We are a friendly local group who meet regularly to maintain and improve the environment around Mauldeth Road Station. We have already established a triangle of shrubs and flowers outside the ticket office. Our next project is to develop the area on the corner of Mauldeth Road near the bridge. If you’d like to join us, or for more information, email: friendsofmauldethroadstation@outlook.com

Withington Public Hall Institute

Digital Skills for Adults

Have you heard that there are Free Digital Skills courses with Manchester Adult Education Service? Including: Digital Skills Courses for Beginners, Microsoft for Work, Digital Essentials (entry 3/level1), Skill Up. Contact Withington Adult Education Centre, 24a Burton Road, Withington, M20 3ED. 0161 234 5687
www.manadulted.ac.uk

The Withington Daytime Singers

Chair Based Yoga

Walking and talking Group, Ladybarn Park

Walking and Wheeling Group

Low impact exercise as you walk is a group around Kingswood Park. Followed by a light lunch at Ladybarn Hub.

Free Home Delivery Book Service

Books to Go provides a home delivery service for Manchester residents who have difficulty leaving their home or have issues with access. Manchester Libraries have books in ordinary and large-print size, talking books, music CD’s and films on DVD. The service is completely free.

Call Manchester Libraries on 0161 227 3800 or email the Books to Go team at bookstogo@manchester.gov.uk

Intergenerational Music Makers

Music and Movement workshops: Starting Thursday 3 October for 6 weeks, 11am -12pm each Thursday at Withington Methodist Church, 39 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4AN.

Ladybarn Litter Pickers

Table MCR

Table Manchester creates safe spaces for connection and community with socials and events ranging from brunch to workout sessions. For people aged 18 to 30

For more information, check out instagram/tablemcr or www.meetup.com/tablemcr

St Paul’s – Withington Welcomes

Together!

African and Caribbean Men’s Health Event

Ladybarn Community Clean-up

Resident-led group undertake frequent clean-ups, etc. to improve the public realm. Join us from 11am -12pm on Saturday 26 October and Saturday 30 November.

Withington Village Clean Up

Saturday 5 October, 11am – 12pm.
Meet outside Withington Methodist Church, Wilmslow Road. All are welcome and equipment will be provided. Refreshments and home made cake will be available. For further information, contact Gavin White: gavinwhite7627@gmail.com

Christmas in Withington Friday 6 December 2024

Due to public realm work taking place in Rutherford Square this year, our annual event will be held at The Red Lion Public House, Withington.

Assist Community and Voluntary Organisation

Supporting older people in the community. Positive Living Workshops for over 65’s every 2nd Monday of the month, 1pm -3pm.

Withington Walks at Withington Baths

As part of the Withington Baths community programme Withington Baths run monthly walks on Sundays. The walks are informal and relaxed and aim to reduce social isolation and improve physical fitness. They have also expanded the activity to include an optional meal which people pay for themselves.

Stop Motion Workshops

Learn the art of stop motion in a friendly workshop facilitated by Cheryl, a freelance stop-motion animator. Two workshops (5 October and 19 October) will take inspiration from the murals of Withington Walls to create some individual stop-motion animation. You may get more out of this workshop by bringing a fully charged tablet with Stop Motion Studio app or Aardman Animator app downloaded (both free). Everything you need will be provided!
Workshops are suitable for anyone over the age of 8. Under 18’s must be supervised by an adult throughout.
Saturday 5 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Saturday 19 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Book your place on Eventbrite:
Saturday 5 October – https://shorturl.at/jY6Cr
Saturday 19 October – https://shorturl.at/TOUS5v

Mandem Meetup

Mandem Meetup provides activities for men to come together and build brotherhoods. From men’s talking circles to football, chess, and sober raves, Mandem has activities running all across Manchester. All their interventions are free, ensuring accessibility.
Visit www.mandemmeetup.org for more information and to get involved.

