy and searching for articles and grey literature.  

To register please click here 

Evidence Bites! Improving your evidence skills & confidence: Session 3 

Appraising evidence: There is now more evidence being produced than ever before – but how do you know that it is high quality and trustworthy? This session will be a guide to quickly and effectively appraising evidence relevant to your role. Includes using toolkits and resources you can print out & keep.  

To register please click here 

Trans inclusivity in the workplace (all staff) - With an estimated 1% of the population identifying on the trans spectrum, public-facing organisations are increasingly likely to interact with diverse trans individuals, making it essential for employers to support trans and non-binary staff. NHS GM's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan emphasises creating a culture of belonging, especially for LGBTQ+ employees, as shown by the NHS Staff Survey, where one in five LGBTQ+ staff reported violence from patients or relatives. To address these challenges, Gendered Intelligence offers "Trans Awareness: The Basics," a one-hour session that introduces trans-related concepts, legislation, and practices for fostering trans inclusion, followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A.  

Register for free here 

The future of local welfare inquiry | The Children's Society 

^{The Children's Society has launched an inquiry to gather input from local authorities, the voluntary and community sector, and individuals on the current local welfare and crisis support landscape. With the deadline for responses extended until March, this initiative aims to develop a sustainable vision for future support, focusing on long-term funding to aid individuals and families in financial hardship. Since 2021, the Household Support Fund (HSF) has played a critical role in providing swift interventions, but inconsistent funding has led to regional disparities. This survey seeks to advocate for permanent, ring-fenced funding and a consistent national approach with local flexibility. Your input is vital!} 

Trans inclusivity in the workplace (all staff) - With an estimated 1% of the population identifying on the trans spectrum, public-facing organisations are increasingly likely to interact with diverse trans individuals, making it essential for employers to support trans and non-binary staff. NHS GM's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan emphasises creating a culture of belonging, especially for LGBTQ+ employees, as shown by the NHS Staff Survey, where one in five LGBTQ+ staff reported violence from patients or relatives. To address these challenges, Gendered Intelligence offers "Trans Awareness: The Basics," a one-hour session that introduces trans-related concepts, legislation, and practices for fostering trans inclusion, followed by a 30-minute interactive Q&A.  

Register for free here