Free Art Exhibition at The Mustard Tree

Angels Vs Demons An Exhibition of the latest work by Artist Graham Hudson Opening Night Thurs 8th Oct 2012 Doors Open: 6.30 pm Featuring a performance by The Mustard Tree Drama Group Location: Mustard Tree 1st Floor Oldham Rd M4 6AG Bengal St Entrance Refreshments Provided

Free Drama Performance - Mustard Tree 1st November

Mustard Tree Drama Group Present a Free Performance Grafting Thursday 1st November 1:30 pm Upstairs at The Mustard Tree 110 Oldham Road Manchester M4 6AG 0161 228 7331

Creative Computer Courses at Manchester Settlement , Openshaw

Accrediated creative computer courses at Manchester Settlement, Openshaw. All start week beginning 5th November. Wed 4-6pm Computer Desk Top Publishing Fri 10-12am Photography and Digital Imaging Fri 1.30-3.30 Computer Word Processing These courses will be 10 weeks and end in accreditation by Edexecel For more details please contact Manchester Settlement on 0161 614 8448. http://www.manchestersettlement.org.uk/

Free Tai Chi at Ashbury Meadow Children's Centre, Beswick

Try Tai Chi 6 week taster Every Wednesday 10—11am 14th November—19th December Ashbury Meadows Childrens Centre Tai Chi Can— Improve range of motion and flexibility Improve balance and co-ordination Strengthen joints, bone density and muscles Boost energy and enhance immune system Reduce stress, anxiety and depression Provide mental and physical stimulation Ever wondered what it’s all about—come and give it a try! For more details please contact Ashbury Meadows Childrens Centre on 0161 219 6634. Ashbury Meadow Children’s Centre Rylance Street, Beswick M11 3NA FREE CRECHE AVAILABLE To book contact Ashbury Meadows Childrens Centre.

First Stop Health Bus in Cheetham Hill

The GM First Stop Health Bus will be coming to Tesco Cheetham Hill on Saturday 3 November 2012 and every Saturday thereafter until 15 December 2012. On board there will be smoking cessation advisors for people who want to quit and NHS Checks will also be carried out for any person who is eligible. Any person who is not eligible may be offered a mini MOT. Eligibility criteria for the NHS Health Check is any person who is aged between 40-74 without a pre existing condition, i.e suffered a heart attack, stroke, Transient Ischaemic Attack (mini stroke) or have diabetes. The person will then have a full NHS Health Check including Cholesterol and will be risk scored for Cardiovascular disease. For more details or to book an appointment visit http://www.thefirststop.org.uk/book-an-appointment/

Starting next week- new Chair-based Exercise for Harpurhey and Moston

Are you sitting comfortably?
Then your in the right place to discover the benefits of chair-based exercise. It is ideal those with walking and standing difficulties or if you just want to try a new activity.
For more information contact Rich Browning on 0161 908 8335; 07951 100171 or r.browning@manchester.gov.uk
The session is free and just turn up at the Simpson Medical Centre Practice reception, 361 Moston Lane, M40 9NB.

NEW in Moston- the Rock and Pop Choir

Come along, make friends, realx, raise the roof and have some fun!
Starting Wednesday 7th November, 7.30-pm and then weekly.

All welcome- see the poster for more information.

Half Term Free Swimming for Under 16s

Free swimming runs city wide from Saturday 27th Oct – Sunday 4th November for Manchester residents aged 16 and under. Forms are available here: http://www.manchestersportandleisure.org/venue/miles-platting-swimming-pools and here: http://www.manchestersportandleisure.org/venue/levenshulme-swimming-pools

Manchester Zoom - Community Directory

Manchester community groups are being urged to sign up to Manchester Zoom to help promote their activities to a wider audience. Zoom, Manchester’s new online community directory, gives free webspace to non-profit groups looking to publicise their events. It has been designed to replace the Local Groups Database, which was set up by Manchester Libraries in 1994. See their website www.manchesterzoom.com for details. This is great to find out what is going on in your local area - check it out today!