The Bang Out of Order Campaign

Greater Manchester’s Bonfire and Halloween campaign to reduce deliberate fire setting and anti-social behaviour incidents.

The Bang Out Of Order campaign aims to highlight the consequences of anti-social behaviour, encourage parents to have conversations with their children about their behaviour over the bonfire and Halloween period, and inform residents about the ways to report anti-social behaviour.

To report incidents of anti-social behaviour, including firework nuisance, you can use Live Chat or online reporting at gmp.police.uk. You can also call 101.

Anonymously report deliberate fire setting or attacks on a firefighter/fire response vehicle through FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558 or firestoppersreport.co.uk.

If you believe there is a risk to life or property, always call 999.

Advice is to attend an organised bonfire and firework event, but if you are planning to have fireworks at home, please ensure you follow the Firework Safety Code:

• Buy fireworks marked UKCA or CE
• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and use them one at a time
• Follow the instructions on each firework
• Light the fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit
• Never put fireworks in your pocket
• Never throw fireworks
• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
• Keep a bucket of water nearby at all times
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and may lead to injury
• Keep pets indoors

Bonfire safety advice, and more information about the campaign, is available on manchesterfire.gov.uk.

Ladybarn Hub Hate Crime Reporting Centre

Ladybarn Hub is now a Hate Crime Reporting Centre. This means if you experience or witness a hate crime, you can report it without having to go to the Police. Hate crimes are acts committed against someone based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability, or subculture.

You can do this by completing an online form or going to a hate crime reporting centre like Ladybarn Hub. Ladybarn Hub staff have been trained to support victims of hate crimes and will help you complete a reporting form in a safe and private space.

It is important to report all hate incidents, whether they’re crimes or not, so that we can prevent future hate. You can report hate crimes anonymously if you would prefer. For more information or to report a hate crime, visit Ladybarn Hub or go to report-it.org.uk

WalkSafe+

The UK’s leading free personal safety app, now launched in Manchester. The free app combines journey-sharing features with a detailed safe-space map to help residents, workers, and visitors navigate the city safely.

Key features include:

• Journey Planner: Set a specific destination and an ETA, then share your journey plan with your trusted contacts without sharing your live location. If you don’t successfully complete your journey, your contacts will be notified.
• WalkSafe: Share your live location with friends while commuting or exploring. Your location updates in real time, allowing your loved ones to keep track of your journey and alerting them if you don’t arrive on time.
• Follow Me: Start a journey with no set destination in mind, while letting your friends see where you are.
• Community Map: See which Manchester venues offer safe spaces, are trained in the Ask for Angela and Active Bystander schemes, are LGBTQ+ inclusive, offer Wi-Fi or charging stations, and more. You can also learn what other users have said about venues and report your own concerns, such as large crowds or poor lighting.

WalkSafe+ is available in Manchester now and can be downloaded for free from the official website – www.manchester.gov.uk/walksafe

Ladybarn Community Hub

Royle Street, Ladybarn, M14 6RN
Tel: 0161 224 3733
Website: ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk

Mondays

• 1pm – 2pm Tai Chi. All abilities welcome. £5 per session. First session FREE.
  (Note: There will be no Tai Chi on 21 October due to the NGage playscheme.)

Tuesdays

• 10:30am – 12pm LGBTQ+ coffee morning. Popular and friendly group for LGBTQ+ people. £2 donation per session.
• 11am – 12:30pm Easy Walking Club. Join us for a walk around Kingswood Park followed by free tea and toast at the Hub. Meet in the foyer at 11am. In association with Friends of Kingswood Park.
• 5:30pm – 7:30pm Volunteer-led gardening session. Come along and garden with others in the community. Beginners welcome and learning opportunities provided. (Sessions will be reduced in frequency during the next few months; contact us for more information.)
• 5:30pm – 7:30pm Board games and brews. Friendly board game group playing a variety of games. Everyone welcome. £2 donation per session to support the Hub.

