Your Weekly News Round-Up

Too many welfare benefit cuts that you may want to be updated on!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IZURGbHFka3o2d3c/view?usp=sharing

Discrimination in the Welfare System - free training!

GMWRAG have very helpfully drawn our attention to the fact that Stephensons Solicitors are running a FREE training session on 26th November, 1.30pm at Partington Library & Wellbeing Centre. The session will examine how claimants can challenge and dispute decisions made on benefit claims which may discriminate against them due to their health conditions.

The session is free, but spaces are limited; further sessions may be run if demand is sufficient.

To book a space, or to get more details, contact Michelle Tilley by email or phone 01942 774 598.

Funding Finds....

Young people....that's where the money is today!

Children in Need's Winter Funding Programme is now open, and will offer grants of up to £10k for a one year project, or over £10k for an up to three year project. All projects must benefit young people under the age of 18 who are experiencing disadvantage through:

Illness, distress, abuse or neglect.

Any kind of disability.

Behavioural or psychological difficulties.

Living in poverty or situations of deprivation.

For more info, visit the main BBC CiN website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1N4ddmFHns8VPKjyp3PMYwn/apply-for-a-grant  Deadlines are 1st December for Small Grants, or 15th January for Main Grants.

In addition, the Department for Education has just opened its National Prospectus Grants Programme for working with young people along 7 different 'themes'. Projects will be funded for 1 year and must have national significance. There is no minimum/maximum award, but it is anticipated that awards will be made between £100k & £750k. For more details, see this link: https://online.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/Common/View%20Notice.aspx?site=1000&lang=en&NoticeId=1592512

Who Are We Missing?

We were delighted to have so many people attending the October Forum, but we want to make sure that our network continues to grow and that we're reaching as many people as possible. If you're aware of other organisations who you think might benefit from attending forum meetings and being part of the network, please comment below, or send me their contact details to rosi.hunter@manchestercab.org

Let's make this thing MASSIVE!

Does 'Poverty Porn' Undermine the Welfare State?

On Thursday, 6th November, there's an interesting event taking place at Z-Arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA....come along to discuss the increase of documentaries such a Benefits Street, dubbed 'Poverty Porn', and referenced by coalition politicians as evidence for the need for welfare reform. These programmes raise questions on the impact of stigmatising media portrayals of poverty on government policy and public attitudes towards welfare, so take the opportunity to engage in discussion with the media, politicians and academics, as well as people from the wider community.

The audience will participate in a discussion on the impact of the media and how stigma shapes policy on poverty. There will be an opportunity to discuss this with people who shape policy, media responses and leading academics.

I've attached a poster for you here - they're keen to have people attend from all over the city, and if you'd like any posters (3 different designs!) or leaflets, please contact me on rosi.hunter@manchestercab.org

I'll hopefully see you there!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPTVJNbWloSVFPZWc/view?usp=sharing

Outstanding October Forum....and December Details!

October's forum was an all round success, with a fantastic 36 people attending, representing 22 organisations. The main highlight was Colin Billingsley, DWP's External Relations Manager, coming to talk about Universal Credit, and answer questions about how it will work on the ground. You can find the full notes from the session below, as well as a copy of Colin's presentation.

Notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPTFJXdkZmZjBsakE/view?usp=sharing
Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPN1dLZkZrMVR3NE0/view?usp=sharing

Furthermore, we've got details of the next forum already! We'll have 2 guest speakers - Lynne Brown from the Welfare Provision Scheme, and Chris Hulse - DWP's Partnership Manager. We'll also have all the regular 'rolling topics' on the agenda, as well as an opportunity for you to feed in to an exciting event we're planning for 2015...book your space here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maa-december-forum-tickets-13870610369
NB: Venue has not been confirmed yet; it is likely to be Central Hall on Oldham Street, but may need to be adjusted depending on the group size.

Your Weekly News Round-Up

Keep up-to-date with our weekly news round up! Welfare related articles that you may have missed..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IN1pRcE05X1MzLVU/view?usp=sharing

Will you be watching?

Anyone who attended the forum last week will be well aware that our speaker, Colin Billinglsey, was delayed due to a last minute request to take part in a Dispatches show for Channel 4....Well, ladies and gents, that programme is ready for screening, and will be hitting your TVs on Monday night. Make sure you tune in to watch 'Benefits Britain' on Channel 4, 8pm Monday 27th October. For more information on the programme, click here:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/episode-guide

Let us know your thoughts by commenting on this post afterwards!

Your Weekly News Round-Up

This week we are back with some more interesting articles for you to have a read..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IOWR5akJiSTk3SlE/view?usp=sharing

Could You be a Marvellous Mentor?

Manchester Mind are looking for volunteers to train as mentors and work one-to-one with people with mental health difficulties. If you're friendly, patient, and good with people then you're just who they're looking for, and they'll gladly train you to train to support someone to improve their mental health.

This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of starting a career in mental health or a way or just looking for a way to give something back...and especially worth mentioning today as it's World Mental Health Day. Applications are also welcomed from people with lived experience of mental health problems. If you're interested, drop an email to volunteering@manchestermind.org to find out more and apply.

Your Weekly News Round-Up

We are back again this week with some more beneficial information! All about the recent cuts that have been happening so it's worth having a read..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IM1g4MklFNjB2Qlk/view?usp=sharing