Manchester Alliance for Community Care

Children's health, our future: A review of progress against the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services 2004

This report from the National Clinical Director for Children to the Secretary of State for Health provides an overview of progress to date towards the standards in the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. It highlights problems such as the UK's relatively high infant mortality within the EU and rising child obesity, as well as health inequalities in UK society. It welcomes increased spending on child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

The report can be downloaded from the Department of Health website.

Children's health, our future: A review of progress against the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services 2004

This report from the National Clinical Director for Children to the Secretary of State for Health provides an overview of progress to date towards the standards in the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. It highlights problems such as the UK's relatively high infant mortality within the EU and rising child obesity, as well as health inequalities in UK society. It welcomes increased spending on child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

The report can be downloaded from the Department of Health website.

Children's health, our future: A review of progress against the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services 2004

This report from the National Clinical Director for Children to the Secretary of State for Health provides an overview of progress to date towards the standards in the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. It highlights problems such as the UK's relatively high infant mortality within the EU and rising child obesity, as well as health inequalities in UK society. It welcomes increased spending on child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

The report can be downloaded from the Department of Health website.

Access to healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers
The Home Office and the Department of Health are currently undertaking a review of access to NHS services by 'overseas visitors'. The review will be completed next month and will be followed by a 3 month consultation period.

The Home Office is proposing that ('Enforcing the Rules: a strategy to ensure and enforce compliance with our immigration laws', March 2007):

health professionals should carry out immigration checks on clients before providing them with health care
refused asylum seekers and undocumented migrants should be charged for Primary Care (e.g. GP services and prescriptions)
Primary Care Trusts should enter into partnerships with the Border & Immigration Agency and share information with them about 'immigration crime'

The Refugee & Migrant Forum Manchester (http://www.mrsn.org.uk) is working with a coalition of organisations led by Medact (www.medact.org) to campaign against the above proposals. Please see websites for more detailed information.

An Early Day Motion has been submitted for debate by Neil Gerrard MP - please support this campaign by writing to your local MP and asking them to support this Early Day Motion. In the event that we can attract 100 plus signatures (about a sixth of the membership of the House) by the time of the review publication in December it will be a sign to the Government and the media that there is serious concern among MPs about the impact of these proposals.

EDM 220 - ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE 13.11.2007 - Gerrard, Neil
That this House notes the commitment by the Home Office and the Department of Health to a joint review of overseas visitor access to the National Health Service, now due for publication in December 2007; recalls the findings of the Joint Committee on Human Rights' Tenth Report of Session 2006-07 that the current arrangements for overseas visitor access deny healthcare to vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers and their children, resulting in various breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights; applauds the Trade Union Congress's NHS Together campaign to defend the achievements of the free NHS; and supports the charity coalition campaign co-ordinated by the charity Medact against any measures that would compel general practitioners, and other primary care staff, to be forced to charge refused asylum seekers or other vulnerable foreign nationals for NHS care.

You can find out who your MP is by going to www.theyworkforyou.com

A template letter has been put together but this will be more effective if you write it in your own words.

Healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers campaign letter (Word Document)

Alcohol Strategy Consultation
The City Council has now released the second Alcohol Strategy for the City of Manchester 2008-2011. It's in draft form and is out for consultation. Click on the links below to download the document and a questionnaire. The deadline for comments is 14th January 2008.

Comments should be sent to the Drug and Alcohol Strategy Team (DAST). Email: dast@manchester.gov.uk or by post to:

    Drug & Alcohol Strategy Team (Alcohol Strategy Consultation),
    Manchester City Council,
    4th Floor, Heron House,
    Brazennose Street,
    Manchester    M2 5EA.

Alcohol Strategy draft 2008-11 (Word Document)
Alcohol Strategy 2008-11 questionnaire (Word Document)

Alcohol Strategy draft 2008-11 (Word Document)
Alcohol Strategy 2008-11 questionnaire (Word Document)

Is your Organisation Commission-ready?
The way in which local authorities commission children’s services is changing. VCS Engage are running free training courses which will enable you to enter the new commissioning process with confidence, equipped with the tools to understand what commissioners want and how you can deliver. The training will:

Examine the differences between grant funding and commissioning
Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that VCS organisations need to demonstrate
Provide the tools to effectively evidence them
Provide a checklist for writing a successful tender

This day provides the opportunity for VCS organisations to attend fit-for-purpose training that is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of the sector.

The training is designed for strategic managers and infrastructure support organisations and is suitable for organisations of all sizes, working within all sectors of the children, young people and families VCS.

Warrington on 11th December 2007
Manchester 6th February 2008
Leeds 12th February 2008
Liverpool 19th February 2008

For more information and to book a place go the VCS Engage Website.

Examine the differences between grant funding and commissioning
Identify the key skills, characteristics and standards that VCS organisations need to demonstrate
Provide the tools to effectively evidence them
Provide a checklist for writing a successful tender

Warrington on 11th December 2007
Manchester 6th February 2008
Leeds 12th February 2008
Liverpool 19th February 2008

For more information and to book a place go the VCS Engage Website.

Department of Health Funding news
The Department of Health has recently released news of two new funding streams which will be of interest to voluntary sector organisations.

>User-led Organisations Development Fund<
This is about supporting shared learning between organisations which are demonstrably led by service users (such as having a majority of service users on its Management Committee).

>Social Enterprise Development Fund<
This is to help new or existing social enterprises or organisations which are moving towards a social enterprise model - the aim of the fund is to help such groups develop and increase capacity to delivery health and social care services. The funds are seen as an investment and come in various forms such as loans, grants and equity capital.