Wednesdays

• 12pm – 2pm Wellbeing Wednesdays. Wellbeing arts and crafts activities. All welcome. £3 donation, with free tea and biscuits. Bring along your lunch if you like!
• 6pm – 7pm Ladybarn Voices Choir. Contemporary and classic pop music choir. All abilities welcome and no audition required. £4 per session.

Thursdays

• 12pm – 2:30pm Over 50s lunch club. Freshly cooked, two-course meal. Once a month vegetarian lunch. Veggie and halal options available. Bingo and raffle, golden balls. £5 for lunch plus £1 for bingo and £1 for any other games.
  (Note: There will be no Thursday lunch on 24 October due to the NGage playscheme.)

Friends of Old Moat Park

Join them for litter picking and leaf clearing in Old Moat Park on 6 October, 3 November, and 1 December, from 2pm – 3pm. Everyone welcome!

Post Community Newspapers

View online editions of Post Community Newspapers here – www.communitynewsgm.co.uk

Over 50’s SVP Tea Dance

Expect uplifting music to get you moving or just come along to have a chat. £2 entry. Every Monday 2pm -4pm.

Withington Baths

Withington Baths, 30 Burton Road, M20 3EB 0161 478 1181

Withington Age Friendly Group

Royle St, Ladybarn, M14 6RN
Te

Old Moat People’s History project

Former or present Old Moat Residents with stories, memories or photos to share? Interested in finding out about local history? Old Moat Histories is a social/local history project aiming to collect and collate memories, photos and stories from current and former residents of the Old Moat estate. They collect the stories about the people who lived in the area from the early 1920s, through WW2, the 50s, the 60s the 70s and the 80s right up until the COVID19 pandemic and today. The project is looking for people who would like to share their own stories or to get involved in helping other people share theirs. To get involved, email OLDMOATSTORIES@gmail.com

Over 65’s cost of living event

Thursday 10 October 11am – 1pm at Withington Methodist Church.

Withington Assist Neighbourhood Care

Providing support services and activities for older people, designed to help them continue to live independent, active and fulfilling lives.

Be Well Service Drop In

Meet Andy from the Be Well Service at one of his new face to face Men’s Health drop ins!

TREATS

A support group for people living with dementia and/or carers. The group is run by staff and volunteers from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Complementary Therapies including massage, aromatherapy and reflexology, also games, chats and music time.

Fridays 2pm to 4pm. N.B There is no group on the first Friday of the month.

Church Hall, St. Paul’s Church, 491 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 4AW

If you are interested please contact Michele Latham (Active Therapy Team): 0161 217 4920

STAR Stroke Group for Patients and their Carers

S Support

T Therapeutic (Holistic)

A Activities

R Relaxation

A group for anyone who lives in South Manchester who has had a stroke, and anyone who is a carer to someone who has had a stroke and lives in South Manchester.

Come and take part in complementary therapies to improve wellbeing. The group is run by staff and volunteers from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and is affiliated to the Stroke Association.

Every Friday 9.30am to 12.00 noon

Church Hall, St Paul’s Church, 419 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4AW

If you are interested please contact Michele Latham (Active Therapy Team): 0161 217 4920

Carers Manchester South

Do you help a partner, family member, friend or neighbour? The Carers Manchester South partnership is a group of organisations that are here to help you support your loved ones.

Can Survive UK

Stay & Play

NHS Healthy Start Scheme

Get help to buy food and milk.

New Parent Compassion Focussed Therapy 

Are you or your partner pregnant? Are you a parent or main caregiver to a child under 24 months?

Becoming or being a parent can be challenging. If you’re struggling and are self-critical, then our Compassion Focused Therapy Groups (online or face-to-face) might be for you. We offer priority access to these groups, and priority 1:1 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling, for Depression and Anxiety Disorders.

Priority Couples Counselling is also available. 1:1 sessions can be offered online, via telephone, video or face-to-face. You can self-refer for the groups or 1:1 therapy here: NHS Manchester Talking Therapies – The Big Life group or by ringing 0161 226 3871.

