VSNW | Voluntary Sector North West

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Voluntary Sector North West
St. Thomas Centre

Ardwick Green North
Manchester
M12 6FZ
Tel: 0161 276 9300
Fax: 0161 276 9301
Email: info@vsnw.org.uk

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VSNW Past Events

ACEVO NW CEO Forum Programme

Manchester (venue tbc)

A series of open forums for third sector CEOs to network, address challenges and share learning, run in partnership with VSNW.

Lunchworks #1: Whose future is it anyway?

Cheetwood House, 21 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 1FZ

Calling time on the Big Society

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans meeting

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Princess Street, Manchester

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is hosting a meeting at its offices aimed at bringing together lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) voluntary and community groups, members of LGB&T networks, LGB&T community activists, members of LGB&T staff networks and individuals who act on behalf of LGB&T people from across the North West.

Everyone's 2012: The Northwest annual 2012 conference

Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Manchester

This annual conference is aimed at all policy makers and practitioners interested in capitalising on the sporting, social and economic benefits generated through London 2012.

Good governance: developing better governance in voluntary and community organisations

The St Thomas Centre, Manchester, M12 6FZ

This half-day conference will address key issues in developing effective governance on voluntary sector boards and management committees.
 

The passage of a Bill and how to influence

The Gateway, Warrington

As part of the VSNW and Parliamentary Outreach Get Involved series, this event will explore how Parliament works and how you can engage with the legislation process.

Climate Change and Planning

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS

North West Planning Aid in association with the Manchester Climate Forum is holding this community training event on how to affect positive change through the planning system.

The new Work Programme Conference: what does this mean for the local voluntary sector?

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

GMCVO is hosting a conference for third sector organisations in Greater Manchester to give delegates a chance to hear more about the coalition government's proposals for a new single Work Programme and how it might operate, and to make their ideas and concerns known at this early stage in the development of the programme. 

Health and Social Care Conference: Implications for the Third Sector after the Election

London

Resilient places: the future for local economic development

University of Manchester

It's a time of change with a new government in place with different priorities. What will this mean for those involved in local economic development and regeneration?

NCVO Foresight training: for development workers

The Gateway Centre, Warrington

Gain insights into the trends and forces impacting on organisations in our region and use this knowledge to make better strategic decisions

NCVO Foresight training: for chief officers

The Gateway Centre, Warrington

Gain insights into the trends and forces impacting upon organisations in the North West, and use this knowledge to make better strategic decisions

Personalisation: Third Sector Are You Ready?

Reebok Stadium, Bolton

CONFERENCE FULL.  A one day Conference to give third sector providers an insight into the way in which Personalisation will increasingly change how services are delivered and enable participants to look at new ways of working.

Commissioning for the Future of the Third Sector - Pendle

The ACE Centre, Nelson, Lancashire

Organised by East Lancashire Community Action Project in association with Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service it will include keynote speakers from National, regional, local and the third sector including major funders.
 

Are they safe? workshop on the new Vetting and

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

Free workshop on safeguarding children and young people

Operational Efficiency - Total Place: Empowering and incentivising Local Areas

Manchester Town Hall

This North West conference, supported by the North West Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership focuses on Total Place

Balancing the Books: Post General Election Public Debate

Crewe

The new Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government has announced what are likely to be severe cutbacks in public sector spending and the need to make drastic savings at every level. Come to a public debate to hear about the issues.

Centre for Local Policy Studies - 3rd Annual Summer School

Wychwood Park Hotel, Crewe

The Centre for Local Policy Studies 3rd Annual School is entitled “Reflecting Back – Looking Forwards”
The challenges ahead for public policy and community empowerment in a new political era.
 

Introduction to Campaigning Workshop

Liverpool Centre for Arts Development

Do you want to make your voice heard by people in power?
Do you want to influence decisions made by the council, UK government, the health service or other bodies that affect your community?
Have you started to campaign for change and want advice on how to get to the next level?