Comprehensive Spending Review 07
For information about the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 and what the initial implications are going to be for Children's Services, you can download the following documents:

Report to Manchester Children's Board 30-10-07
Policy Briefing from Local Government Information Unit 10-10-07

Report to Manchester Children's Board 30-10-07
Policy Briefing from Local Government Information Unit 10-10-07

Sowing Seeds Manchester Launches Including Men Network.
Launch of a new service for Frontline Practitioners and Managers on 15th November - Manchester’s first Online Forum for work with Men and Fathers. The Manchester including Men Network will support and inform managers and frontline staff to champion inclusive work in their services.

Sowing Seeds will be supported by Children North East Fathers Plus to manage and facilitate a series of local network meetings throughout the year. Meetings will address a variety of themes relevant to partners’ needs, such as ‘including fathers and male carers in parenting support,’ ‘developing the employment of men in childcare’, ‘including men in health promotion and prevention,’ ‘linking fatherhood, social exclusion and anti-social behaviour.’

The Manchester Including Men Network will provide a focus for managers and practitioners to feed into and respond to the way the city incorporates changes in national policy into its policies and practices across service delivery and employment. It will:

Provide a link between policy development in Manchester and its impact on service delivery for fathers and men.
Link policy development in Manchester and policy development in the rest of the North West region, enabling the dissemination of effective policy and practice.
Link practitioners in the Manchester network with the regional and national father’s worker networks.
Link agencies in statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors in order to facilitate joint ways of working to include fathers and men.

The network meetings will be supported by a communications strategy consisting of three key elements:

Management and administration of a database of key practitioners in the city
E-flyers to update workers about events, policy development and availability of training and resources.
The development of a network website and online knowledge bank for practitioners in the city.

Children North East will manage the database and coordinate communication with the network and between the Manchester network and other regional and national networks. Children North East will host the network website on the Including Men.com knowledge bank and will provide training and support for Sowing Seeds to update the Manchester network site.

Sowing Seeds will facilitate the network with practical events and act as the advisor for the network practitioners. Also we will send out regular updates of what is happening in the field of work with men/fathers. Forr more information please contact Barrington Reeves by email keprahinc@hotmail.com or you can phone on 0161 374 9875 or mobile 07816 211559.

Provide a link between policy development in Manchester and its impact on service delivery for fathers and men.
Link policy development in Manchester and policy development in the rest of the North West region, enabling the dissemination of effective policy and practice.
Link practitioners in the Manchester network with the regional and national father’s worker networks.
Link agencies in statutory, voluntary, community and private sectors in order to facilitate joint ways of working to include fathers and men.

The network meetings will be supported by a communications strategy consisting of three key elements:

Management and administration of a database of key practitioners in the city
E-flyers to update workers about events, policy development and availability of training and resources.
The development of a network website and online knowledge bank for practitioners in the city.

VCS Strategic Lead Role (Children, Young People and Families) (Oct 07)
I would like to introduce myself as the new VCS representative, acting at strategic level in Manchester. As many of you are aware, we have been trying to secure this post for some tine, to enable us to take important issues forward on behalf of the sector. The role will be part-time up to March 2008, funded by NRF, and managed by MACC. There is a reference group to offer support and guidance for this role: Ruth Craven and Mike Wild (MACC), Shirley Adams (Gaddum Centre), Martin Duffy (Voluntary Youth Manchester) and Graham Mellors (MCC).

We have identified five main issues to address:

Communication, with the local authority and within the sector
Funding – the urgent need for a transition plan for future funding
Priorities – how the sector is contributing to the priorities identified by Children’s Services
Compact – using the guiding principles of this as a basis for developing partnership relationships
How to sustain the VCS strategic lead role and the Development Worker post (MACC)

These were discussed at the Children’s Board Meeting on 3 September 2007, and it was recognised that funding issues are urgent. A process will be set up, led by Graham Mellors, to collect all data relating to organisations and funding streams. A reviewing process will then take place, with VCS involvement. Please also read the full Report to the Board on the 'Reports' page of this website.

I look forward to working with you to take these important issues forward, and to meeting with you at local network meetings. I can be contacted via MACC on 0161 834 9823 or e-mail kathryn.brown@barnardos.org.uk

Kathy Brown

Communication, with the local authority and within the sector
Funding – the urgent need for a transition plan for future funding
Priorities – how the sector is contributing to the priorities identified by Children’s Services
Compact – using the guiding principles of this as a basis for developing partnership relationships
How to sustain the VCS strategic lead role and the Development Worker post (MACC)

Development of District Panels in Manchester and VCS Engagement (Sept 07)

In each of the six districts in Manchester, district panels are taking part in a learning and development programme, giving members a chance to understand their role in developing district working.

Key elements of the training include developing a vision for each of the districts based on current knowledge of the challenges faced, building a profile of the district and to begin to identify priority areas for action within each district. Looking at specific priority areas, panel members will draw on their collective knowledge and expertise to identify ways in which services may be delivered differently in order to improve outcomes for children and young people.

The panels consist of 12 members, bringing together key agencies working within the districts. There are two voluntary and community sector representatives for each of the six district panels and their role is to (i) bring a voluntary and community sector perspective to the panels and knowledge of voluntary and community sector services in the district (ii) engage with local voluntary and community sector organisations.

If you would like to contact your district VCS rep to find out more about what is happening with the panels, or to tell them about the service you are providing the area you can download contact details <HERE>

Development of District Panels in Manchester and VCS Engagement (Sept 07)

In each of the six districts in Manchester, district panels are taking part in a learning and development programme, giving members a chance to understand their role in developing district working.

Children and Young People's Plan - final version (June 2007)
The finalised Review of the Children and Young People's Plan has now been submitted to Ofsted and GONW. Please find below the final version of the main plan and associated annexes. The next steps will be to produce a summary version, a children and young people's leaflet and posters summarising our key actions and priorities. The Plan will also be communicated to staff, schools and published on the internet and intranet.

