What’s on at Withington Baths

Withington Baths offer a wide range of classes including yoga and pilates, swimming and gym sessions, as well as regular community events.

All these sessions are free for people with a Withington Baths Membership or cost £2.50 if you aren’t a member which you can pay at reception. All sessions to be booked through Withington Baths directly or on The Gymcatch app.

Age-Friendly Activities at Withington Baths                                

Silver Circuits: Tuesday 3pm & Thursday 1pm

Over 50’s Thai Chi: Monday at 2:15pm

Table Tennis: Tuesday 10:45am & Wednesday 10:00am & Thursday 10:00am

Weekday Swim: 6:30-9:15am & 12-1pm & 6:30-9:30pm

In addition to physical activity Withington Baths now offer —

Over 50’s massage

Thursday 2:15 – 3 pm.

The workshops are designed for older adults. They are helpful for age-related conditions like arthritis, high blood pressure. In some of the classes, the participants will form pairs with each other.

Cost £5 or free with membership.

Visit www.withingtonbaths.com / 0161 478 1181 to book classes or for more information.

Address Withington Baths, 30 Burton Road, M20 3EB

What’s on at Ladybarn Community Hub

Mondays

Manchester Carers Forum Support Group: 2^nd Monday of the month 11am – 12:30pm

Stay and Play for 0-5 year olds: term time 1pm-2:30pm

Youth Club 7-11 year olds: term time 5:45pm-7:15pm contact nick.coleman@n.gage.org.uk

Tuesdays

Beginners Scottish Dancing: 7:30pm-9:30pm September-May contact rscds.manchester@gmail.com

Wednesdays

Over 50s cold buffet with arts and wellbeing activities 12:30-2:30pm £2.50.

Gardening club: Seasonal sessions 6pm-8pm Free

Thursdays

Over 50s 2 course hot meal and bingo: 12:30-2:30pm £5

Fridays

SoundUp at Ladybarn! Over 50s music and singing group

1pm-3pm. Free

Konnect Youthclub run by 4CT: Term Time 6pm-8pm contact 0161 230 1420

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

Contact: 0161 224 3733

www.ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk

Ladybarn Hub Volunteer Opportunities

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

If so please contact Ladybarn Hub on 0161 224 3733 or visit www.ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk/volunteer/ for more information.

Ladybarn Park Health: Walking & Talking Group

Group walking can be good for your health and your social life! Come along to de-stress and meet like minded people for a walk and chat. Suitable for anyone including those 65+.

Every Wednesday at 10:30am until 11:30am – meeting point Parrswood Road near Briarfield Road.

For more details contact Ladybarn Hub on 0161 224 3733

No need to book, just turn up.

Withington Assist Neighbourhood Care

Assist Neighbourhood Care provide a range of support services and activities for older people designed to help them continue to live independent, active and fulfilling lives. These take place at Withington Methodist Church, M20 4AN.

Here’s whats on:

• Tuesdays: Lunch Club 12-1.30pm Freshly cooked, two course meal. £5 donation with volunteer lifts available when possible. Veggie and halal options available.
• Wednesdays: Coffee Group 1- 2.30pm “Barbara’s cafe!” in downstairs room at WMC, coffee, chat and hanging out & quizzes. All welcome. £1 donation. Once a month shared reading group takes place during this group.
• Wednesdays: Digital Drop In 2-3pm Come sit with our worker Aiden and student volunteers in WMC foyer to work through your phone/tablet/laptop woes. Always call first to check it is on. (£1 donation)
• Fridays: Exercises 10.30am-12.30pm 10.30-11.30 chair assisted 11.30-12.30 seated. Strength, balance and mobility with music and motivation from instructor Ruby. (£3)
• Fridays: Snooker Group 1-3pm Older men’s snooker group 1-3 at WMC. All abilities welcome, full-size table with refreshments, come break a few frames with friends (£1)

Get in touch: 0161 434 9216 or email withingtonassist@gmail.com

Withington Methodist Church, 439 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 4AN

St Paul’s Withington Welcomes

A social group for the community — tea, coffee and conversations!

Everyone is welcome! (Donations gladly accepted)

Hot refreshments are free.

Farsi speaking community welcome, Farsi speakers supporting facilitation.

Withington Welcomes runs every Tuesday 10am-12pm at: St Paul’s, 491 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, M20 4AW

Withington Library Age-Friendly Coffee Morning

Feel free to pop along to this weekly free coffee morning where you can get a hot drink and chat to other local people.

The session is intended for older adults but all are welcome

Mondays 10am-11pm at Withington Library – 410 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 3BNT

Contact: 0161 227 3720

Withington Library Age-Friendly Group

Everyone over 50 is welcome to attend this age-friendly group where you can grab a free hot drink, chat with others and even have a game of scrabble if you’re fancy!

The event runs every Friday from 2 pm till 4 pm at Withington Library – 410 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 3BN

Contact Cindy Ba 0161 227 3720

Over 50’s SVP Tea Dance

Every week, St Cuthbert’s hosts a little get-together where you can dance, chat and enjoy some free refreshments. Get active with some uplifting music, or just drop-in for a chat!