Regional Empowerment Showcase

ACE Centre, Cross Street, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 7NN

A free showcase event organised by North West Together We Can with Third Sector Lancashire
 

Safeguarding in BME/BRM Communities

Crawford House, Upper Warwick Street, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 8DN

A day event to support you in safeguarding children and young people

Children's Urgent Care Showcase Event

Stobart Stadium, Widnes

An event to allow  commissioners and providers of urgent care services for children across both local authorities and NHS NW to meet and share ideas, challenges and solutions

Children's Urgent Care Showcase Event

Stobart Stadium, Widnes

A joint GONW, NHS NW and Child Health Development Programme Event.  It aims to allow  commissioners and providers of urgent care services for children across both local authorities and NHS NW to meet and share ideas, challenges and solutions.

Human Rights in the Community Project: North West event

Manchester (venue tbc)

An event for community-led organisations working to tackle inequaliry and social injustice in their local areas, which will launch the new Human Rights in the Community project.

Raising participation and engaging young people in learning and training

Crewe YMCA, Gresty Road, Crewe

An invitation to discuss and debate with national policy makers and local Third Sector organisations, run by Learning Together Cheshire & Warrington.

Social value - myth or economic reality?

Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool

A one-day conference for healthcare providers and commissioners, aimed at showcasing the Social Value Commissioning Project Toolkit

North West Transport Roundtable AGM

County Hall, Preston, PR1 8XJ

Learn the latest on the national and regional DaSTS (Delivering a Sustainable Transport System) studies and hear Professor John Whitelegg, one of the most respected green transport practitioners in the UK, give you the benefit of his latest thinking.

Appleby Fair - Education on the Hoof

Appleby, Cumbria

Education On The Hoof brings together information and cultural talks to provide both day visitors and Travellers attending the Fair the opportunity to learn and share information that is significant to the Travelling and housed communities.

Community Empowerment Practitioners' Forum

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

The passage of a Bill and how to influence

Preston CVS

As part of the VSNW and Influencing Parliament Get Involved series, this event will explore how legislation passes through Parliament.

Managing People

Near Manchester Oxford Road Station

MISPA is delivering a one day workshop on Managing People for anyone who is responsible for managing and coordinating teams whether you are from the public, private or not for profit sector.

Faith to Engage: lunch and networking event

Penrith Methodist Hall, Wordsworth Street, Penrith, CA11 7QY

Hosted by the Faith to Engage North West region this is a free lunch and networking event where you can learn how your faith-based community project can get support.

Human Rights training

Refugee Action, Manchester

Training for leaders of Refugee Community Organisations and Voluntary Sector Organisations in Greater Manchester.

Enterprising Healthcare

Blackburne House, Liverpool

Third sector potential for achieving better health in the North West: free conference

DTA NW Regional Network Meeting

INTACT, Ingol, Preston

'Post Election Special' is for DTA members in the morning and an Open session in the afternoon.

CLES - Using local multiplier 3 (LM3) to understand how money circulates in your economy

Manchester

It is increasingly important that the public sector and particularly local authorities understand where their finances are spent and the impact this spending has upon local economies. Drawing on CLES’ extensive experience in using and adapting Local Multiplier 3 (LM3) in a variety of contexts, this practical, interactive training course guides delegates through each of the steps of the LM3.

Shaping Third Sector Supplier Directories: an event for NW procurement officers and commissioners

UCLan, Preston

Your opportunity to shape the development of third sector supplier directories, assisting commissioners and/or procurement officers with their practices in line with legislation and market trends.

Routes to Solidarity

Spring Hill Community Centre, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 0JD

Free training for women from BME agencies aimed at developing more effective engagement and policy voice.

National Care Forum and VODG Regional Event

The Studio Centre, Manchester

Aimed at front-line managers and staff of National Carers Forum & the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group member organisations the event will review the latest developments in social care policy, with specific updates on Personalisation and the Changing Regulatory Landscape – focusing on CQC registration and quality assessments.

