Community website for people living in and around Whalley Range Manchester
Category: Whalley Range Community Forum
The Whalley Range Community Forum (WRCF) is a voluntary representative residents group formed in 1995 to facilitate and improve communication between members of the community and those who serve/represent Whalley Range.
The Forum act as an umbrella organisation, bringing residents and local services together to address local issues, to promote consultation and community cohesion – and to encourage participation.
The Forum produces a bimonthly newsletter and residents meetings to address local concerns with Police, Councillors, local council and planning officials, sends out a regular email bulletins featuring opportunities, events and news to around 400 residents from Whalley Range – and co-facilitates an annual local community festival.
The Forum worker supports new and emerging groups to access funding to set up their own community groups, holds funds for unconstituted groups and addresses resident priorities by facilitating relevant classes at the JNR8 centre during school term times.
Classes and initiatives for the diverse local community include mixed and women-only ESOL classes, women fitness, Tai Chi, confidence building sessions, basic computer and work club support and art and wellbeing classes and afternoon tea for older residents. JNR8 is also registered as a Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre.
The community website features local news and events, consultation links, age-friendly news and current vacancies and opportunities.
This stage of the Alexandra Park consultation is now closed. Thank you for your interest. If you have any questions, please contact the Park Ranger at madeleine.colledge@machester.gov.uk
Hello folks,
Park Ranger here from Alex Park!
Manchester Council are in the process of writing a development plan for Alexandra Park and would love to hear from local residents
about their aspirations for the park
Tell us how you make use of the park, and how the space could better serve your needs via this 10 min survey: tinyurl.com/alexparkconsultation
Help shape the future of this beautiful community asset!
Whalley Range is a diverse area of South Manchester in relation to housing type, the natural environment and population, of approximately 16,000 people. Made up of 6,500 households, over 1,000 children living in low-income families (5 times that of Chorlton) and over 2,500 people living in single households (twice that of adjoining Fallowfield).
We have the most ethnically diverse community in the city, with over 4,000 residents of Asian origin, 2,000 of African Caribbean origin, and other long-standing communities from eastern Europe, especially from Poland many arriving in the 1940s. As a result, 56% of school pupils have a first language that is not English, and we have a range of places of worship including Mosques, Sikh, Hindu and Hari Krishna temples and several Christian denominations.
The range of residential properties can be explained by our history. The area was first built on in 1836 when Samuel Brooks (born in Whalley, Lancashire) bought Jacksons Moss, an area of clay pits and peat bog, which he drained and built villas as “a desirable estate for gentlemen and their families” to escape the congestion of the city, with tree lined avenues, many with extensive sewers and drainage culverts. Whalley Range was one of Manchester’s, and probably the world’s, first suburbs. The area included farmland, large private estates and houses, large training colleges, and several churches.
By the 1960s many of the larger houses, some of which had been used as consulates, and residential homes, had become houses in multiple occupation.
By the 80’s the area had a reputation as a red-light district. Some properties fell into disrepair, were demolished and now have blocks of flats, and some small private estates.
The range of housing types has resulted in a mixture of family types and sizes. Our area has one of the highest levels of rented accommodation in the city, most of it private but there are also several housing Associations, (one of which incorporated a housing cooperative) two of which run large supported living schemes for older people.
The housing types means that there is a high level of single person households with the risks of social isolation. Conversely in some areas of the ward families experience overcrowding and the stresses that can bring.
The diversity of the population and housing type means we have particular health and wellbeing concerns.
Ten percent of the population are deemed to be in need of ‘intensive support’ (e.g., in relation to smoking, alcohol consumption, stress and anxiety) (twice that of adjoining Chorlton). In addition, we have twice the England average of deaths from coronary heart disease. Health inequalities within the black, Asian and minority ethnic communities have resulted in higher rates of mortality and morbidity from conditions such as diabetes cardiovascular disease, certain cancers such as Myeloma, prostate, liver and bowel cancer and mental health disorders. These communities have also been disproportionately affected by the Covid pandemic.
These particular health and wellbeing factors should direct the services in our area and encourage us all to make the most of and build on our assets.
The diversity of the ward also means that we have many assets.
Although lacking a central shopping area, we have several areas of shops with access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and several cafes and bars. There are five allotment areas, two parks, with Alexandra Park opened in 1870 designed to “deter the working men of Manchester from the alehouses on their day off”. Manley Park being the site of Manley Hall, and then an underground air raid shelter for 500 people in the first world war.
Several large buildings have become schools, the former Aquarium (built 1872) becoming St. Bede’s College and the former College built in 1840 for the training of non-Conformist ministers, later becoming a trade union centre and now a community focused Muslim Heritage Centre. Many of these buildings, are protected by the conservation area, designated in 1991 following residents’ campaigns to protect buildings and trees.