Preparation for Refereeing Course

Being a qualified referee requires a person to be physically fit, reliable and be able to handle people, sometimes in stressful situations. In other words it requires a person to have a set of skills which are easily transferred into a range of jobs. Furthermore referees are much in demand and can earn regular cash at weekends. The FC United Preparation for Refereeing course is an intensive 6 week course to get people ready for the FA Basic Refereeing Course so they will pass it easily. Normally the FA course costs £150 but FC United will pay this fee for anybody who completes one of our Preparation for Refereeing Courses. FC United are starting two courses in November, one at the Factory Youth Zone and one at the Northenden Campus of Manchester College. The course runs from Monday 5th November to Friday 16th December. There is a session every day Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon. Each session includes some gym work and some football sessions with FC Utd coaches. To register for the course contact Robin Pye on 0161 273 8950 / 07704122602 or email robinpye@fc-utd.co.uk

Being Active for Better Mental Health - Free Course 14th November 2012

Being Active for Better Mental Health Duration: 1 day course (9.30-16.30) Course Aims: - To show evidence of the benefits of physical activity for mental health and general well being - To practise using behaviour change models and techniques, with individuals and groups, to help motivate clients to be more physically active - To increase the confidence of the course participants, in helping others to become more physically active ***Applicants will need to be familiar with behaviour change models to participate in this course *** Target Audience: Frontline workers and volunteers in health, social care or community settings, working with individuals or groups Trainers: Serena Kent & Shamin Malik Date: 14th November 2012 For more details and to book a place please download an application form from http://www.manchesterpublichealthdevelopment.org/mphds/training/training.html

International Women's Day Grants - Open Now for 2013 Events

Women's Day grants The Manchester's International Women's Day 2013 Grant Fund is now open. Not-for-profit, voluntary and community groups can apply for grants of £250 to £500 to host International Women's Day events across the city during March 2013. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 14 November. For more information and to download an application pack visitwww.manchester.gov.uk/internationalwomensmonth or contact Alex Keelan: 0161 234 4263 a.keelan@manchester.gov.uk

Front Row - Salmon Fishing in the Yemen Wednesday 7th November

Front Row presents "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" - a quirky British feel good film, that's had the critics raving! Wednesday 7th November at Heathfield Hall, Newton Heath. Just £1.50 towards refreshments. For more information or to book a place please contact Laura at Zest on 908 8334 / 07834869203 or email l.cassidy@manchester.gov.uk

My Generation Club Night Sunday 21st October

What are you up to this weekend? Have you got a great night out lined up for this Sunday, or are you having another night in with the TV for company? Why not come and join us at Band on the Wall for an evening of Stax and Soul. Live band, great DJs and fantastic company and a very relaxed atmosphere. Tickets available on the door only £4.00. The early evening starts in the Picturehouse bar from 6pm serving great value food and drinks. To pre-book a table for food please click here. (link to Meal Deal Pagehttp://bandonthewall.org/about/hotel-and-meal-deals/) The evening picks up the pace at 7pm when the doors open to the venue keeping the party mood in full swing until midnight. Lauren Housley Band play two sets from 8pm Tickets just £4. Available online or on the door. Also available through Tracey Annette at Valuing Older People (0161 234 3391) The evening is presented by My Generation Social Scene with support from Manchester Cultural Strategy Team, Valuing Older People and the Great Manchester Community Foundation.

Active Communities Funding Available

The Active Communities Funding Programme The Active Communities Funding Programme aims to close the gap between those communities which experience the worst health in England, Scotland and Wales and the majority of the population. The programme focuses on people living in the poorest neighbourhoods. We will focus on these neighbourhoods because people living within them will, on average: •die 7 years younger than people living in richer neighbourhoods; •spend 17 years more of their shortened lives with disability than people living in richer neighbourhoods; •have higher rates of mental health problems; •have a lower quality of life. It is suitable for projects that are: requesting between £5,000 and £25,000; last up to 18 months; are based and operate within one of the of the local society areas; and are run by local charities and community groups with an annual income of less than £200,000 a year. We are looking to support small local projects that encourage community activism – projects designed and run by local people that address issues relevant to them and benefit and improve their local community. We need projects that bring communities together, foster a sense of belonging and encourage local people to be involved in and take ownership of activities and services that take place in their neighbourhoods. We want to support local people to use their skills and knowledge to make their communities better places in which to grow up, to live, to work and to age. Our programme operates in a large number of the local society areas, in rotation. To find out more please see this link - http://www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk/index.php/apply-for-funding/active-communities-programme?dm_i=10CZ,105VD,6T5TMY,31Y6Q,1