Making Local Food Work for People and Planet

Friends Meeting House, Manchester

Making Local Food Work for People and Planet is a national conference for all those interested in community food enterprises. This event, held in Manchester for the first time, will explore how community food enterprises benefit both people and planet.

Helping Third Sector organisations to win tenders: North West training programme

Various

Ensure that your organisation is 100 per cent ready to tender with this series of training courses produced by Greater Merseyside ChangeUp’s Tendering and Procurement Support Service (TaPS), in partnership with Voluntary Sector North West

Cumbria Community Development Network Meeting

The Footprint, Windermere

Cumbria Community Development Network Meeting with a green theme.  An opportunity to hear about exciting projects, make links with other community workers, share ideas and best practice, and to discuss the future of the Cumbria Community Development Network.

 

Critical Success Factors for Social & Community Enterprise in Deprived Communities

Bridge 5 Mill, Manchester's Centre for Sustainable Living

This North West Together We Can Policy & Practice Workshop  is organised by ippr north and Manchester Business School Incubator.

Making the Link: Matching EU Opportunities to North West Health Priorities

Manchester

The conference aims to raise awareness of where the EU and regional health agendas coincide and how the region can make the most of European opportunities.  It will be of interest to public health stakeholders, those working on the health research and innovation agenda and anyone looking to better engage policy making and access to funding for health at European level.

BME Tax Help for Older People

Central Manchester

CEMVO, in conjunction with TaxHelp for Older People (TOP), is very pleased to sponsor a Tax Workshop in Manchester on Tuesday, 27 April 2009 for advisors in the Voluntary Sector who advise older people. This is a unique opportunity for you to increase your knowledge and understanding of the UK tax system.

Good Migration - Celebrations, Evaluations and Solutions Seminar

Lancaster Town Hall and Carlisle Racecourse

Organised by the Cheshire East Migrant Project, and supported by North West Together We Can, these seminars aim to:

• Showcase local projects and initiatives in Lancashire and Cumbria
• Identify key issues and explore solutions
• Allow new connections to be made
• Provide space for effective networking
 

Still Living with HIV: Building Today for Tomorrow

Manchester Central Convention Complex

As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, George House Trust will be holding a one day National HIV Social Care conference ‘Still Living With HIV: Building Together for Tomorrow’ on Tuesday 20th April 2010 in association with the Second Joint Conference of BHIVA and BASHH that is being held from 20 – 23 April.

Inspiring Leaders development programme

Parbold, Lancashire

Inspiring Leaders is a practical leadership training programme designed by and for the voluntary and community sector. Since 2007, over 150 leaders in the North West have completed the programme. www.leadchange.co.uk

Measuring Impact: What does the White Paper require? How do you do it?

Kingsway Learning Centre, Widnes

A look at Halton Borough Council's new community engagement framework and a report on other approaches supported by CLG

Ageing – It's Your Future

Lion of Vienna Suite, Reebok Stadium, De Havilland Way, Bolton, BL6 6SF

This major event will give you the opportunity to contribute to the emerging policy on Ageing in the North West.  The event is aimed at representatives from organisations involved in older people’s issues, employers and regional strategic/public bodies.

"The Spirit Level" - WEA Spring Lecture

Mechanics Institute Manchester

This is WEA North West Region’s annual Spring Lecture for 2010. The Spring lectures are intended to stimulate and provoke the flow of discussion and ideas that help change society for the better.

Influencing Parliament with the DEFRA Select Committee

Penrith Rugby Club, Winters Park, Penrith, CA11 8RG

As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series of events, this event will explore:

►What Parliament is and what it does
►How groups can effectively engage with Parliament 
►Insights from a Specialist Clerk from the House of Commons DEFRA select committee

Europia – European Forum (Greater Manchester)

Wai Yin, 61 Mosley Street, Manchester

Europia is a newly-established community organisation for European migrants of different nationalities and those working alongside them.

