Chairs of GMCVO, the GM VCSE Leadership Group, the GM BAME Network and GM BAME SE Network and the GM Social Enterprise Network have today written to the Chancellor, the Rt. Hon. Rishi Sunak asking for more support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

Mental health charities from across Greater Manchester have teamed up in a new campaign, Beelieve to support individuals, families and communities affected by Covid-19 by providing resources and equipment which will allow them to access emotional, therapeutic and practical help when and where it is needed.

Social Enterprises are at the heart of the fight against Coronavirus and yet many could run out of money before the end of June. Join the campaign to help urge Government to do more to support social enterprises. #SaveOurSocents #BuildBackBetter

On Thursday 28th May, 7.30pm, Greater Manchester will fill the streets with music as local residents and famous faces come 'Together in One Voice' for a mass sing-a-long from their doorsteps and windows. The event is being delivered by Social Enterprise and not-for-profits and will help profile the great work of the VCSE sector across GM. This unique and ambitious event will be livestreamed for audiences as it happens and then shared with the nation in full on Sunday 31st May. 

- To read the MEN article about the event click here.

- If you would like your organisation to be featured, please get in touch with contact@togethermcr.com to find out how

Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) have published a research report based on the responses received so far from their nation-wide survey; looking in depth at the impact of Coronavirus on social enterprises, how social enterprises are adapting to the crisis and how they can be better supported through it.

The findings of the surveys Ubele conducted suggest that if the crisis continues for up to 3 months, close to 90% of 137 BAME led micro and small organisations who responded to the survey could close permenantly within 3 months if the crisis extends into June.

The GM VCSE Leadership Group have issued a statement in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and it's impact on the VCSE sector in Greater Manchester. They have also produced a Covid-19 response update which highlights the action taken so far by the Leadership Group on behalf of the sector during the current crisis, and the further steps it will be taking in the coming weeks and months.

The GMSEN Leadership Group have shared updates from their meeting held at the end of March. The Leadership Group meets monthly to discuss current social enterprise issues, share knowledge and opportunities for wider sharing. As you might expect, current meetings are dominated by the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

In response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we have put together a dedicated web page which lists sources of advice and information useful to VCSE organisations on Greater Manchester. There is an overwhelming amount of information being circulated, and we hope our web page makes it more navigable.

A handy list of some of the key sources of info, support and resources specifically relevant to social enterprises during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Wednesday 27th May
Online, FREE

With revenue dropping due to COVID-19, cash flow has become a key concern.
Good Finance are delighted to be joined by Social Investment Business and Business Enterprise Fund to host a webinar to answer key questions about navigating loan finance during the pandemic.

A helpful briefing from SEUK, containing up to date info and explainers on what support social enterprises can access during COVID-19. A practical way of keeping on top of the never-ending updates. 

An invaluable resource for social enterprises nationwide, SEUK's support and resources hub contains regular briefings in response to government measures, a suite of training and advice webinars, links to pro-bono legal support and a range of HR, business and finance support resources.

Specifically supporting Greater Manchester businesses, the Growth Hub has a dedicated hotline to call to speak to specialist advisors, besides a range of online resources.

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is offering all businesses who aren’t currently members free access to the GM Business Community to give them access to our network and support from the largest Chamber in the UK.

Good Finance have developed a page for information, resources and tools designed to support charities and social enterprises navigating COVID-19.

Co-operatives UK have produced and collated a range of practical guides and guidance specifically for co-ops, including HR advice, webinars and online meetings, surveys and funding links.

Unlimited Potential have recently shared the updated May version of their guide for positive framing of messaging and communications during the COVID-19 situation. The guide is designed for mission-driven organisations. 

All GM residents can now access SilverCloud, a free, online therapy programme to help with stress, anxiety, low mood and depression during the #COVID19 outbreak.

The NHS have compiled a list of of helpline and support groups who can offer expert advice on mental health and wellbeing here.

Mind have specific advice on how to cope during this difficult time here.

NCVO have advice on involving volunteers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Monday 18th May and Tuesday 19th May
Online, FREE (for BAME Social Entrepreneurs)

1) Virtual Network meeting (May 18th)

Guest speakers, links to further support and the opportunity to network with other BAME social entrepreneurs

2) The Social Starter webinar: Building Community Through Content (May 19th) 
Webinar run by Jonah at Love For The Streets CIC, exploring the theme of community building and how to achieve this through your social media. 