Children and Young People's Plan Review - consultation
The draft Review of the Children and Young People's Plan has now been published on the MCC Website for consultation, and can be viewed <here>. The closing date for the consulation period is 25 May and the deadline for submission to GONW is 14 June.

The Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) is a very important document for all of Manchester’s children and young people, their parents and carers and for all those people who work with and support them. The Plan brings together in one place the top priorities for everyone working in Children’s Services and sets out the actions required to improve outcomes and life chances for Manchester’s children.

Manchester has agreed with Government 8 key priorities for Children’s Services for 2007/08, these are:

Children and Young People's Plan Review - consultation
The draft Review of the Children and Young People's Plan has now been published on the MCC Website for consultation, and can be viewed <here>. The closing date for the consulation period is 25 May and the deadline for submission to GONW is 14 June.

The Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) is a very important document for all of Manchester’s children and young people, their parents and carers and for all those people who work with and support them. The Plan brings together in one place the top priorities for everyone working in Children’s Services and sets out the actions required to improve outcomes and life chances for Manchester’s children.

Manchester has agreed with Government 8 key priorities for Children’s Services for 2007/08, these are:

Glossary of terms
People say that a lack of common language is one of the key barriers to working effectively. This glossary has been produced to promote and faciliate communication across different agencies and sectors. Click here

Glossary of terms
People say that a lack of common language is one of the key barriers to working effectively. This glossary has been produced to promote and faciliate communication across different agencies and sectors. Click here

Manchester Local Involvement Network
The "Local Involvement Network" or LINk is the new arrangement for involving the local community in the the planning and review of health and social care services. Manchester starting is one of several pilot schemes across the country. These are intended to see how LINks could actually work and have a real visible influence on local services.
To plan this work, an event is being staged during March to gather people's views. Details of the work so far, the Government's intentions and information about the event are available in the new LINk newsletter >click here< to view it (PDF file).

Statement from Mind in Manchester
As you may have heard, Mind in Manchester is in imminent danger of closing all its services. Below is a statement from Justin Larner, the manager of the organisation:

"In recent years we've developed recovery-focused mentoring and social inclusion mental health services that have been so successful that they are currently over subscribed and we have waiting lists over a year long. More than 75% of all the people that we work are sent to us by statutory health and social care bodies. Many of our clients have some of the most complex and longstanding difficulties in a population that is recognised as having high levels of deprivation and poor mental health (including suicide).

Without significant support from the statutory authorities Mind in Manchester's mentoring and social inclusion services will close before the end of May 2007. We need your help to stop this from happening. Please visit our website www.mind-in-manchester.org.uk/funding/index.php for more information and how you can help."

Statement from Mind in Manchester
As you may have heard, Mind in Manchester is in imminent danger of closing all its services. Below is a statement from Justin Larner, the manager of the organisation:

"In recent years we've developed recovery-focused mentoring and social inclusion mental health services that have been so successful that they are currently over subscribed and we have waiting lists over a year long. More than 75% of all the people that we work are sent to us by statutory health and social care bodies. Many of our clients have some of the most complex and longstanding difficulties in a population that is recognised as having high levels of deprivation and poor mental health (including suicide).

Without significant support from the statutory authorities Mind in Manchester's mentoring and social inclusion services will close before the end of May 2007. We need your help to stop this from happening. Please visit our website www.mind-in-manchester.org.uk/funding/index.php for more information and how you can help."

POPP Grants - Round Three now open!
The third (and final) round of grants from Manchester City Council for low-level and preventative services for older people in Manchester is now open. The deadline for applications is 12noon on Friday 16th February. Further information and an application pack is now available on our POPP Grants page >HERE<.

VCS Involvment on Manchester Youth Matters Board
Download an update on Youth Matters and voluntary sector participation on Manchester's Youth Matters Board here.

VCS Involvment on Manchester Youth Matters Board
Download an update on Youth Matters and voluntary sector participation on Manchester's Youth Matters Board here.

Working Together Differently in Districts - Mcr VCS Conference
Thursday 8th February, 9.30am - 4pm (GMCVO, Ardwick Green North)

Following the three partnership conferences in 2005/6, this annual event will bring together voluntary, community and statutory organisations to reflect on our progress towards district based, joined up services for children, young people and families in Manchester.

The aims of the event are to:

raise awareness of developments in the Change for Children programme

identify what this could mean for voluntary and community sector organisations and how the sector can contribute

clarify expectations and the nature of relationships with other agencies delivering services for children, young people and families in Manchester

The event will focus on:

district commissioning - how a model of multi-agency district-based working might work for the voluntary and community sector

A review of the Children and Young People's Plan

Influencing at a strategic level - why should you be involved?

The event will include key note speakers and a special guest performance from a local youth group.
Download a flyer and booking form for this event. For more information about the the event please contact Ruth at MACC on 0161 834 9823 or email ruth@macc.org.uk

You can download a copy of a conference report from all three of the previous events in 2005/6 here

Integrated Commissioning adn District Collaboration Project - Briefing Note

Services to children across Manchester will be delivered in a more cohesive and efficient way through the forging of effective partnerships under the integrated commissioning and district collaboration project.

Introduced as a result of the Children Act 2004, integrated commissioning and district collaboration will require all agencies to work together and adopt a common approach to deliver co-ordinated services which place the needs of children and young people at the centre.

Commissioning in this context is not just about procurement and purchasing but about specifying requirements to meet the specific needs of children and young people, securing those services and evaluating their effectiveness.

It will look specifically at the five outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, contributing positively and achieving economic well-being.

The result will be improvements in early intervention and prevention, more effective multi-disciplinary working, the removal of duplication of services and increase efficiency as well as accountability.

Pilots have already taken place in three of the six Manchester districts using Children’s Fund monies to commission Family and Parenting Support services. In North East Manchester, the Commissioning Panel decided they wanted to commission family and parenting support through services which worked with groups of schools, where there was an identified need. This would mean that services would intervene early, be preventative and work with schools in an integrated way to identify where support is most needed. The experience from these pilots is being used to help develop integrated commissioning across all six districts.