Valuing Older People Small Grants - Applications Open

The Valuing Older People team has provided Small Grants to groups and organisations in Manchester since 2005. Previously called the VOP Small Grants Fund, the Fund has been relaunched in 2012 as the Age-friendly Manchester Small Grants Fund, in partnership with Trinity House Community Resource Centre. Applications to the Fund are open to those involved in providing activities which support older people in the City of Manchester. We are particularly keen to hear from projects and groups that are looking to tackle loneliness and isolation. We accept applications from voluntary organisations, community groups and charities. The most important criterion is that the majority of people benefiting from an award must be older people. Two separate grants rounds are held each financial year. Deadlines for grants applications in 2012/13 are: Wednesday 31st October 2012 Sunday 31st March 2013 The Grants Panel will meet shortly after these dates. For further information and application form, please download a Small Grants Pack (link to be added). For any queries, or if you would like to receive a Small Grants Pack through the post, please contact Rebecca Bromley in the VOP team on 0161 234 4049 or email vop@manchester.gov.uk

Tea Dance at St Georges, Collyhurst

St Georges Tea Dance and Afternoon Social at St George's Youth and Community Centre. Second Thursday of the month. 8th November and 13th December. For more details or to book a place please contact Diane at Age Concern, Miles Platting on 07950 427292 or diane.aronwich@silverservice.org.uk

Play Gymnastics for Under 4s, Newton Heath

Play Gymnastics For Under 4s every Wednesday from 2 - 3pm. £1 per child. Build your childs confidence, qualified coach led. Ten Acres Lane Leisure Centre, Newton Heath

NEW Chair Based Exercise at the Simpson Surgery

Are you sitting comfortably? Then your in the right place to discover the benefits of chair-based exercise. It is ideal those with walking and standing difficulties or if you just want to try a new activity.
For more information contact Rich Browning on 0161 908 8335; 07951 100171 or r.browning@manchester.gov.uk
The session is free and just turn up at the Simpson Medical Centre Practice reception, 361 Moston Lane, M40 9NB.

Front Row - Avengers Assemble Wednesday 17th October

Front Row 2012 Wednesday 17th October The Blockbuster event of 2012 has arrived at Front Row! Avengers Assemble brings together all your favourite Marval superheroes in one team effort to save the world! Free food at 12 noon, film starts at 12.30pm Latest movie releases in a warm, friendly environment, meet new people Just £1.50 towards tea and coffee Heathfield Hall, Heathfield Street (off Briscoe Lane), Newton Heath M40 1LF For more details or to book a place please contact Laura Cassidy at Zest on 908 8334 / 07834869203 or email l.cassidy@manchester.gov.uk

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health - Number 10!

CARE FOR OTHERS “Friends are really important… We help each other whenever we can, so it’s a two-way street and supporting them uplifts me.” Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together. Why not share your skills more widely by volunteering for a local charity? Helping out can make us feel needed and valued and that boosts our self-esteem. It also helps us see the world from another angle. That can help to put our own problems in perspective. Find out more about volunteering at www.do-it.org.uk. Caring for a pet can improve your wellbeing too. The bond between you and your pet can be as strong as between people. Looking after a pet can bring structure to your day and act as a link to other people. Lots of people make friends by chatting to fellow dog walkers. All of these tips have been taken from the Mental Health Foundation and can be found in full here http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/10-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health - Number 9!

DO SOMETHING YOU'RE GOOD AT What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself helps beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it and achieving something boosts your self-esteem. Concentrating on a hobby like gardening or the crossword can help you forget your worries for a while and change your mood. “I’m learning the guitar. You have to really concentrate on getting it right so there’s no room in my head for worries.” It can be good to have an interest where you’re not seen as someone’s mum or dad, partner or employee. You’re just you. An hour of sketching lets you express yourself creatively. A morning on the football pitch gets you active and gives you the chance to meet new people. All of these tips have been taken from the Mental Health Foundation and can be found in full here - http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/10-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health - Number 8!