Much of the terraced housing around Clarendon Road was built by Welsh labourers at the end of the 19th century to house the workers for Manley Hall, situated where Manley Park is now, they also built Calfaria (the Welsh Chapel), located beside Manley Park Methodist Church.
Whalley Range has a rich history in political activism and protest, particularly in Alexandra Park – where in 1892 60,000 people marched to the park in support of a shorter working week. In 1908 Suffragettes rallied for the right to vote. Today some of these traditions continue through campaigning groups on peace and justice and for action on climate change.
There are a wealth of local community and voluntary sector organisations, age friendly and youth groups – and local street mutual aid groups, providing the opportunity to Connect with others locally and Keep Learning, be Active and Take Notice and get involved through activities and volunteering (Give). (See the 5 Ways to Wellbeing elsewhere on the Whalley Range map – new edition in progress).
Our mental and physical health and wellbeing are closely linked to our environment, and the changing world around us.
We can aim to have more control over our lives, improving our health and that of our environment in many ways
Clean air
Cleaner air reduces chest conditions such as asthma. We can improve the quality of our air by driving less, stop idling when parked (especially outside schools), having traffic free street events, keeping our green environment, e.g., by tree planting( e.g by the Climate Action Group), and not burning unseasoned (undried wood) either in our homes or gardens.
Grow and eat local
It is a pleasure to be able to grow your own food, flowers, herbs whatever size of space you have. House plants purify the air. Locally grown food tends to be fresher, have more nutrients, tastes better, is often cheaper, has fewer pesticides and herbicides, reduces packaging and transport costs and emissions.
Being outside provides you with essential Vitamin D from sunlight and gives you important exercise in your ‘green gym’. Being outside boosts our mental health within 5 minutes.
Eating meat only once or twice a week will allow farmers to rear animals in more sustainable and humane ways, reduce carbon emissions and make you healthier too.
Exercise
Not using a car is good for our health, by breathing fresh air, being out in nature, taking more exercise, and having more social interactions. Not only does this reduce carbon emissions it makes us feel good too!
The Walk Ride Group is working on ways to reduce speeding, prevent the blocking of pavements and help people feel safer cycling
The Age Friendly group installed benches to have a rest while exercising.
Chemicals
Reducing the use of chemicals both within our homes, gardens, and community Is good for our health and the environment. Chemicals washed into water courses and environment can aggravate eczema, allergies and asthma, affect our fertility and damage fish and other creatures.
The Whalley Rangers, in partnership with the City Council, have undertaken to remove unwanted weeds from pavements, instead of spraying harmful herbicides.
Welcoming everyone
Whalley Range has a long history of welcoming people to play their part in developing the city, resulting in a diverse community. From the workers who moved into the city from the surrounding rural areas in the 1800s, through to people fleeing the effects of war, famine, and climate change.
Some buildings and organisations link to this fascinating history and reflect our diverse community and offer a range of health and wellbeing activities.
Mental health
We have many supports to good mental health e.g. lovely parks, sports clubs. The CELEBRATE festival and other local events, bring uplifting music, neighbourly connection and encourage people to get involved with things. Joining a club, or group, along with volunteering is a powerful protector of good mental health. Young people are supported by WRYOA, and Community on Solid Ground who provide activities . During Covid a network of mutual aid groups were set up linking people with their neighbours using technologies new and old.
Parks and open spaces
Our parks are vital for health…green spaces are calming and rejuvenating, allowing access to exercise, sports, volunteering, interactions, events, and clean air. Sunlight exposure improves our vitamin D levels (vital for strong bones muscles and good immunity) .Trees are valuable stores of carbon and help to reduce climate change. In built up areas our parks are vital for wildlife.
The day was a great success: people joined us on the climate action walk – then back to JNR8 for our event.
Thanks to Jane from Whalley Range Climate Action Group and Anthony Morris for some great photos of the walk and event!
We had:
flu jabs,
health checks,
arts and crafts for wellbeing,
Whalley Range Climate Action Group
resilience coaching
I.T advice,
entertainment,
soup
information stalls.
Thanks to Anthony Morris for photos, Jane from the Whalley Range Climate Action Group, buzz, Chorlton Good Neighbours, Manley Pharmacy, Be Well, Manchester Cares, Central Manchester Falls team, Lotte (crafts), Steve (music) – and everyone who came along to help and to make the day a great success!
Thanks to Ambition for Ageing for the funding!
We are really pleased to be holding a couple of events for International Day of Older Persons on Friday 1st October this week at the JNR8 Youth & Community Centre in Whalley Range: see the poster for details.