Key milestones over the coming months will be determining the Commissioning Statement for the City, together with ensuring that the district panels are in place by April 2007, and the appointment of project workers to support these panels. Once established, the district panels, with senior representation from partner agencies, will begin to analyse the needs of children and young people in their area in order that they can begin to assess which services require commissioning.

Manchester multi-agency Children's Services Update (Dec 06)

The aim of this bulletin is to keep professionals working with children, young people and families up to date with developments in current initiatives/projects across all agencies. You can find out more information about projects and initiatives <here>

Issue 1 - December 2006

Manchester multi-agency Children's Services Update (Dec 06)

The aim of this bulletin is to keep professionals working with children, young people and families up to date with developments in current initiatives/projects across all agencies. You can find out more information about projects and initiatives <here>

Issue 1 - December 2006

Children and Young People's Multi-agency Team Update (Dec 06)

Downloads Issue 6 of the Programme update for Children and Young People's Multi-agency teams <here>

Children and Young People's Multi-agency Team Update (Dec 06)

Downloads Issue 6 of the Programme update for Children and Young People's Multi-agency teams <here>

NHS survey on GP Services

The NHS is currently conducting its biggest-ever survey: five million patients countrywide are to be asked for their experiences and views of booking an appointment with a GP.

The survey questionnaire, which will go out in mid-January 2007, includes questions on flexible booking, telephone access, opening hours and satisfaction levels. An average GP practice with a list of 6,000 patients will have the chance to earn over £8,000 in incentives if they are responsive to patients' views on access.

Posters and leaflets informing NHS patients and staff about the new survey will be placed in GP surgeries from next week. Taking part in the survey is completely voluntary for patients. Patients will be selected from among those who have had an appointment between 16 July and 15 October 2006.

Patients will be able to fill out the survey in their own home and post it back for analysis. Helplines will be available for people who need help completing the survey, including people with visual impairments or who don’t have English as a first language. The survey is also available in 10 other community languages, Urdu, Punjabi, Polish, Bengali, Arabic, French, Gujarati, Turkish, Somali and Portuguese.

NHS survey on GP Services

The NHS is currently conducting its biggest-ever survey: five million patients countrywide are to be asked for their experiences and views of booking an appointment with a GP.

The survey questionnaire, which will go out in mid-January 2007, includes questions on flexible booking, telephone access, opening hours and satisfaction levels. An average GP practice with a list of 6,000 patients will have the chance to earn over £8,000 in incentives if they are responsive to patients' views on access.

Posters and leaflets informing NHS patients and staff about the new survey will be placed in GP surgeries from next week. Taking part in the survey is completely voluntary for patients. Patients will be selected from among those who have had an appointment between 16 July and 15 October 2006.

Patients will be able to fill out the survey in their own home and post it back for analysis. Helplines will be available for people who need help completing the survey, including people with visual impairments or who don’t have English as a first language. The survey is also available in 10 other community languages, Urdu, Punjabi, Polish, Bengali, Arabic, French, Gujarati, Turkish, Somali and Portuguese.

Findings of the Local Evaluation of Manchester Children's Fund 2004-6

The over-riding aim of the Children's Fund has been to reduce the number of children at risk of social exclusion - thus promoting a focus on prevention rather than intervention in its approach to developing new innovative services for children.

A series of papers have been written as a result of the local evaluation for 2004-6. These draw together the findings that have emerged from the experience of Manchester Children's Fund over these two years. They are:

background to evaluation reports - scope and methodology

Executive summary

Organisational development

Partnership working

Prevention

Outcomes for children, young people and their families

Learning from Commissioning

Findings of the Local Evaluation of Manchester Children's Fund 2004-6

The over-riding aim of the Children's Fund has been to reduce the number of children at risk of social exclusion - thus promoting a focus on prevention rather than intervention in its approach to developing new innovative services for children.

A series of papers have been written as a result of the local evaluation for 2004-6. These draw together the findings that have emerged from the experience of Manchester Children's Fund over these two years. They are:

background to evaluation reports - scope and methodology

Executive summary

Organisational development

Partnership working

Prevention

Outcomes for children, young people and their families

Learning from Commissioning

Findings of the Local Evaluation of Manchester Children's Fund 2004-6

The over-riding aim of the Children's Fund has been to reduce the number of children at risk of social exclusion - thus promoting a focus on prevention rather than intervention in its approach to developing new innovative services for children.

A series of papers have been written as a result of the local evaluation for 2004-6. These draw together the findings that have emerged from the experience of Manchester Children's Fund over these two years. They are:

background to evaluation reports - scope and methodology

Executive summary

Organisational development

Partnership working

Prevention

Outcomes for children, young people and their families

Learning from Commissioning

Successful Parenting Fund Projects for 2006 in Manchester

The following organisations have been successful in receiving Parenting Fund money to provide projects in Manchester. You can download details of the projects they will be delivering <here>

Contact a Family

National Childbirth Trust and Sowing Seeds

Barnardos Health through Action

Henshaws Society for Blind People

Salford Foundation

Depaul Trust

Successful Parenting Fund Projects for 2006 in Manchester

The following organisations have been successful in receiving Parenting Fund money to provide projects in Manchester. You can download details of the projects they will be delivering <here>

Contact a Family

National Childbirth Trust and Sowing Seeds

Barnardos Health through Action

Henshaws Society for Blind People

Salford Foundation

Depaul Trust

Every Disabled Child Matters - petition
EDCM is a campaign by four leading organisations working with disabled children and their families – Contact a Family, Council for Disabled Children, Mencap and the Special Educational Consortium. We will challenge politicians and policy-makers to make good on the Government’s commitment that every child matters.

Only 1 in 13 families get support from social services.