Please note: these events are for BAME Social Entrepreneurs

If you would like to know more about the GM BAME Socal Enterprise Network, please contact dayo.eseonu@gmcvo.org.uk

Wednesday 20th May
Online, FREE

This workshop will walk through social enterprise business models, share and showcase business planning tips and techniques and look at the business model canvas tool as a way to build and strengthen your plans.

Thursday 21st May
Online, FREE

Kaleidoscope is delighted to launch the first Ageing Better programme digital event, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. An interactive and collaborative session, of interest for anyone working to tackle loneliness during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Thursday 21st May
Online, FREE

An online event to share and hear about different perspectives on how people in communities and the broad ‘voluntary’ sector are grappling with the pandemic. 

Saturday 23rd May
Online, £6 into the investment pot

SOUP events work by paying a ticket fee (in this case £6+) to attend and event as a social event, whilst raising much needed cash for communities which is used as a small cash investment pot on the day and participants vote for who they would like to see get the money.

Tuesday 26th May
Online, £79/£99/£119

Developing an effective strategy requires a methodical approach, a sound knowledge of how fundraising works and an honest evaluation of your organisation’s position. We’ll be walking you through a comprehensive process for developing a smarter and more focused fundraising strategy, and sharing a number of powerful decision-making techniques.

On Thursday 28th May, 7.30pm, Greater Manchester will fill the streets with music as local residents and famous faces come 'Together in One Voice' for a mass sing-a-long from their doorsteps and windows. The event is being delivered by Social Enterprise and not-for-profits and will help profile the great work of the VCSE sector across GM. This unique and ambitious event will be livestreamed for audiences as it happens and then shared with the nation in full on Sunday 31st May. 

- To read the MEN article about the event click here.

- If you would like your organisation to be featured, please get in touch with contact@togethermcr.com to find out how

Wednesday 3rd June
Online, £25

Amongst Social Entrepreneurs, LinkedIn can often be overlooked and under-utilised and yet it is the most trusted social media platform, contains a huge amount of free-to-access data about potential funders, collaborators and industry leaders, and can provide an almighty boost to the performance of your website.

Friday, 5th June
Online, FREE

What are the implications of the current crisis for research? This session is intended to help members to discuss their concerns, as well as share experiences, hints and tips with each other about doing research in times like these.

A partnership project between GMCVO and the Greater Manchester BAME Network is underway to build a Greater Manchester BAME Social Enterprise Network and help deliver business support to BAME social entrepreneurs. Particularly for BAME social entrepreneurs, we strongly encourage you check out the new project webpage. It’s full of helpful resources, information, links and the chance to register to join the network, become a mentor or request business support to help you grow your social enterprise.

Expert Impact are continuing to run their Human Lending Library online. Follow the link below to find out how it works and apply for a free hour of one-to-one business mentoring to meet your current needs as a social entrepreneur.

Do you know a woman who is not making the most of her potential to develop? Flourish CIC are looking for 25-30 women, currently classed as unemployed aged 18+ to join their new ‘Time to Grow’ programme. The programme supports women with enterprising solutions to social issues, unlocking potential and creating sustainable change. The programme is focused in Wigan, but they are taking applications from across GM. 
The programme is recruiting throughout May and June and is FREE.
You can access the application form here.

‘Blended finance’ (mix of grant and loan) aimed at small and very small social enterprises and charities that trade, including new organisations. Whether you address social needs, strengthen communities, improve people’s life chances, enhance culture or protect the environment – if the business trades for the common good, this opportunity is for you. 
Deadline: Ongoing

This fund invests in projects looking to develop community led and owned assets for both affordable/social housing and/or sports facilities in Greater Manchester.
The fund aims to invest in substantial projects, normally in excess of £1 million across Greater Manchester. As the local delivery partner, GMCVO will provide support and connect community groups with local partners to help deliver the projects.
Deadline: Ongoing

This round is called Re-Connect and seeks applications from a wide range of voluntary organisations who are ready to reach out by using approaches which tackle the new and emerging barriers arising from the impact of COVID 19.
Deadline: 3rd June 2020

Along with 10GM, GMCVO have launched a grants programme to support communities of identity or experience to develop higher levels of mental wellbeing
Deadline: 30th June 2020

Part of Power to Change’s £12 million emergency support package, community businesses can apply for grants of up to £25k to contribute towards income lost between April to June 2020 as a result of covid-19. 
Note: only available to current and previous Power to Change grantees, and to community businesses which are members of Co-operatives UK, Locality or the Plunkett Foundation.
Next round opens May 19th at 10am