Attend Thinking Ahead Conference

St. Thomas Centre, Manchester

The Attend Thinking Ahead conference brings together members of the Black community, psychiatrists, ministers of religion, social workers, volunteers, support workers, service users, carers and other mental health
professionals to share their perspectives, skills and knowledge.

Social Enterprise for All: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic event

Gujarat Hindu Centre, Preston PR1 8JN

A day designed to inform the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community about the business opportunities
and support available to them through social enterprise.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic - EVENT - Social Enterprise For All

Gujarat Hindu Society Centre - Preston

Social Enterprise North West in Partnership with The Social Enterprise Coalition will be hosting a half day event designed to inform the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community about the business opportunities and support available to them through social enterprise.

Mental Health First Aid

Manchester Conference Centre

Mental Health First Aid is an innovative 12 hour training program designed to enable
individuals, with or without any previous mental health knowledge or training, to recognise
and assist a work colleague, friend or family member who is starting to develop a mental
health problem, or even experiencing a severe crisis.

Preventing Mortgage and Landlord Repossessions: Northwest good practice

Leyland

Hosted by Housing NW and partly aimed at third sector housing and debt advice providers

Free Gay Sunday Lunch at the LGF

The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, 105-107 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD

Whatever your age, book your place on the Manchester Generation’s free Gay Sunday Lunch and share your experiences of Manchester.
 

Influencing Parliament with the Communities and Local Government Select Committee

Main Street Community Church, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 7DF

As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series of events, this event will explore:
►What Parliament is and what it does
►How groups can effectively engage with Parliament 
►Insights from a Specialist Clerk from the House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee

The Big International Event 2010

BT Convention Centre, Liverpool

Each year, In Control hosts its  Big Event – the international convention focused on personalisation in the health and social care sectors.

Working for Health Equality

King's House Conference Centre, Manchester

Working for Health Equality -  Using the Gender Equality Duty to improve women’s rights in the public sector

Apprenticeships Information Lunch and Networking Event

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

An information lunch and networking event for anyone who would like to find out more about the benefits that apprenticeships can bring to your organisation.

Breaking the Cycle Regional Roadshow

Across the North West

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's North West lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans strategy can help you meet the needs of your LGB&T communities. Come along to one of our regional roadshows in Cheshire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester to find out how the strategy can help you!

Tightropes and Safety Nets: Supporting Suicidal Young Men

Liverpool

Tightropes and Safety Nets:  Supporting Suicidal Young Men.  The day will be led by  Dr. Andrew Reeves, counsellor and supervisor, and author of Counselling Suicidal Clients.

 

Our Choices' Regional Role Model Roadshow and careers advice

Town Hall, Manchester

Project to inspire and promote 12 young Muslim women role models and offer careers' advice.

Marmot and the Third Sector: Addressing Health Inequalities Together

Congress Centre, London

A conference organised by the Department of Health’s Third Sector Strategic Partners to discuss the findings and impact of the Marmot Review of health inequalities in England. 

Building Equality and Promoting Diversity in the Workplace

Queens Hotel, Leeds

Children England National Conference with keynote speaker John Amaechi

Stand and Deliver: bassac's annual conference

Renaissance Marriott Hotel, Manchester

Explore how local politics can become more people powered.
 

Invitation to attend the North West Consultation event on the Commission’s Non Statutory Guidance

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool

The Equalities Commission are holding regional consultation events on the non-statutory guidance for the new Equalities Bill.

"Migration Works - Myths and Motives"

Albert Dock, Liverpool

Migrant Workers North West Annual Conference

Ageing Population Conference 2010

London

The National Ageing Population Conference 2010  - Thursday 25th February - QEII Conference Centre, London

Safeguarding pathways for vulnerable children and children with additional needs

Halton Stadium, Widnes

VCS Engage and GONW event to consider the implications for the VCS around working with Children's Trusts to ensure effective safeguarding Pathways.