Disabled children are 13 times more likely to be excluded from school

8 out of 10 families with disabled children say that they are at breaking point

EDCM believe that disabled children and their families should have the right to the services and support they need to live ordinary lives. Every Disabled Child Matters is the campaign to make this happen.

They want 10,000 supporters to sign their petition by December. If you wish to support the campaign, follow the link here: www.edcm.org.uk

Every Disabled Child Matters - petition
EDCM is a campaign by four leading organisations working with disabled children and their families – Contact a Family, Council for Disabled Children, Mencap and the Special Educational Consortium. We will challenge politicians and policy-makers to make good on the Government’s commitment that every child matters.

Only 1 in 13 families get support from social services.

Disabled children are 13 times more likely to be excluded from school

8 out of 10 families with disabled children say that they are at breaking point

EDCM believe that disabled children and their families should have the right to the services and support they need to live ordinary lives. Every Disabled Child Matters is the campaign to make this happen.

They want 10,000 supporters to sign their petition by December. If you wish to support the campaign, follow the link here: www.edcm.org.uk

Multi-agency Teams Programme Update (Nov 06)

Download a copy of the latest update on Children and Young People's Multi-agency teams <here>

Multi-agency Teams Programme Update (Nov 06)

Download a copy of the latest update on Children and Young People's Multi-agency teams <here>

Green Paper Uffffffff Care Matters Transforming the Lives of Children and Young People in Care

The government has published its green paper, Care Matters, which is hoped to be an important step in improving outcomes for looked after children and young people.

This green paper sets out radical and wide-ranging reforms to improve the quality, range and choice of care for society's most vulnerable children. Under the reforms, children in care would have the right to choose when they leave care once they reach 16, and measures would be introduced to stop them being repeatedly moved between foster homes; ensure they are placed in the best schools; and provide financial security as they enter adulthood. You can download a copy of the green paper <here>

There is also a young people’s guide to the care matters green paper which can be downloaded <here>

The Centre for Young Policy Studies has also just published a report on the experiences of young people in care ‘Handle with Care - an investigation into the care system’. You can access a copy of this report <here>

Green Paper Uffffffff Care Matters Transforming the Lives of Children and Young People in Care

The government has published its green paper, Care Matters, which is hoped to be an important step in improving outcomes for looked after children and young people.

This green paper sets out radical and wide-ranging reforms to improve the quality, range and choice of care for society's most vulnerable children. Under the reforms, children in care would have the right to choose when they leave care once they reach 16, and measures would be introduced to stop them being repeatedly moved between foster homes; ensure they are placed in the best schools; and provide financial security as they enter adulthood. You can download a copy of the green paper <here>

There is also a young people’s guide to the care matters green paper which can be downloaded <here>

The Centre for Young Policy Studies has also just published a report on the experiences of young people in care ‘Handle with Care - an investigation into the care system’. You can access a copy of this report <here>

CRE call for evidence - we need your help

Regeneration is a multi billion pound industry which has an impact on every member of the community. The positive effects that regeneration can bring are clear - improving run-down areas attracting new businesses and shops, and creating jobs and wealth among communities weighed down by poverty. But it is when these communities are not consulted or even considered that the Commission for Racial Equality wants to investigate. A lack of consultation and transparency during project development can also increase local tensions with a perception some parts of the community are reaping greater benefits. The investigation will also be looking for good practice in developing regeneration projects that can benefit the whole community.

Based on its own experience in working within this area and on issues that have been brought to its notice, the Commisson has concerns ranging from a lack of representation on decision making boards, unequal funding allocations and limited or no engagement with local residents and businesses. They have decided that a general formal investigation was a good tool to enable them to look at these issues and examine if they were shared by those living and working in areas being regenerated across England Wales and Scotland. They have decided to focus the investigation on the social and economic effects that physical regeneration projects can have on the local community. Once the investigation is concluded, the Commission will prepare a report of its findings, making recommendations where appropriate.

The CRE is calling on members of the public, community and voluntary groups and other organisations to give evidence to help identify the areas where regeneration projects have been successful as well as those projects that have failed to engage with their local communities.

If you want to know more about the CRE’s Formal Investigation into Regeneration of find out how you could give us evidence visit their website www.cre.gov.uk/about/regeneration.html

Changes to the Manchester Partnership
The Manchester Partnership (also known as the "Local Strategic Partnership") is once again reviewing its structure to develop more effective ways of working. A summary of the proposals has been produced for comments and consultation. You can download it from the Manchester Partnership website >HERE<

Proposed changes to the Manchester Partnership
The Manchester Partnership (also known as the "Local Strategic Partnership") is once again reviewing its structure to develop more effective ways of working. A summary of the proposals has been produced for comments and consultation. You can download it from the Manchester Partnership website >HERE<

Proposed changes to the Manchester Partnership
The Manchester Partnership (also known as the "Local Strategic Partnership") is once again reviewing its structure to develop more effective ways of working. A summary of the proposals has been produced for comments and consultation. You can download it from the Manchester Partnership website >HERE<

Parenting Strategy (Oct 06)
Manchester City Council has worked closely with partners, including the Child & Family Support Forum to agree a Positive and Responsible Parenting Strategy for the city. The strategy recognises that parents are the most important influence on their child's future, and identifys how services can work with parents to give children the best possible start in life. The strategy is very much a work in progress and will be further developed over the coming months - so feedback and comments are welcomed. You can download a copy of the strategy and summary documents here.

Parenting Strategy (Oct 06)
Manchester City Council has worked closely with partners, including the Child & Family Support Forum to agree a Positive and Responsible Parenting Strategy for the city. The strategy recognises that parents are the most important influence on their child's future, and identifys how services can work with parents to give children the best possible start in life. The strategy is very much a work in progress and will be further developed over the coming months - so feedback and comments are welcomed. You can download a copy of the strategy and summary documents here.