The National Lottery Community Fund are distributing £370m of goverment funding and £300m of lottery funding to projects and organisations best placed to support their communities at this vital time. Applications should be made to the following funds:
Awards For All - grants of £300-£10,000
Reaching Communities - grants over £10,000
Deadline: ongoing for both funds

Find out about funding available for people and organisations affected by the pandemic on our dedicated page

Charity Bank are maintaining a helpful list of emergency funding for charities and social enterprises

The latest Funding Bulletin produced by 10GM, a partnership of local support and development agencies in Greater Manchester has been produced

The ‘Bounce Back’ Loan Scheme is a new scheme introduced to help smaller businesses impacted by covid-19. It aims to assist businesses to borrow between £2,000 up to £25,000 of a business’ turnover (the maximum amount available is £50,000)

Growth Company Business Finance (GCBF) is now an accredited provider of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
GCBF can support NW-based businesses with loans of £50,001 to £250,000, subject to eligibility.

During these uncertain times, we know that grassroot community groups are responding to the impact of Covid-19 through kindness, coming together to help those most affected however they can.
To support these local responses, Forever Manchester is offering awards of up to £5,000

This Fund is to help smaller charitable organisations in the UK affected by the impact of Covid-19. Grants of up to £10,000 are available.

Open Kitchen MCR has been working closely with Manchester City Council’s Food Response team to ensure the city’s most-vulnerable are well fed.

At the time of this MEN article, they were delivering around 1,700 meals a day and show no signs of slowing down. Besides messages of support from Mayor Andy Burnham, this story has even made national news. 

The Leigh Building Preservation Trust, which is overseeing the renovation of Leigh Spinners Mill, has received £180,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The former cotton mill has been completely revitalised in recent years and is now home to a range of businesses and leisure activities including an archery range, a martial arts club, film screenings and an organisation doing music lessons for young children.

Wonderfully Made Women have been offering support and mentoring via Whatsapp, a helpline for African women in GM, Zoom hangouts with a focus on wellbeing, supporting vulnerable people with their shopping and much more...

The Old Abbey Taphouse, 'a STEAM hub in a pub', are a social enterprise who have teamed up with the Gaskell Garden Project, Geeks for Social Change and ACORN Manchester to cook and deliver hot meals to vulnerable people during the pandemic. 

Since the lockdown hit in mid-March, Hidden Treasure have turned their Hideaway centre into a community response hub to help support vulnerable people in Partington, Carrington and Warburton through the pandemic. Working closely with Trafford Council, Trafford Housing Trust, Partington Food Bank and many other organisations, they are hosting the local food bank, running errands for isolated residents, meals-on-wheels, delivering essential items and much more.  

GMVCO project, Caring Working Living has published a directory listing of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) and public sector organisations across Greater Manchester that provide employment support as well as welfare, housing, finance, caring and mental health & wellbeing support.

So far Sow The City have published webinars on Food Poverty Mapping, Green Health and Foraging for Wild Food. All part of their Growing Manchester webinar events (look out for more in the future!)

SEUK urgently need to know how your social enterprise has been impacted by COVID-19 so they can lobby government effectively. Surveys may not seem like a priority right now, but it will help contribute towards a better deal for social enterprises trying to survive the crisis and build an evidence base for what is needed for an effective recovery. It only takes 5 minutes to complete.
Deadline: ongoing

Social Enterprise UK are building an evidence base to lobby government to better support social enterprises who are unable to access current support. They are particularly looking to hear from social enterprises who are:
- struggling to get support
- employ vulnerable people
- work in key public services

To share your experience, email emily.darko@socialenterprise.org.uk direct.
Deadline: ongoing

At Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, they understand that the ongoing and possible future impacts of Covid-19 are a serious concern for everyone. Now, more than ever, they need regular information and feedback on what you are experiencing so that they can give accurate, up to date information straight back to government to make sure that the action and decisions they take are right and effective. It would help greatly if you could answer a few simple questions.

The Inclusion and Wellbeing Partnership (IWP) Is an equalities forum linked to the VCSE Leadership Group and Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership. The IWP is part of a collaborative effort to collate evidence of the way different GM communities have been affected by the lockdown, and find out from VCSE groups on the ground what issues need dealing with now to prevent further avoidable problems developing.

To find out more, click on the link below or contact hannah.berry@gmcvo.org.uk