Masterclass for Small Organisations

Manchester

This event is solely aimed at chief executives and senior managers of small organisations with an annual turnover of £1million or less.

Motivating Others

Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester

A one-day workship exploring motivation for anyone who has to persuade or motivate people as part of their role.

DTA North West Network Meeting

Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6BZ

The theme of the day will be: "Unlocking Talent: Creating and Sustaining Local Employment"

Pour yourself a cup of ambition

Mancheste

A confidence building project is specially design for unemployed lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people

Diversity - making it real

Manchester

An introductory course to help development workers develop their knowledge and skills to understand diversity and tackle inequality in the organisations they work with.

Climate Change: Rising to the Challenge

Midland Hotel, Manchester

The event will launch the North West’s revised Climate Change Action Plan for 2010-2012 and refocus on the goal of a low carbon North West.

Voice - a taster session

Preston CVS, Units 23/27, Guild Hall Arcade, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 1HR

 

A free introductory lunchtime workshop for a training system which increases the impact, effectiveness and influence of you and your organisation, run in partnership by bassac, Preston CVS and VSNW.

Communities in Control: What does AI have to offer?

Riverside Hotel, Kendal

A North West Together We Can Event focusing on Appreciative Enquiry (AI)

Marmot and the Third Sector: Addressing Health Inequalities Together

Congress Centre, London

This important Conference will give the third sector the opportunity to hear more from Sir Michael Marmot about the Review’s findings and recommendations.

Marmot and the Third Sector: Addressing Health Inequalities Together

Congress Centre, London

This important Conference will give the third sector the opportunity to hear more from Sir Michael Marmot about the Review’s findings and recommendations.

Safeguarding pathways for vulnerable children and children with additional needs

Please note: Change of Date and venue

NB This event will now be held on 22 February 2010 at Halton Stadium, Widnes.

Regional Strategy Consultation events

Across the North West in the five sub-regions

The next phase of consultation on the Regional Strategy for the North West (RS2010) is now under way.

Third sector consultation events will take place in each sub-region on the following dates:

► Environmental Third Sector consultation event: 26th January
► Lancashire: 29^th January
► Cheshire: 4^th February
► Greater Manchester: 10^th February
► Merseyside: 11^th February
► Cumbria: 16^th February

RS2010: Environmental NGO / Third Sector consultation event

Chorley Town Hall

Consultation event looking at part 1 (the high level strategy) of the draft regional strategy (RS2010).

Get Involved

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

Event postponed!

Communities of Interest: Community Empowerment

Gujarat Centre, Preston

This is a free event aimed at practitioners, managers and policy makers interested in improving their understanding and practice relating to community empowerment and the Duty to Involve. A chance to get together to create and apply learning opportunities for empowerment for the new year.

Hear by Right, Your Questions Answered

Booth Street West, Manchester

A free session aimed at anyone new to Hear by Right

Health Issues, Policy and Solutions: A focus on health equality

London (tbc)

A London-based event that will explore issues of health equality, for any organisation working with black and minority ethnic communities.

Neighbourhood Charters - rural and urban: What do you need to know?

County Hall, Preston

A North West Together We Can event consisting of open space discussion groups and a networking lunch

North West Community Activists Network event

St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

Learn about the Government's Connecting Communities initiative, and come together with other community activists from across the North West in this event organised by Government Office North West and North West Together We Can.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller awareness-raising training

Children's Society HQ, Margery Street, London, WC1X 0JL

Increase understanding of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, their history and culture, and the discrimination they face.

Managing Change in the Urban and Rural Economies

Turf Moor Enterprise Haven, Burnley Football Club

A Third Sector Skills event for voluntary, community, faith sector organisations, charities and social enterprises in Lancashire.