Parenting Strategy (Oct 06)
Manchester City Council has worked closely with partners, including the Child & Family Support Forum to agree a Positive and Responsible Parenting Strategy for the city. The strategy recognises that parents are the most important influence on their child's future, and identifys how services can work with parents to give children the best possible start in life. The strategy is very much a work in progress and will be further developed over the coming months - so feedback and comments are welcomed. You can download a copy of the strategy and summary documents here.

BME men's mental health.
The Men's Health Forum has started a 3 year project looking into BME men's mental health. At this stage, they are looking for research/reports relating to this issue, as well as projects that have work on this. If you know of something relevant, or know someone who might, please get in touch with Matthew Maycock at The Men's Health Forum: matthew.maycock@menshealthforum.org.uk

Job opportunities at The Generation Project
The Generation Project is an advocacy service which works with older people in East Manchester. The project is about to enter an exciting new phase and a number of vacancies have been announced. Details are available on our voluntary sector jobs page >HERE<.

Manchester Sexual Health Services - Have Your Say
Did you know that over twice as many young women as men between the ages of 16-19 were infected with Chlamydia in Greater Manchester in 2005? Did you know that in 2005, 49% of Syphilis cases recorded in the North West came from Manchester? Did you know that there were 322 new diagnosis of HIV in the North West in 2005? Did you know that £60 million was the direct medical cost to the North West of treating newly acquired STI's in 2003? What are your views on the waiting times for an appointment at GUM clinics? Did you know that you can be involved in shaping the future of sexual health services in Manchester?

Manchester Patient and Public Involvement Forums are keen to hear people's experience, comments and views on sexual health services in Manchester. All information will be treated confidentially and used anonymously. Share with us your experiences of good practice in Sexual Health. What is important to you? Is there enough information available on services? What are your views on the availability of services? Do you think there should be more public involvement and engagement in promoting sexual health? All of the information collected is to be included in a report to the Greater Manchester Sexual Health Network which will include recommendations based on your experiences, comments and views.

You can write to Manchester PPI Forums, FREEPOST 14073, 2nd Floor, Gaddum House, 6 Great Jackson Street, Manchester, M15 4AX or you can email ppi_forum@btconnect.com or call our Health Issues Hotline 0845 601 8047 - all calls are charged at local rates - leave your comments and views or leave a contact number and you will be called back.

VACANCY: Manchester Children's Board - Voluntary Sector Participant

The Manchester Children's Board works to improve outcomes for children, young people and families in Manchester. At present it meets monthly for two hours but it has been recognised that this may not be sufficient. It aims to:

lead, direct and plan strategic developments in children and young people's services

performance manage the effective delivery of targets in the Children and Young People's Plan, the Local Area Agreement and the Community Strategy

ensure children and young people are appropriately prioritised and engaged in within the work of the Manchester Partnership

If and when necessary to challenge and be challenged by the Manchester Safeguarding Childrens Board
Manchester Children's Board - Voluntary and Community Sector Participant

This is a key position within Manchester's voluntary and community sector and requires an experienced and credible partner, able to work with all the Children's Board members. This role requires commitment of approximately 2 days per month. It is an unpaid role although resources are available to support the post. You will be supported in this role by the facilitator of the Child & Family Support Forum.

The ideal person will have experience of operational and management oversight within a Manchester based voluntary and community sector organisation, a good knowledge of children's services issues and be able to engage in discussion to champion the role of the voluntary and community sector in the strategic planning and delivery of childrens services.

You can download the role description and person specification by clicking on these links. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Shirley Adams at Gaddum Centre (the interim voluntary sector participant) on 0161 834 6069 or Ruth Craven at MACC (facilitator of the Child & Family Support Forum) on 0161 834 9823.

If you are interested please submit your CV with a covering letter stating why you are interested in this position to ruth@macc.org.uk or post to CFSF, MACC, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street M4 5JW. Closing date is Friday 8th September. Informal interviews will take place on Tuesday 19th September.

VACANCY: Manchester Children's Board - Voluntary Sector Participant

The Manchester Children's Board works to improve outcomes for children, young people and families in Manchester. At present it meets monthly for two hours but it has been recognised that this may not be sufficient. It aims to:

lead, direct and plan strategic developments in children and young people's services

performance manage the effective delivery of targets in the Children and Young People's Plan, the Local Area Agreement and the Community Strategy

ensure children and young people are appropriately prioritised and engaged in within the work of the Manchester Partnership

If and when necessary to challenge and be challenged by the Manchester Safeguarding Childrens Board
Manchester Children's Board - Voluntary and Community Sector Participant

This is a key position within Manchester's voluntary and community sector and requires an experienced and credible partner, able to work with all the Children's Board members. This role requires commitment of approximately 2 days per month. It is an unpaid role although resources are available to support the post. You will be supported in this role by the facilitator of the Child & Family Support Forum.

The ideal person will have experience of operational and management oversight within a Manchester based voluntary and community sector organisation, a good knowledge of children's services issues and be able to engage in discussion to champion the role of the voluntary and community sector in the strategic planning and delivery of childrens services.

You can download the role description and person specification by clicking on these links. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Shirley Adams at Gaddum Centre (the interim voluntary sector participant) on 0161 834 6069 or Ruth Craven at MACC (facilitator of the Child & Family Support Forum) on 0161 834 9823.

If you are interested please submit your CV with a covering letter stating why you are interested in this position to ruth@macc.org.uk or post to CFSF, MACC, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan Street M4 5JW. Closing date is Friday 8th September. Informal interviews will take place on Tuesday 19th September.

Patient and public involvement...changing again!
Details of the latest structure for community engagement in the NHS are now published. This sees Patient and Public Involvement Forums replaced by Local Involvement Networks (LINks). These are intended to work with the local voluntary and community sector to support the voice of local communities in the planning and delivery of health services. MACC will be producing a response to the guidance which we'll publish on this site. In the meantime, the details are available on the Department of Health website >HERE<.