We will make sure the building is well ventilated and follow covid-safe guidelines.
The events are organised by Age-friendly Whalley Range, the Forum and partner organisations – and are aimed at older members of the community to mark the day, to welcome people back to our community centres – and to make a stand against climate change as older people.
We have made some placards with slogans about issues that concern us – and we will meet at JNR8 at 10:30 am for a short walk around the age-friendly benches route – displaying actions we can take to address climate change and to show older people’s concerns as we approach the UN Climate Change conference in November.
At 1:30pm we have an age-friendly community event at JNR8 with information stalls from partner organisations, taster sessions of the exercise and activities we run at JNR8 for older residents, refreshments and some entertainment.
Lotte will run an arts and crafts activity for those who are interested.
Manley Park pharmacy will be giving flu jabs in one of our side rooms – and Debra will give short one-to-one well-being coaching sessions for people who are feeling anxious about going out/meeting people and who may be worrying about the uncertainty of the covid situation.
The event will be smaller than our usual events for covid-safety and we do have a travel budget for people who might struggle to get here for various reasons – so can refund taxi fares (please ask for receipts)
We realise there is a lot of worry and concern about the current situation with Coronavirus (Covid-19) – and we will post the latest information from our trusted sources as we get it…this page will be updated regularly. Please see a selection of links to current information, posters and wellbeing guides below.
Be aware that information is changing regularly so check trusted sources of information for the latest news…
The Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), Charles Kwaku-Odoi was live on Tuesday 9th February 2021 at 18:00hrs on BBC North West and ITV News.
He is encouraging the Caribbean and African community living in Hulme, Moss Side and Whalley Range to take the offer of testing after a new COVID-19 Variant was discovered in the area.
Manchester’s Director of Public Health, David Regan explains the new lockdown rules and why now it’s more important than ever for us all to play our part.
National Lockdown – Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.
A short film has been made with TV doctor Dr Ranj Singh that explains the new variant, how quickly it spreads and why it is so important to Stay At Home: You Tube link to the film is here
Public Health England – Better Health – Every Mind Matters help with stress
Stressed out? Take a break, a deep breath and visit Every Mind Matters… for expert advice on managing your stress levels and your mental health www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress/
Beware of loan sharks when surfing online and don’t fall prey to unscrupulous loan adverts on social media. Get advice and support from @LoanSharkNews or call 0300 555 2222 or at www.stoploansharks.co.uk
The Whalley Range Community Forum have unfortunately had to close down the JNR8 building, suspending all activities and classes for the time being, but we are working hard to make the building safe for our groups and activities and look forward to seeing everyone again…
See below for current links and a range of advice from support services…
Coronavirus advice and vaccination information in accessible formats for disabled people can be found on the Breakthrough UK Resource Hub
Manchester City Council Covid-19 information: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500362/covid-19
The Community Response Hub offers support to Manchester’s most vulnerable people to help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. The Hub is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and can help with:
Access to food
Delivery of medication
Combating loneliness
Managing fuel top-up payments
Getting access to services online
Help is also available for other reasons, for example, if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer. If you need help freephone: 0800 234 6123 email: COVIDSupport@manchester.gov.uk or text: 078600 22876 (messages responded to by the next working day) or visit manchester.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can help to protect your friends and family by downloading the NHS COVID-19 App to keep updated on the latest guidance from Thursday 5 November
Support for people Self isolating with COVID-19
Where people have been told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace and their income has been affected, they could be eligible for a one-off support payment. Find out more.
Useful links…
Face coverings: separating fact from fiction – a report from Age UK
Despite being a public health measure, face coverings remain a source of controversy and confusion for many people. Do they primarily protect the wearer or the people they come into contact with? What’s the correct face covering to wear? What about those for whom a face covering might not be suitable?
Professor Trisha Greenhalgh is a GP and Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford who co-authored a British Medical Journal paper on the protective effect of face coverings in public spaces. Trisha is therefore the perfect person to answer the persistent questions and separate fact from fiction.
Chorlton, Whalley Range and Fallowfield Neighbourhood Partnership update
Please find the latest neighbourhood update (link below) which contains information on services to help keep local people safe and well, as well as information on the CWRF: Stepping Out into a New Normal leaflet / poster, and the second VCSE Forum meeting which took place this week.
There is also a call to action from MCC Chorlton Neighbourhood Team who are running a day of action at Chorlton District Centre on Tuesday 15th September from 10am to 1pm to talk to local residents and businesses about preventing the spread of covid-19. If you would like to join the team around the neighbourhood in getting the key messages out to as many people as possible then please contact me on dawn.harris15@nhs.net.
