The #MobiliseNotMothball campaign launched with an urgent message to government from more than 100 leaders of private and non-profit organisations asking for a job retention scheme that is fit-for-purpose. Caron, Charity Finance Group's CEO outlines: “For some activities, furloughing can work, but our social change organisations are being asked to choose between saving themselves and serving beneficiaries. At the same time, we’re seeing demand for their vital services rise fast making that choice even harder. Our citizens desperately need helplines, advice, support and guidance; whether on mental health, unemployment, homelessness or loneliness and isolation. Government must act now to help the sector mobilise, not mothball.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP gave his much anticipated Spending Review yesterday, setting out government spending for 2021.

The one-year Spending Review highlighted the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 and its effect on public finances. It also included planned spending of billions of pounds in multiple areas, from the NHS, to transport, to housing and local government. There were also significant announcements for the charity sector. The Directory of Social Change, Charity Finance Group and NCVO have all produced useful analysis and key takeaways from the review and we have gathered links to all of these on our review webpage. 

Alchemy Arts are looking for creative young people to showcase their talents as part of a brand-new ‘Colours of COVID’ online mental health and arts initiative.

In recent months, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our way of life more than ever before. For some people, being isolated at home has enabled the time to learn new skills. 

It is a ground-breaking and innovative programme developed for those most at need within the BAME community. Participants have the opportunity to broaden their understanding of how creative expression can combat mental health problems in ever-changing circumstances, such as the ones we all currently face.

Ambition for Ageing are running a short online briefing session and workshop for anyone working with minority or marginalised communities, on how to help older people in your community make the right decisions to stay connected and keep moving this winter, while also following Covid-19 guidance correctly.

The sessions are being run four times throughout December. Follow the button below to sign up.

Independent Choices Greater Manchester is sharing short and powerful videos across their social media platforms on each of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The videos will run until Human Rights Day on 10 December and have been contributed by local multi-faith and other leaders and influencers to focus the region’s attention on the prevalence of domestic abuse and the help available to victims.

Public Health England report finds that the death rate for people registered as having a learning disability were 4.1 times higher than the general population after adjusting for other factors such as age and sex.

The report states that people with learning disabilities are likely to have had difficulty recognising symptoms of COVID-19, or following government advice about getting tested, self-isolation, social distancing and infection prevention and control. 

Greater Manchester will be placed into Tier 3 'Very High' level restrictions after the second lockdown ends on 2 December.

Coronavirus rates have been falling in Salford and Greater Manchester, but are still higher than the national average. The first review of the tier allocations announced today will take place by 16 December.

We will be updating the guidance and resources available on our website, in the meantime find out more about Tier 3 ‘Very High’ restrictions on the government website.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and partners across Greater Manchester are working to prevent the spread of Covid and to deliver projects and programmes to help residents and communities affected. They want to make sure their interventions and communications are having as much impact as possible, and have engaged BMG Research to carry out a series of monthly surveys with residents over the next six months. This is the first survey in the series and will take about 15 minutes to complete.

Flu kills 11,000 people each year. The flu vaccine is offered free to certain people because they need it. You can help to save the NHS from fighting flu this winter by sharing the messages about getting the free flu jab. 

You can encourage your organisation's beneficiaries and members to get the free flu jab by downloading and sharing the resources on our website.

With very cold weather predicted to hit the North West from this evening until Monday morning, you may wish to share this guidance on keeping warm and well with any vulnerable people you support.

It includes links to useful resources and some simple actions for people to take to keep themselves warm, well and connected to others.

We thought Matt’s blog reflecting on the second lockdown may resonate with some following today’s announcements that Greater Manchester will be placed under Tier 3 Very High level restrictions on 2 December.

Matt shares how people are coping with limited face to face social interaction and spending more time at home thanks to the Age Friendly Salford project. The blog also includes links to resources to help you look after your mental wellbeing, physical health and tips to stay entertained at home.

Home-Start is one of Greater Manchester's leading family support charities, helping parents through challenging times, and often stopping them from reaching crisis point. 

2020 sees Home-Start Trafford, Salford and Wigan celebrate its 21st anniversary. In the last 21 years, Home-Start have supported over 4,500 children from 2000 families.

To celebrate they are holding an online event on 30 November from 4.30pm - 5.30pm. Hear from our guest speakers, families and volunteers as they talk about the impact Home-Start has had across Trafford, Salford and Wigan from 1999 - 2020.

We thought we would treat you and share December's Funding Ebulletin a few days early!

Packed with over 30 pages of funding opportunities, it contains grants to support your organisation during the Covid pandemic. It is broken down thematically so you can find the funding that is right fit for your organisation.

As always, if you need help with putting together a funding bid get in touch with our team for support,

The Company is looking for projects that deliver clearly defined educational benefits to a specific group of children or young people. Items of equipment will be considered only where a full explanation is given of how they will support this activity.

The Company is particularly interested in enabling primary age children to develop a strong foundation for the future. Grants range from a few hundred pounds up to around £10,000.

Expressions of interest are invited for Covid-safe physical activity projects for families, children and young people.

All projects must demonstrate that they actively include girls and young women in proposed physical activities. It is also expected that families / children / young people will have helped shape the project design.
Grants of up to £5,000 for Salford-based VCSE organisations are available.