Patient Confidentiality and Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV
Sharing information amongst health services is a sensitive issue and the regulations about patient confidentiality around HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been challenged under the Human Rights Act. Because of this, the Department of Health is running a consultation: in the form of a paper which sets out a number of scenarios and asks for views about what would be an appropriate course of action. You can download the consultation document from the Department of Health website >HERE< - the closing date is 31st October.

Tobacco Health Warnings
The Department of Health is running a consultation about introducing picture warnings on tobacco packs. A dedicated site has been launched: http://www.packwarnings.nhs.uk/ which shows the kinds of pictures being considered and a survey of people's responses and attitudes around smoking. The closing date for submitting your views is 25 August 2006.

New parenting pages on Manchester City Council wesbite
Manchester City Council have set up new parenting pages on their website to help you make your own decisions about what’s best for you and your family. Click >here< to view the pages

Most parents in Manchester do a fantastic job, but not all parents get the support they need – and most of us need a bit of help or some fresh ideas sometimes. That’s where these pages may be able to help.

You’ll find information on ideas about what good parenting is, about what’s on in Manchester for parents, services available and parenting classes

New parenting pages on Manchester City Council wesbite
Manchester City Council have set up new parenting pages on their website to help you make your own decisions about what’s best for you and your family. Click >here< to view the pages

Most parents in Manchester do a fantastic job, but not all parents get the support they need – and most of us need a bit of help or some fresh ideas sometimes. That’s where these pages may be able to help.

You’ll find information on ideas about what good parenting is, about what’s on in Manchester for parents, services available and parenting classes

Children & Young People's Plan - Executive Summary Now Available! (June 06)

Manchester published its Children and Young People's Plan at the end of March this year. The Plan is the single, strategic, overarching plan for all local services for children and young people, for example health services, police, local authority and voluntary sector organisations. It sets out a vision for children and young people and identifies how outcomes for children and young people can be best improved.

The Plan will need to be flexible to take account of the fast pace of change in the sector - including this year, for example, the outcome of the Joint Area Review. Nevertheless, it is important staff in all children and young people's services have a good awareness of the content of the Plan and so a summary version has been produced. It is now available on the City Council's web pages: www.manchester.gov.uk/education/plans/cypp/index.htm

Staff without easy access to the internet can request copies by mailto:jcu@manchester.gov.uk

TAGAD Bus Pass Campaign Questionnaire
The Temporary Action Group Against Discrimination (TAGAD) is campaigning for changes to the way the GMPTE process applications for free travel passes on mental health grounds. We believe that the procedures now adopted are needlessly bureaucratic and in particular, discriminatory towards people with a dual diagnosis. We are collecting evidence of the impact of these procedures on individual service users. We intend to feed this evidence into a national review of eligibility criteria for free travel passes and have therefore put together the attached questionnaire.

We are requesting that you print off copies of the questionnaire for people using your services and where necessary, assist people to fill them in. You will note a freepost number for returning questionnaires to John Butler at MACC.

Please note:

For people that have had no problems getting or renewing travel passes they only need to complete the first 7 questions or the first 8 if over 60. Those that have had problems will need to complete all of the questions.

These forms cannot be completed electronically- they must be hand written.

If you want more information about TAGAD and about this campaign please contact John Butler at MACC.

Children & Young People's Plan (April 06)
You can download the Children and Young People's Plan for Manchester > here <. The Plan is the single, strategic, overarching plan for all local services for children and young people, for example health services, police, local authority and voluntary organisations. It sets out a vision for children and young people and identifies how outcomes for children and young people can be best improved.

Children & Young People's Plan (April 06)
You can download the Children and Young People's Plan for Manchester > here <. The Plan is the single, strategic, overarching plan for all local services for children and young people, for example health services, police, local authority and voluntary organisations. It sets out a vision for children and young people and identifies how outcomes for children and young people can be best improved.

Submission of Interest for Children's Fund in Wythenshawe (March 06)
The Children's Fund is in the process of commissioning services at a district level in Wythenshawe. Submissions of interest from service providers who want to be considered to be commissioned to deliver parenting and family support services in the Wythenshawe district are being invited until Tuesday 2nd May at 5.00pm. The aim is to support practical interventions which will:

Improve mental/emotional health and wellbeing

Tackle the impact of domestic violence on families

Support families to improve attendance and punctuality at school

Encourage positive behaviour in the community to reduce anti-social behaviour and violence.

You can download the following documents here:

Submission of Interest for Children's Fund in Wythenshawe (March 06)
The Children's Fund is in the process of commissioning services at a district level in Wythenshawe. Submissions of interest from service providers who want to be considered to be commissioned to deliver parenting and family support services in the Wythenshawe district are being invited until Tuesday 2nd May at 5.00pm. The aim is to support practical interventions which will:

Improve mental/emotional health and wellbeing

Tackle the impact of domestic violence on families

Support families to improve attendance and punctuality at school

Encourage positive behaviour in the community to reduce anti-social behaviour and violence.

You can download the following documents here:

Common Assessment Framework pilot in Wythenshawe (March 06)
The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is a key component in the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme and is a new standardised approach to carrying out an assessment of the needs of a child or young person and deciding how those needs should be met. You can find more information about the CAF > here <

Manchester Children's Fund Wythenshawe district e-bulletins (March 06)
The Children's Fund have produced an e-bulletin which is aimed at keeping voluntary and statutory sector providers, as well as the public, up-to-date with what is happening in the Wythenshawe district and with the current changes in the way Manchester is / will be delivering its services to children, young poeple and their families. You can download the March edition > here <

Manchester Children's Fund North East district information bulletin (September 06)

The Children's Fund have produced an e-bulletin which is aimed at keeping voluntary and statutory sector providers, as well as the public, up-to-date with what is happening in the North East and with the current changes in the way Manchester is / will be delivering its services to children, young poeple and their families. You can download the September edition <here> or you can download information on the projects which have been commissioned by the Children's Fund for 2006 -2008 <here>.