ASK FOR HELP None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear. Local services are there to help you. For example, you could: •Join a support group like Weight Watchers or Alcoholics Anonymous to help you make changes to your life •Find a counsellor to help you deal with your feelings or make a fresh start •Call the council about noise nuisance •Visit a Citizens Advice Bureau if you want advice on debt Your GP may be able to refer you to a counsellor. You should consider getting help from your GP if difficult feelings are: •Stopping you getting on with life •Having a big impact on the people you live or work with •Affecting your mood over several weeks Over a third of visits to GPs are about mental health. Your GP may suggest ways you or your family can help you. Or they may refer you to a specialist or another part of the health service. All tips are taken from the Mental Health Foundation and can be found in full here http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/10-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health/

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health - Number 7!

DRINK SENSIBLY Drink SensiblyHome > Help & Information > Look After Your Mental Health > Drink Sensibly We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary. When the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way alcohol withdrawal symptoms affect your brain and the rest of your body. Drinking is not a good way to manage difficult feelings. Apart from the damage too much alcohol can do to your body, you would need more and more alcohol each time to feel the same short-term boost. There are healthier ways of coping with tough times. Occasional light drinking is perfectly healthy and enjoyable for most people. Stay within the recommended daily alcohol limits: •3 to 4 units a day for men •2 to 3 units a day for women Many people also smoke or use drugs or other substances to change how they feel. But, again, the effects are short-lived. Just like alcohol, the more you use, the more you crave. Nicotine and drugs don’t deal with the causes of difficult feelings. They don’t solve problems, they create them. All of these tips have been taken from the Menatal Health Foundation and can be found here - http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/10-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Make and Take - Free Gift Making Workshops in Collyhurst

Christmas is coming and this year save some cash and make something a little more personal at our craft workshops. Come to one or come to all. Meet new people, learn new skills and warm up with a brew! All sessions 11am—1pm at Church of the Saviours, Eggington Street (off Rochdale Road), Collyhurst M40 7RN For more details please contact Laura at Zest on 908 8334 / 07834864203 or email l.cassidy@manchester.gov.uk 16th October—Sewing and Embroidering Lavender Hearts 27th November— Jewellery Making 11th December—Pop Up Cards and Gift Boxes

Free Zumba in Beswick - Ashbury Meadows

Keep-fit sessions with Natalie, our coach. Come along to this free weekly energetic activity starting Thursday 6th September 6.00pm – 7.00pm at Ashbury Meadow Primary School (Entry through the Children’s Centre) Zumba is great for weight loss, lifting mood, improving confidence and better health. Ideal for beginners. For adults aged 16+ To BOOK A PLACE please contact Laura at Zest on 908 8334 / 07834869203 or email l.cassidy@manchester.gov.uk

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health - Number 6!

KEEP ACTIVE Experts believe exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy. “I get a huge buzz from my rock ’n’ roll class. Hours later, my legs ache, but I’m still smiling.” Exercising doesn’t just mean doing sport or going to the gym. Walks in the park, gardening or housework can also keep you active. Experts say most people should do about 30 minutes’ exercise at least five days a week. Try to make physical activity that you enjoy a part of your day. “It’s increased my confidence, as I’ve proved to myself that I can do things, and I’m also much fitter and have lost weight. We always have a lot of fun.” All of these tips have come from the Mental Health Foundation and can be found here http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/10-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zest run over 50 activities a week throughout North Manchester - a lot of them physical activity. So get down to a Zest session, get moving and get happy!

10 Ways to Look After Your Mental Health - Number 5!

ACCEPT WHO YOU ARE Some of us make people laugh, some are good at maths, others cook fantastic meals. Some of us share our lifestyle with the people who live close to us, others live very differently. We’re all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn. “Being happy with who I am now means I enjoy living in the moment.” Be proud of who you are. Recognise and accept what you are not good at, but focus on what you can do well. Work out if there’s anything about yourself that you still want to change. Are your expectations realistic? If they are, work towards the change in small steps. These tips have been taken from the Mental Health Foundation's website and can be found at http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/10-ways-to-look-after-your-mental-health/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------