Stay and Play

Maternity Action

Pregnant or new parent? Are you worried about work or money?

Contact Maternity Action for completely FREE and confidential legal advice on work and benefits for pregnant women and new parents in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire.

Call FREE 0808 801 0488 10am – 1pm Mon-Fri Or leave a message for a call back.

maternityaction.org.uk/ manchester-maternity-rights

Monday Monkeys

More Life

Parent Support Group

Weaning with Porter Nutrition

OMYOP Youth Sessions

Youth club for 10-19 year olds. Every Thursday, 6pm to 9pm.

Table tennis, music, cooking, urban art, arts and crafts, chill out, discussions, conversations and more….

Withington Methodist Church, 439 Wilmslow Road, M20 4AN

The entrance to the building is through the back of the building via carpark off Egerton Crescent.

For more information contact:

Email: elise.unityarts@gmail.com Tel: 0778 756 0002

Mums Matter

Baby Signing Classes

Old Moat Sure Start Centre

Cost of living advice line

If you are struggling with the increases in food and energy bills and are struggling financially, help is available.

This free telephone line offers support with:

• Benefits and help with your rent
• Advice about debt and paying bills
• Food support – help to find community food provision near you
• Help to get online – support to access the internet, laptops, phones and data.
• Find out where your nearest Warm Hub is.

Cost of living advice line 0800 023 2692.

The line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm.

Translations and Sign Video services are available upon request.

Energy Advice & More 

Citizens Advice Manchester have partnered with Cadent Gas to help with your energy concerns and more.

All advice is free, confidential, independent and impartial, and can help with:

– Increasing your household income

– Managing energy debts

– Saving money on your bills

– Making your home safe and efficient

– Accessing the Priority Services Register

The team are here to help. Contact their energy advisers:

Call: 0808 164 4406

WhatsApp: 07360 546 111

Available Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm

Porter Nutrition’s Top 10 tips to save money on fuel in the kitchen

With the cost of fuel being so high, saving money is so important. Porter Nutrition have put together 10 tips to help you save money:

Reaching Out to the Community

If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough in South Manchester, please contact Reach Out To The Community – reachouttothecommunity.co.uk

Reaching Out to the Community work with every local rough sleeper for as long as they need to get them back to a life off the streets.

The Baby Bank

The Baby Bank at St Pauls Church, Withington. Struggling to keep up with the cost of things for your little ones? The Baby Bank at St Pauls Church in Withington has lots of pre-loved clothes & equipment, they can help with nappies and toiletries too. Open Thursdays between 1pm -3pm. St Pauls Parish Hall, 491 Wilmslow Road, M20 4AW. stpaulschurchwithington@gmail.com

South Manchester Credit Union

South Manchester Credit Union are an inclusive not-for-profit organisation offering secure savings accounts and flexible, affordable loans. Anybody who lives or works in South & Central Manchester can join!

Period Poverty Project – Bodey Medical Centre 

This scheme was developed by Gift Wellness, a social enterprise dedicated to combating period poverty worldwide. In 2023 they collaborated with Qualitas, a partner of NHS England to tackle period poverty in Primary Care. Gp Surgeries are often hubs of the Community, a safe space, a place Period Angel stations – sites for the local community to access free period products.

The long term plan is to eliminate period poverty in this country by having at least 1 Period Angel Station in every Town and City in the UK.

The Period Angel Station in Bodey Medical Centre (Ladybarn Court, 28 Ladybarn Ln, Manchester M14 6WP ) is located in between the male and female toilets and is available to not only our patients but the whole community. Bodey are a registered station on the official Period Angel app.

The stock of the station will rely on donations, so if you are reading this and would like to donate. Please drop off any period products for the attention of Rachael O’Brien at Bodey Medical Centre reception.

South Manchester Credit Union helps with bus travel

Spread the cost of a Bee Network bus pass with South Manchester Credit Union. SMCU will be offering a groundbreaking initiative that will provide you with the option to spread the cost of your bus travel for the year.