Series of Children's Services Conferences in Manchester (Mar 06)

A series of three events took place in Sept 05, Nov 05 and Feb 06 to bring together voluntary sector and statutory sector colleagues to look at the future of support for the children, young people and families of Manchester. You can download reports from these events below:

Event 1: How Do We Work Together? - This event focused on looking at the role of the voluntary and community sector in the new era of integrated Children's Services
Event 2: What Do We Want to Say? - This event focused on writing a voluntary sector contribution to the Children and Young People's Plan
Event 3: How Do We Make it Happen? - This event looked at how voluntary and statutory partners can work together to improve key issues

Children's Services News (Jan 06)
The children's services news electronic monthly update provides, for all those working with children, young people and families, and update of what is happening in Children's Services at Manchester City Council. You can download the Dec/Jan edition > here <

Children's Services News (Jan 06)
The children's services news electronic monthly update provides, for all those working with children, young people and families, and update of what is happening in Children's Services at Manchester City Council. You can download the Dec/Jan edition > here <

The Leader Survey - local authority views on working with the Voluntary and Community Sector to deliver services to Young People (Jan 06)
Produced by The Princes Trust, this survery was completed by more than a third of senior executives responsible for services for young people in all English local authorities. It aims to assess the drivers and attitudes of loca authorities to working more closely with the voluntary and community sector. You can download the survey > here <

The Leader Survey - local authority views on working with the Voluntary and Community Sector to deliver services to Young People (Jan 06)
Produced by The Princes Trust, this survery was completed by more than a third of senior executives responsible for services for young people in all English local authorities. It aims to assess the drivers and attitudes of loca authorities to working more closely with the voluntary and community sector. You can download the survey > here <

Framework forJoint Planning and Commissioning of Services at a District Level (Jan 06)
This framework aims to help local planners and commissioners to design a unified system in each local area and create a clear picture of what children and young people need, make the best use of resources, and join up services so they provide better outcomes than they can on their own. You can download the framework > here <

Framework forJoint Planning and Commissioning of Services at a District Level (Jan 06)
This framework aims to help local planners and commissioners to design a unified system in each local area and create a clear picture of what children and young people need, make the best use of resources, and join up services so they provide better outcomes than they can on their own. You can download the framework > here <

Expressions of Interest for North East Manchester Children's Fund (Jan 06)
The Children's Fund is starting the first round of commissioning services at a district level in East Manchester. Expressions of interest from service providers who want to be considered to be commissioned to deliver parenting and family support services in the North East Manchester district are being invited until Friday 27th January 2006 at 10.00am. You can download the following documents here:

Expression of Interest Form

Commissioning Process flow chart (nb the closing date shown for expressionsof interest on this document is incorrect - correct date is 27th Jan 06)

Children's Fund briefing for district commissioning and family support and parenting services

District Commissioning Presentation Jan 06

East Manchester Needs Analysis Executive Summary

Integrated Commissioning Project - outline model

District Commissioning diagram 2006-8

Parenting Update December 2005

Level of Needs and Priorities

For further information contact Wendy Dudley, Education Development Manager on 0161 223 1166 or email w.dudley@manchester.gov.uk.

Expressions of Interest for North East Manchester Children's Fund (Jan 06)
The Children's Fund is starting the first round of commissioning services at a district level in East Manchester. Expressions of interest from service providers who want to be considered to be commissioned to deliver parenting and family support services in the North East Manchester district are being invited until Friday 27th January 2006 at 10.00am. You can download the following documents here:

Expression of Interest Form

Commissioning Process flow chart (nb the closing date shown for expressionsof interest on this document is incorrect - correct date is 27th Jan 06)

Children's Fund briefing for district commissioning and family support and parenting services

District Commissioning Presentation Jan 06

East Manchester Needs Analysis Executive Summary

Integrated Commissioning Project - outline model

District Commissioning diagram 2006-8

Parenting Update December 2005

Level of Needs and Priorities

For further information contact Wendy Dudley, Education Development Manager on 0161 223 1166 or email w.dudley@manchester.gov.uk.

Single Children and Young People's Plan for Manchester (Nov 05)
The long-awaited draft of the new single plan for the future of services for children, young people and families in Manchester is now out for consultation. MACC is supporting a series of three conferences to build a collective response from the local voluntary and community sector but groups may also wish to submit their own responses. To download a copy of the plan and a consultation questionnaire, visit http://www.manchester.gov.uk/education/cypp/ The deadline for responses is 30th November 2005. We will keep you updated as work on the Plan progresses. For more information, please click on "contact us" in the top right hand corner of this page.

Single Children and Young People's Plan for Manchester (Nov 05)
The long-awaited draft of the new single plan for the future of services for children, young people and families in Manchester is now out for consultation. MACC is supporting a series of three conferences to build a collective response from the local voluntary and community sector but groups may also wish to submit their own responses. To download a copy of the plan and a consultation questionnaire, visit http://www.manchester.gov.uk/education/cypp/ The deadline for responses is 30th November 2005. We will keep you updated as work on the Plan progresses. For more information, please click on "contact us" in the top right hand corner of this page.

New Every Child Matters Guidance Documents Published (Aug 05)
The Children Act 2004 provides the legal underpinning for Every Child Matters: Change for Children – the programme aimed at transforming children’s services. A series of documents have been published which provide guidance under the act, to support local authorities and their partners in implementing new statutory duties:

Interagency Cooperation to Improve the Well-being of Children: Children's Trusts

Guidance on the Children & Young People's Plan

Guidance on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Director of Children's Services and the Lead Member for C