The 2021 Charity Digital Skills Report research is now underway! By taking part in the survey you are helping build a picture of how the digital needs of the sector across the UK are changing. Anyone who works for a charity or a non-profit organisation based in the UK can complete the survey. Questions include your organisational priorities, barriers and funding needs, digital skills and service development.

The Health Creation Alliance have published a report on learning from the community response to COVID-19; how the NHS can support communities to keep people well.

The research for this report uncovered that a key contributor to the health and wellbeing among those people who received support and services during the pandemic was remaining connected. 

The insights and recommendations featured in this report are useful for everyone who has a role in health, care and wellbeing.

Salford mental health charity Start Inspiring Minds, through its multi award winning ‘Reach Out; Start to End Suicide’ campaign, in partnership with Salford Royal NHS Trust are crowdfunding 'Everyday Mental Health Heroes of the NHS’ which sees Salford Royal NHS staff supported to create a positive and supportive mental health workplace for all and to save lives being lost to suicide.

The ‘Everyday Mental Health Heroes of the NHS’ Campaign is part of the Crowdfund Salford, scheme to help local people turn their great ideas into reality.

Water Plus, a joint venture between United Utilities and Severn Trent, have put together some helpful information and advice to help keep water costs down – and help the environment too. 

Whether you’re running a large community centre or a single charity shop there are some useful tips for you.

Although it’s a very busy time with charity shops and community groups getting back on-site and opening up or starting activities, the information in this article will help for now – and later this year.

Wai Yin Society's OPeNs and First 1000 Days projects are holding an online vaccine information session on Monday 10th May at 11am with Dr Shahzad Amin. This event is open to everyone and participants can book a place by emailing  thomas_tsang@waiyin.org.uk or by calling:

Susan on 07494199271 (English)
Amy on 07593716325 (Cantonese/Mandarin)
Syeda on 0161 205 6662 (Bengali/Urdu)     
Angel on 07514641810 (French)

Salford Citizens Advice produce a weekly advice column and their latest article covers the new Breathing Space and Mental Health Crisis Debt Respite Schemes.

Breathing Space is a new scheme that gives people temporary protection from most types of debt collection while they take action to get on top of their debts. If someone is being treated for a mental health crisis, a separate scheme applies. 

Community Futures are offering free training courses to help people to develop employment skills including how to present yourself and your business, word processing workshops, and interview skills. These courses are perfect for those looking for a job or starting their own business.

Community Futures is a CIC offering fully-funded support for people in Greater Manchester. Visit their website for further details.

Hate crime; what is it, how do you report it and what support is available if you suffer from it?

These questions, plus any others you can think of, will be answered by a panel of experts on 17th May at 11.30am as part of Pendleton Together’s work for IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobic, Bipohbic and Transphbic Abuse).Their hate crime video will also be shown at the event.

Don't forget, today’s the day to vote for your Salford councillors, Salford City Mayor and Greater Manchester Mayor.

If you have any urgent queries about voting the customer contact centre is open until the polls close at 10pm tonight. Call 0161 793 2500 or find elections information on the Salford City Council website.

#WeStandTogether Month runs every May and is an opportunity for your community group to plan a cohesion activity for your neighbourhood. Bring people together, increase understanding and respect and build strong relationships in and across communities.

Support is also available to help you find funding for your activities and, if you affiliate your group, you could be in line for one of 16 Awards, up to £2,500. The deadline for submission is Tuesday 25 May 2021.

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. 

If you are hosting an activity or running a campaign for Carers Week we'd love to hear about it so we can amplify your message and raise awareness of your work. Let us know by emailing becky.roberts@salfordcvs.co.uk.

Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and runs from 10-16 May. This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community. If you would like to support the campaign you can access resources here and as May is also Walking Month you may want to take a look at GM Walking's 'Get Out This May' festival to combine the benefits of nature and walking for mental health!

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics for first doses are now open at Little Hulton Health Centre, running every Wednesday 4pm - 9pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm.

The clinics are for people aged 40 and over OR people aged 30 and over living with a long-term health condition OR people aged 30 and over and a carer (paid or unpaid).

Find out more about vaccinations in Salford via the NHS Salford CCG website.

"Four days after I took a test, I couldn’t breathe. I was just lying in bed thinking this is me going."

Marie's Covid-19 journey film urges people to come forward for their vaccine when it's their turn. The film is available in French and English and you can share the links to the YouTube videos on our own social media channels to help encourage others to take up vaccination.

Watch the French version and the English version.

The Cabinet Office have updated their Covid-19 Communications Toolkit. The key messages are:

• Every vaccination gives us hope
• Everyone can get rapid COVID-19 tests via the NHS
• Remember to follow the Hands, Face Space, Fresh Air guidance

In case you missed it - our latest 10GM Funding Ebulletin is now available to download. This month's edition has 28 pages of local and national funding. It is organised by theme to help you find funding that is relevant to your organisation.

Get a Clarion Future Digital grant of up to £5,000 for innovative digital inclusion projects. Clarion House supports projects that help residents of all ages – and the wider community – to get online and safely and confidently use the internet as an everyday tool.

Skills for Growth - SME Support is a fully funded, tailored service to help up-skill your employees and improve productivity. Available to any VCSE organisation in Greater Manchester with up to 250 (FTE) employees.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Salford CVS to support our Administration Team.

The post-holder will provide administrative duties to support the membership at Salford CVS. We have over 850 members at Salford CVS and the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting these members and checking the eligibility of potential new members