Influencing through Equality Impact Assessments

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS

Equality Impact Assessments can be an extremely useful way of ensuring that local public agencies are working on behalf of everyone.

Good, helpful voluntary and community sector involvement in the Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) process can be of great benefit to all concerned.

This short two-hour seminar will provide you with information about EIAs, when public sector agencies are required to run EIAs, and how you can get involved (or help the groups you work with get involved) in changing how services are delivered. 

Bursaries are available to cover fees and travel.

Promise Network Event

St. Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

Promise Network Event:  Recession - an opportunity for third and independent sectors? 

It's the Stupid Economy

London

Urban Forum's Annual Conference - 3rd December 2009 -  Central Hall, Westminster, London

NW TAR Open Meeting

The Mechanics Institute, 103 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD

Working on Worklessness

The Peace Centre, Warrington

The event will launch an interactive online report into tackling worklessness in North West neighbourhoods. It will include a summary of  the significant work of third sector organisations and audio commentary from, amongst others, Breakthrough UK and VSNW. 

IDeA Partnership Improvement Programme seminar

The Park Inn York Hotel, North Street, York YO1 6JF

IDeA have organised a free seminar for local authority officers, elected members and voluntary sector organisations on that will give participants the opportunity to:

• share the learning from the Partnership Improvement Programme (13 participant areas in the North)
• consider actions for improvement in their own areas
• hear about the activities planned through the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning and the Targeted Support Fund
   

MERCi AGM

Bridge 5 Mill, 22a Beswick Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 7HR

An evening of film, food and fun, plus applications are invited for trustee positions.

Fit for purpose? The future of infrastructure

Central London

The first annual Infrastructure National Partnersships Conference will take place in central London on 24 November. 

International Migrants' Day Celebration

Cross Street Chapel in Manchester’s city centre

Migrant Workers’ Employment Rights Advice Service for Greater Manchester hosted event to increase awareness of migrant workers’ employment rights and to enable you to signpost migrant workers to the appropriate service

From Child Abuse to Safeguarding – The Changing Face of Child Protection

Together Trust, Cheadle, Cheshire

From Child Abuse to Safeguarding – The Changing Face of Child Protection will be chaired by His Honour Judge Barnett, Designated Family Judge for Chester Civil Justice Centre.

Who? How? What? NAVCA's second Every Child Matters conference

GMCVO, St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

NAVCA’s second Every Child Matters conference is aimed at local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) and third sector organisations that deliver services for children, young people and their families.
 

Redefining prosperity: Church Action on Poverty Annual Conference

St Mary's Community Centre, Sheffield

This is one of a number of events across the country, organised by Church Action on Poverty to explore the impact of the crisis.

Bridge College Open Event

The Together Trust, Cheadle

An event for professionals and families to find out more about Bridge College's educational services for young people and adults with complex learning needs

Keeping it Local: DTA network in the North West

TBC

The theme of the Development Trusts' Association programme for the day will be “Keeping it Local”. Begins with registration, lunch and networking at 1 pm and then join in with the afternoon session at 2 pm which will begin with an introduction to the DTA from Steve Wyler, Director. Followed by Master Mind with Steve Wyler Where he will answer questions on his chosen subject.

VSNW's Conference and AGM

Manchester Conference Centre near Piccadilly, Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3BB

 VSNW’09

Besides a review of VSNW's work, the event included:
►public launch of the regional compact and outline of how GONW and Job Centre Plus are going to implement it
►keynote speech from Mike Farrar, the Chief Executive of NHS NW which includes seven commitments to the third sector over the next 12 crucial months
►update on the development of the regional strategy (RS2010)
►workshops that include the opportunity to influence implementation of the regional compact's commissioning and procurement commitments

Inspiring Leaders: free launch event

Launch of new Inspiring Leaders course for the voluntary and community sector in Manchester

Annual Northwest Equality Conference 2009: Diversity is What We Have in Common

BT Convention Centre, Liverpool

The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of equality challenges we face in the Northwest and of the range of work already being done to promote Equality and Diversity and feed back on progress on equalities work since last year’s conference. It will also launch the programme for the fourth regional ‘Celebr8 Diversity’ festival.