Ladybarn Community Hub

Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle St, Ladybarn. M14 6RN

Tel: 0161 224 3733

ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer for Lady Barn Hubs Older Peoples Groups on a Wednesday and/or Thursday?

If so please contact us or visit www.ladybarnhub.co.uk/volunteer for more information.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis

Helpline Volunteers. Interested in volunteering?

Withington Baths

Withington Baths, 30 Burton Road, M20 3EB

Tel: 0161 478 1181

withingtonbaths.com

Withington Baths is on the look out for new volunteers to support a range of roles, from volunteer gardening to volunteer guided heritage tours.

If you would like to lend a hand to support Manchester’s last Heritage Pool, please contact emma.horridge@withingtonworks.com

Withington Library & The Bread and Butter Thing 

Withington Library is working with The Bread and Butter Thing to bring a mobile affordable food pantry to our community. Join our volunteer team to help unload the van and pack food into bags. We need 3 hours of your time on Mondays from 12-3pm as often as you can spare it. Get in touch with Withington Library by email at withingtonlibrary@manchester.gov.uk if you are interested.

Driving Volunteers Needed

Do you drive?
Have a spare hour a week?
Live near Withington?

We need You! Withington Assist charity supports older people living locally. We’re looking for volunteers to give lifts to our weekly groups for those at risk of social isolation and loneliness. Volunteering does not affect car insurance and petrol expenses covered. Call 0161 434 9216 or email amelia@withingtonassist.org.uk

Greater Manchester South Diabetic Eye Screening Programme 

The Greater Manchester South Diabetic Eye Screening Programme is provided by In Health Intelligence, commissioned by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership as part of the National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme.

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in adults, so don’t lose sight of your screening appointment.

FREE annual diabetic eye screening is available for people with diabetes aged 12 years and older.

If you have diabetes, you will receive an invitation to attend for screening. This invitation is not the same as your regular sight test at your Opticians which you should still attend. The examination includes eye drops to dilate your pupils and then digital photographs will be taken of the back of your eyes (the retina). These photographs are then reviewed by accredited specialists.

For more information, take a look at the website www.gmsouthdesp.co.uk
If you have NOT received an appointment letter, please contact the Booking Office (8am – 8pm) on 0161 464 3000 or enquiries.gmsouthdesp@nhs.net

Physical Activity Referral Service in Manchester

Did you spot the article in the Northern Quota about Manchester Active PARS? If not, you can check it out here – https:// thenorthernquota.org/the-manchesteractive-referral-service-making-animpact/

Manchester Active PARS are here to help if your mental or physical health is stopping you from being active.

You can access this service by seeking a physical activity referral through a professional who knows about you and your health.

PARS work with qualified community providers and instructors to deliver sessions in local leisure or community centres. They offer a range of different activities, so will always try and find something to suit you! Some Manchester Active PARS sessions are free of charge, and others carry a small cost.

For more information on the Physical Activity Referral Service, please contact the PARS Team on: 0161 974 7839 or physicalactivityteam@mcractive.com

HEART HELP SUPPORT GROUP – Withington

We are self-help group supporting people with heart- related problems, their families and carers. Activities feature structured exercise classes run by experienced qualified tutors.

TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES

TUESDAY
10:00 – 11:00 Group exercise.
11:00 – 12:00 Gym and Social.

WEDNESDAY
10:00 – 12:00 Group exercise.
11:00 – 12:00 Gym and Social.

THURSDAY
10:00 – 12:00 Group exercise.
11:00 – 12: 00 Gym and social.

There is an annual subscription of £25 payable in September. There is also a weekly charge of £5 for the exercise classes.

If you or a family member have a cardio or a vascular problem and think we may help, do get in touch.

Withington Methodist Church Building,

Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4AN.

(Entrance off Egerton Crescent).