If you have any questions about anything included in this email then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Financial Support for Vulnerable Customers – RBS and Natwest
Both Natwest and RBS offer additional services for their vulnerable customers who are self-isolating,such as having cash delivered at home by a courier, letting a friend or relative withdraw money at a cash machine, or ordering a Companion Card to pay for shopping (which can be topped up over the phone).
The team who manage the Natwest and RBS vulnerable customers helpline will develop a finance plan which fits around the abilities, wants and needs of their customer…..and you don’t need to do online banking or visit a branch to get support.
Call Natwest Vulnerable customers helpline on 0800 051 4176
Call RBS Vulnerable customers helpline on 0800 051 4177
Updated advice has been published by the Government for people who are shielding – it is guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including children. It’s also for their family, friends and carers.
· Here are Frequently Asked Questions about the NHS Test and Trace: how it works from Manchester City Council.
· Public Health England has published their report (89 pages) from the review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes
· Here is information on the COVID-19 antibody tests
Information from NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) to help you decide what steps you and your charity or voluntary organisation need to take in light of the spread of the covid-19 virus.
If you need help you can get it now by calling 08002346123
Alternatively you can text 07860022876 and we will respond to messages by the next working day.
We have set up a hub to support Manchester’s most vulnerable people, and help them cope with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.
We want to help you if you are:
over the age of 70, are self isolating and have no support network,
if you have received a letter from the NHS advising you are high risk, or
you are medically vulnerable according to the government criteria.
We can help with things like:
Delivery of food
Delivery of medication
Combating loneliness
Managing fuel top-up payments
Getting access to services online
Help is also available for other reasons, for example if you are a carer, care leaver or young carer.
Across the City a community of charities, businesses, community groups and the Council have all come together to make sure you have the support you need during this challenging time.
Get help – 08002346123
If you live alone, are struggling to make ends meet, are self-isolating or generally in need of advice or support please contact us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.
Call our helpline to access the support you need.
We are trying to reach as many residents in need as we can. You can also:
Manchester Cares are running Virtual Social Clubs at the moment, You can see a few screenshots on their Facebook page. The form to refer people to potentially join in our Virtual Clubs can be accessed here
Social Club Activities include:
· one focused on creativity/video/memory/wellbeing (run by an external facilitator)
· either Desert Islands Discs/Pub Quiz
· a virtual Coffee afternoon/catch up
· and a Cares Family Disco (basically just lots of great music and dancing in the living room!)
In addition to Social Clubs at Home the referral form also has options for Friendship over the phone, Postal Activity Packs and Practical Support.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.
A useful list of online links to resources and helplines that has been prepared by the library service at Buzz Health and Wellbeing Service. There is a section for local (Manchester) and national helplines and so it is useful for use by all front line workers and community groups when supporting local people with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly during these challenging times.
Have you joined your Covid-19 Local Mutual Aid Group?
The Local Mutual Aid Groups are for residents that want to support each other and their neighbours with shopping, support and sharing information during the Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic.
Local organising to support the most vulnerable in our communities
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. We focus on providing resources and connecting people to their nearest local groups, willing volunteers and those in need.
We recognise that injustice doesn’t affect everyone equally and whilst we’re all at risk of Covid-19, there are some people who are more vulnerable and need greater support from the community.
The basic idea is to coordinate care efforts for people who are self-isolating, especially if they are part of a more at risk demographic including the elderly, disabled and people with other pre-existing health issues.
We’re also trying to offer support to those people who are feeling most isolated/anxious throughout the pandemic. For people with mental health conditions this scale of panic can be overwhelming and so community support is vital.
The Manchester Carers Centre telephone helpline is running Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm for unpaid carers to contact them on 01612727270 for information, advice or emotional support with any enquiries they may have COVID-19 related or related to their caring role in general. Their Young Adult Carers service is still running with telephone and virtual peer support activities and Young Adult Carers can call the Young adult carers worker on 07957 836 058.
Every Mind Matters has now released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It also includes guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak.
Please visit: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
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Advice to support those who are undertaking social distancing to get through the next few weeks.
The government is advising everyone to adopt social distancing measures. If you have an underlying health condition(s) or if you are aged 70 or older, you need to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
We know that during this period it’s really important that you look after your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health.
As occupational therapists we are in a strong position to advise people on how to stay well while when social distancing. Indeed many people look to us for guidance and now is the time for us to step forward. We strongly urge you to share this advice with other occupational therapists, the people who access your services, their families, your colleagues and other health and care professionals on what they can do to help them cope with social distancing.
Establish a daily routine. Routines provide structure and purpose.