Skilling up for stronger voices

York

Training and resources to help representatives develop their knowledge and skills to feel more confident and supported in their roles.

Launch of TREC: Trans Resource & Empowerment Centre

LGF, Third Floor, Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD

A new initiative for all trans and gender variant people in the North West and beyond

Delivering Social Value: strengthening our communties

MIdland Hotel, Manchester

Delivering Social Value: Strengthening our Communities, a national conference exploring how NHS and third sector organisations can work together to improve the quality and value of services will take place on Friday 6th November in Manchester. This is a joint Department of Health, NHS NW and VSNW national conference. 

Influencing Parliament and the environment (in partnership with NWEL)

Manchester

As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series, this third event will explore:

Securing the future of community anchors: Developing assets and enterprise: 29th October

Gujurat Hindu Centre, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JN

An information and workshop event for members of bassac, Community Matters, Development Trusts Association and other existing or aspiring Community Anchor organisations.

Race and the Recession: be part of the solution

RichMix, London

This one-day event will examine the impact of the recession on BME Third Sector organisations and the communities they work with. It will look at how BME Third Sector organisations are important in tackling deprivation during the recessino and consider how their vital role can be supported in meeting the needs of all in our diverse society.

Manchester’s Thriving Third Sector… Raising the game

City of Manchester Stadium

Community Network for Manchester (CN4M) is hosting an event to showcase the diversity, passion, energy and activity that is Manchester’s thriving third sector.

Tackling Racial Inequalities: launch event

Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester

The Network for Black Professionals in partnership with Government Office North West and the North West Development Agency are launching a new project funded by the Department for Communities & Local Government.

4NW's free to attend workshops at the Northern Regeneration Summit

City of Manchester Stadium

The Northern Regeneration Summit is the largest regionally focussed regeneration event in the North of England. Held this year on the 20^th and 21^st October at the City of Manchester Stadium, it provides the opportunity for public and private sector regeneration professionals to come together in order to discuss regeneration for the North of England.

Using the Freedom of Information Act

London

The Campaign for Freedom of Information is running two half-day courses for Freedom of Information requesters in central London on 20 October 2009. The morning course will provide an introduction to the legislation. The afternoon course will examine some of the key decisions made under the two regimes and explain how they can help you obtain information. Requesters can attend either or both courses.

From social injustice to health, wealth and wellbeing for all in the North West

The DW Stadium, Wigan

Closing the gap between the health and wellbeing of those who are the most and the least well off in our communities in the North West has proved difficult even when the financial environment appeared more favourable than it is now. Many of the decisions taken in the past have inadvertently created some of the health problems that we face today. So closing this gap in a generation is a major challenge.

Influencing Parliament and the economy

Lancaster

As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series of events, this event will explore: ►What Parliament is and what it does
►How groups can effectively engage with Parliament
►Insights from a Parliamentary Researcher from the Economic Policy and Statistics Section.

Influencing Parliament and health

Liverpool

 ***FULLY BOOKED***

As part of the Parliamentary Outreach and VSNW 'Get Involved' series of events, this event will explore: ►What Parliament is and what it does
►How groups can effectively engage with Parliament 
►Insights from a Specialist Clerk from the House of Commons Health Select Committee

Community Assets Matter

Dialstone Centre, Lisburne Lane, Stockport, SK2 7LL

Training for development workers from local infrastructure organisations, which deals with the diversity of technical and legal issues associated with asset management.For details visit www.communitymatters.org.uk

Launch of the PROMiSE network

Gujarat Hindu Centre, Preston

Official launch event for the new network for third and independent sector providers of mental health services in the North West. To book your free place email promise@vsnw.org.uk

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VSNW’s list of events & training opportunities for VCS groups in the North West