Office Telephone 0161 536 3188.

e-mail hearthelp4u2@gmail.com

Emerging Futures

Offer support to people who are going through addiction recovery, from support with housing, behavioural change and coaching

Expert Patients Programme – Living Well with a Long-Term Health Condition

Do you live or care for someone living with a long-term health condition or are you recovering from COVID-19?

The frustrations and limitations of living with long-term conditions can make your overall health much worse.

This programme helps you manage your long-term health conditions and feel more in control of your life.

To find out more about the programme at St. Paul’s Church Hall please contact us:

Tel: 0161 549 6624

E: mft.epp@nhs.net

Be Well

Be Well is a social prescribing service for people living in Manchester. That means we support you to make healthy lifestyle changes without ignoring things that often get in the way.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis

In times of panic, stress of crisis, we offer a listening ear, information and support for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence. We also signpost male survivors and offer information and support to friends, partners and other family members.

We Are Survivors

Supporting Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Rape. No Male Survivors Left Behind. Whether you’re at the beginning of your healing journey, or already getting support, We Are Survivors can help. Community activities, drop ins, group support, therapy sessions, support in prisons, or helping you through the criminal justice system – we’re there for you.

New Stop Smoking Drop In

Want a smoke free future, attend one of these drop ins today! Every Tuesday, 10am -2pm at Withington Methodist Church. Delivered by Change Grow Live.

Have you got the NHS App?

Did you know, on the free NHS App you can manage prescriptions, view issued medication with a barcode for easy collection at pharmacies, access test results, and in some cases see documents, consultations, or even book appointments (where available). You can also change your nominated pharmacy. These features can save both you and your GP surgeries a lot of time by reducing unnecessary calls and improving access to care from home. To find out more about the NHS App visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-app or contact your GP Surgery.

Bowel Screening Saves Lives

Bowel cancer screening aims to prevent and detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to work. Bowel screening involves taking a simple test at home every 2 years. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, as this could mean a higher chance of bowel cancer. The aim of the test is to find bowel cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms.

Everyone aged 56 to 74 years who is registered with a GP and lives in England is automatically sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years. The programme is expanding to make it available to everyone aged 50 to 59 years. This is happening gradually over 4 years and started in April 2021.

Make sure your GP practice has your correct address, so your kit is posted to the right place.

If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline.

If you think you are eligible for screening but haven’t received a kit also phone the free bowel cancer screening helpline to request one on 0800 707 60 60 or email bowelscreening@nhs.net

NHS Talking Therapies

Difficulty sleeping? Feeling low?

Worrying a lot? Struggling with your mood?

Struggling to cope with a physical health problem?

Lost interest in things you normally enjoy?

Finding it hard to motivate yourself?

NHS Manchester Talking Therapies

We have a team who can help you overcome life’s difficulties and problems, or manage them better.

Therapy can be provided one-to-one, in a group, over the phone, via video call or online.

With online therapy, you can gain instant access to a range of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes that can help you work on anxiety, low mood and stress and develop the skills to manage how you are feeling in the ‘here and now’.

We can also bring a taster presentation to your workplace or community group on stress or sleep.

All services are free and can be accessed directly or through your GP.

For more information (including videos) /contact us:

www.thebiglifegroup.com/manchestertalkingtherapies

0161 226 3871

facebook #manchestertalkingtherapies

Annual Health Checks for people with Learning Disabilities 

Everyone over the age of 14 with a Learning Disability can have an annual health check at their GP. The health check is a useful way to help you keep well. Get in touch with your GP if you haven’t had your annual health check.

Change Grow Live – Drug and Alcohol Service

For adults and young people.

Do you want to make a fresh start?

Are drugs/alcohol affecting your life or the life of somebody you know?

Contact us for free and confidential information: 0161 823 6306

manchester@cgl.org.uk

Eclypse offer a tailored service for young people and families: 0161 839 2054

eclypsemanchester@cgl.org.uk

Health Watch Manchester

Measles