58% of charities to cut back services as coronavirus set to cost sector 60,000 jobs. The £10 billion charity funding gap created by coronavirus is putting an “alarming proportion” of jobs and services in the firing line in the social sector. That’s according to the latest Charity Sector Tracker. The survey of 455 charities found that 19% have already made redundancies, and that 23% plan to make further cutbacks once the government’s furlough scheme comes to an end. 

The Greater Manchester Research Network hosted a special session about how COVID 19 impacts on their members’ experience of collecting data. The network members felt that their ability to collect data in the usual way has been severely constrained by the crisis. Many felt that the situation highlights the very issues that always play a role in designing research

This guide from the network covers recruitment of participants, using online communities, moving traditional methods online and creative methods.

The government has been accused of breaking a promise over emergency coronavirus funding for small charities, after it emerged that no “standalone review” has been conducted into the scheme. This is despite DCMS committing in April to “review early learnings” from the £200m Coronavirus Community Support Fund.

Officials have now confirmed that no formal review of the CCSF was ever undertaken. 

The Health and Social Care secretary, local leaders, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre and the Chief Medical Officer for England agreed changes to the local restrictions in some parts of England last week.

The measures will deliver a more targeted intervention in parts of Northern England, with further intervention in Oldham, Blackburn and parts of Pendle. Restrictions were lifted in Wigan, Rossendale and Darwen. These areas are now aligned with the measures for the rest of England.

Salford’s Equality Improvement Partnership and Salford’s Mental Health Champions are looking for six portraits and stories of Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and citizens as part of Black History Month in October 2020.

Still I Rise was showcased at The Lowry in 2019 and they would like to add to this collection to recognise the significant contribution of Salford BAME health and care staff, voluntary sector organisations and citizens during COVID-19. If you would like to volunteer, get in touch by 29th September.

Young people, aged 11 - 24,  are invited to join Peoples History Museum (PHM) in exploring the important issues around climate change through discussion, creative workshops and the museum’s unique collections. Together with PHM, they will identify areas where the museum could do more to support the climate crisis. To showcase the findings of the project you will also plan an event that will challenge and inspire the public to think about their own impact and provide inspiration for small changes that make a big difference.

Posters, social statics, badges and cards highlighting that some individuals will be exempt from wearing a face covering are available to download from Public Health England.

The campaign has been launched to encourage people who have been invited for cancer-related appointments, diagnostic tests, or follow up appointments.

A variety of resources have been made available for organisations to share on social media accounts to spread the word of 'Help Us Help You'.

Communicating while wearing a face covering can be difficult, and even more so if the person you are communicating with is deaf or hard of hearing. Paramedic Danny shared this video on twitter, demonstrating an excellent way to make sure you can communicate effectively, while protecting those around you.

NHS Salford CCG have shared this short BSL video on twitter outlining Test and Trace. The video covers the key messages of getting tested immediately if you have symptoms and only leaving the house to get tested.

We're sure you have already heard from us regarding the State of the Sector survey. We want to say a huge thank you to all of our members who have taken the time to submit the survey so far.

To try and make completing the survey as straightforward as possible we have made a video and graphic explaining; the information you will need to hand, how long it will take and the kind of questions asked. For some more support with the survey you can also join one of our webinars.

We would like to recruit two new trustees with any of the following specialisms:

Public Law
Contract Law
Legal Structures
Asset Transfers

We’re also looking to recruit a new Chair, the successful candidate will have previous experience of a governance role in a well-established charitable organisation and will preferably currently be the Chief Executive of a registered charity in Greater Manchester. Apply by 7th September.

The Home Office has committed further funding for small and micro charities in Greater Manchester. To be eligible, you must be either a registered charity, charitable incorporated organisation or a social enterprise .

You will also need to provide evidence that your organisation is experiencing: immediate financial hardship, significantly increased demand, or an urgent need to adapt services to meet Covid-19 associated measures (e.g. social distancing).

GMCVO and 10GM's mental wellbeing grants programme aims to support adults from communities of identity or experience, based in Greater Manchester, that may struggle to achieve higher levels of mental wellbeing. 

Applications should support adults to participate in at least two of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. 

The second stage of the programme features micro grants of £100-£500 and is open until 5pm Monday 31st August.

Wellbeing Fund Grants of up to £1,000 for voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations undertaking Covid-safe health and wellbeing projects for the benefit of Salford residents

All projects must help to deliver on the ‘5 ways to
Wellbeing’. Eligible organisations must be a member of Salford CVS and have a turnover of £100,000 or under per year. You can apply for SCVS membership on our website here.

Apply by 12 noon on Friday 25th September.