Manchester Alliance for Community Care

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)

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.

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.

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

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<

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Continuing Care Consultation
The Government has launched a new consultation about the criteria for continuing NHS care - that is, where you have a high level of long-term health needs and require full time nursing care though it does not necessarily mean you have to be in a care home.

Currently, each regional authority is allowed to set its own criteria, but following a recent court case, the Government is proposing to establish a single national framework. The consultation is to seek ideas about how that would work. To take part, visit the Department of Health website >HERE<

Funding news - food projects
The Food Futures team is now running a small grants scheme for 2006/2007. Any organisation is welcome to apply but the aim is to support community led bids - feedback from the Food Futures Conference highlighted the need for a community approach to tackling some of the issues facing the City. Note that it's unlikely that grants over £5,000 will be considered. The scheme is running in 3 rounds - deadlines for applications are:

30th June (now closed)

29th September

29th December

If you would like further information, please contact Christine Raiswell at the Joint Health Unit, Room 4042, Town Hall Extension, Manchester M60 2LA or phone her on 0161 234 4268. More information about the Food Futures Strategy can be found at: www.foodfutures.info

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.

Mental Capacity Act 2005 research - consultation
he Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a statutory framework for people who may not be able to make their own decisions, for example because of a learning difficulties, an illness such as dementia or brain injury or mental health problems. It sets out who can take decisions, in which situations, and how they should go about this.
The Act enshrines in statute current best practice and common law principles concerning people who lack mental capacity and those who take decisions on their behalf. In Section 30 to 34, the Act also provides a statutory framework for research involving people who lack capacity to consent to their participation. These provisions balance the importance of properly conducted research into the treatment or care of people who lack capacity with the need to protect their interests and respect their current and previously expressed wishes and feelings.

The Department of Health is consulting on draft research regulations under the Act, which provide detailed policy on a number of issues where broad outlines were given in the primary legislation. We are seeking views on:

whether the proposed arrangements for appointing the appropriate body that approves research are suitable?

whether the proposed arrangements for research involving people who consented but then lost capacity strike the right balance between the need to allow long-term research to continue whilst respecting the past and present wishes of participants?

More information from the Department of Health website >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

Youth Green Paper consultation (July 05)
On 18 July 2005 the government published the Youth Green Paper, Youth Matters. Building on the ambition of Every Child Matters, Youth Matters aims to radically re-shape services for young people. The government is seeking to consult young people, parents and professionals on the proposals. The consultation period for these proposals will run until 28 October 2005. You can download the document and respond to the consultation > here <

Report on the Commissioning of Children's Services (May 2005)
A report has been produced which aims to address the complex topic of commissioning services for children, young people and families, with particular reference to the role of the voluntary and community sector. It looks at core principles and challenges, as well as evidence of good practice and can be downloaded > here <

Joint Children's Unit website (Nov /2004)
Manchester's Joint Children's Unit now has a dedicated space on the City Council's site. The site contains a great deal of information about the developments in building integrated services for children and the progress of the Every Child Matters Agenda. The Background Information section is a useful index of all the strategic pieces of work going on locally....a big agenda!
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/children/

14-19 Gateway (Oct 2004)
The Department of Education & Skills now includes a a summary page for all the initiatives around this age group: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/