Balance your weekly routineso you have a good mix of work (activities that have to be done), rest and leisure.
Think about the regular activities that are most important to you. What are the important elements to these? Can you adapt them to carry out in the home? For example, instead of a class, following an online strength and balance routine.
Set daily goals to provide purpose and a sense of achievement. This might include working through that list of the things you keep meaning to do but never get round to?
Identify the triggers that make you feel lowand look for ways to reduce or manage them.
Talk with family, friends and neighboursto help them understand how you feel and how they can help. Can they talk you through using apps on your mobile phone, for instance?
Take care of yourself. Eat and drink healthily with plenty of fruit, vegetables and water to support your immune function and energy levels. For more information see the BDA website.
Avoid staying still for too long. Exercise and regular movement will maintain fitness and strength. If you are working from home, take breaks and eat away from your “desk.”
Have a good sleep routine. If you are struggling, try avoiding tea and coffee in the late afternoon and evening, take a bath, using blackout curtains, listening to gentle music or deep breathing exercises.
Keep in touch. Arrange to speak to someone most days on the phone, through social media or over the garden fence. Age UKand Silverline have people to speak to.
Dietitians and the BDA ( British Dietetic Association) have been asked many questions about nutrition and dietary issues related to the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
There’s been a 400% rise in fraud related to COVID-19 in March according to Action Fraud We’ve put together helpful information on what to look out for:
COVID-19 related fraud has increased by 400% in March. Between 1 February 2020 and 18 March 2020, Action Fraud has received 105 reports from victims of COVID-19 related frauds, with losses totalling close to £970,000.
To all of our Urdu speakers and those who know people who speak Urdu – please watch this video and share with your friends and family. This is some information on Covid-19
See some of the amazing attractions and fantastic artwork created during our Celebrate festival with a difference for 2021…Celebrate Connections!
Festival Houses and the Celebrate Connections Art Trail!
Our fantastic artists created these amazing designs in windows across Whalley Range – to inspire more people to decorate their windows!
Photos by our Celebrate photographer Anthony Morris
The Age-friendly benches of Whalley Range…
As part of Celebrate Connections, the amazing artists Jan Hanson and Christine Johnson created signs for each of our age-friendly benches. Some are words from poems or favourite words/meanings from our groups/friends/local people – and maybe an obscure reference to a famous person who once lived in Whalley Range…
Thanks to Steve for help fixing the signs and Craig for cutting the wood to size…
Oh and two bonus signs at JNR8 on the gate – and a sign with blackboard paint in the park – with chalk – for people to write their own messages…
Photographed by Anthony Morris
Age-friendly Whalley Range & Chorlton held a walk around the age-friendly benches, to meet up and admire the bench art as part of the Celebrate Connections Art Trail! Photos for Celebrate by Anthony Morris…
Members of Time to Change mental wellbeing group held a Big Bike Revival family bike repair and maintenance session at Whiz youth project at JNR8 for Celebrate Connections…
Pavement Art from Manley Park School with artist Lotte Karlsen!
More photos – including our pop-up music performances and buskers!
Joining in with the Art Trail…
Whiz Youth Project created a banner for Celebrate Connections…
Trafalgar Court Celebrate Connections Hanging Baskets workshop with Friends of Tibetan Kitchen!
Fantastic guided tour with the knowledgeable Alexandra Park heritage group – and delicious tea/coffee and cake from Coffee Cranks. Part of Celebrate (festival) Connections!
Join us in small, friendly workshops to help build confidence, help re-connect with life again and lift your spirits and positivity.
(There are still places available for the next course: see contact details below)
Would you like to get out and about and involved in your community again – but feel nervous about ‘stepping out into the new normal’?
Why not get yourself prepared with free wellbeing sessions from our experienced life coach and trainer…
These friendly Workshops for up to 6 people will run for 1 hour for 5 weeks at
JNR8 Youth & Community Centre on Tuesdays, 10:00 -11:00 am from 22nd June – 20th July 2021.
(Please note that the 3rd session on 6th July will run in the afternoon from 1-2pm)
We all need a pick me up in these challenging times and we are creating a warm and positive space for you to change how you think to feel more up-lifted, more resilient, and more able to tackle any challenges you face.
Feedback from the first sessions:
“A really useful group: I always leave the group feeling uplifted and better prepared to take on the day!”
“It’s been very helpful: made me much more self-aware and has given me useful tools for managing my life better”.
“Positive energy to wake up fresh in the morning”.
Please contact Christine on 0161 881 3744/text 07751666150 to find out more and to book your place on the course or email communityforumwhalleyrange@gmail.com
COVID Symptom Tracker