Mondays 2pm-4pm (£2 entry with refreshments provided) at St Cuthbert Church, 3 Palatine Rd, Withington, M20 3LH.

Old Moat People’s History Project

Former or present Old Moat Residents with stories, memories or photos to share? We want to hear from you!

“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. We would like to find 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 COVID-19 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.”

Contact OLDMOATSTORIES@gmail.com to get involved.

Old Moaties Peer Support Group

Free Over 50’s coffee mornings, events, and pub lunches.

Coffee mornings: 10:30-12:00 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month — 13th April, 27th April, 11th May, 25th May, 8th June, 22nd June.

Event days: 12:30 – 2:30 on 12th April (Hand massage), 10th May (Ged’s Music and Coronation Party), 14th June (Scam Awareness Talk Age UK)

Venue: St Christopher’s Church, Moorgate Ave, M20 1HE

Booking essential – to attend contact elmaecrolla@gmail.com or 07512 293190

Manchester Cares

Manchester Cares is a community network of younger and older people sharing time together for friendship, company, and conversation.

If you are a younger person looking to find out how you could spend time with your older neighbours then join them for their next local induction on Weds 22nd March, 6-7pm at Ice Shack, 1c, 160-164 Wellington Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3FU. If you would like a space call Manchester Cares on 0161 207 0800, or email hello@manchestercares.org.uk.

Manchester Cares Creative Writing

Monday 27th March, 6-7.30pm at Withington Library, 410 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3BD

In this workshop we will complete fun writing based games and activities. No prior experience or ‘talent’ needed, just come along for a laugh. If you would like a space call Manchester Cares on 0161 207 0800, or email hello@manchestercares.org.uk. https://manchestercares.org.uk/home

Our Happiness Factor – 100 Coffee Cup Conversations

Our Happiness Factor have launched 100 Coffee Cup Conversations to help boost our engagement with women who may wish to attend their Creative Women in Neighbourhoods events. Through these conversations, the group seek to bust the myth of creativity, talk you through the workshop content, and provide brilliant examples of what women have achieved as a result of spending a day exploring their dreams and ideas.

If you would like to be part of 100 Coffee Cup Conversations contact Gary 07841592798 / gary@ourhappinessfactor.co.uk

Table MCR

Table Manchester creates safe spaces for connection and community for 18-30s locally with socials and events from Brunch Meet Ups to HITT Workout Sessions together. Check out Instagram – @tablemcr and https://www.meetup.com/tablemcr/ for more information on joining in.

Carers Manchester Drum Circle

Carers Manchester South is offering carers from across the city of Manchester the chance to take part in their next DRUM CIRCLE led by Zsuzsi Foldes, a music therapist. Come and join a drum circle followed by tea and cake to meet with other carers.

When? On the 4th of April (Tuesday), 2023 between 6-8PM

Where? Amani Centre, Moss Lane East, Manchester, M16 7DG.

Tea and cake are included and free transportation is provided if needed.

If you are interested, please contact Zsuzsi from Carers Manchester on 07421312597 or suzi@manchestercarersforum.org.uk

Ice Shack Games Night

3^rd Friday of every month at 7pm-late.

Join us for our games night!

BYOB, bring snacks, bring games, bring good vibes.

The Ice Shack will provide a selection of games at: The Ice Shack 1c, 160-164 Wellington Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 3FU

Carers of Adults with Substance Misuse Issues

This free group is for carers of adults with substance misuse to meet with other carers to share their experiences and find useful information to help you and the person you care for.

Carers Manchester South believe you should have the opportunity to meet in a safe place to talk openly without being judged about the person you care for.

This group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month from 3pm to 4.30pm at the Withington Methodist Church 439 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 4AN.

Transport is available if you find it difficult to get to the venue.

If you are interested, or you have any questions then please contact:

Stephen@manchestercarersforum.org.uk or call Steve on 07494097568.

Porter Nutrition Fruitful Marriage – Marriage Prep Session

Getting married? Yay!

Did you know we make hundreds of food decisions a day? (not just about what to serve on the big day!)

Given the number of decisions, have you discussed food with your partner-to-be? From who cooks, who shops and who does the dishes, to what role food plays in our routine, our celebrations, and our hospitality; it’s important.

To give you a springboard for discussions join Porter Nutrition for a 2 hour session allowing plenty of time for discussion with your partner about this.

Next Course Date: Thursday 27th April 7.30-9.30pm on Zoom, £20 per couple

For more info and to book visit https://porternutrition.co.uk/food-for-thought-marriage-prep-session/ or call 07986 809633.

Transport is available if you find it difficult to get to the venue.

If you are interested, or you have any questions then please contact:

Stephen@manchestercarersforum.org.uk or call Steve on 07494097568.

Chatty Cafe Volunteers Needed!

The Chatty Café Scheme is coming to Withington and Old Moat and local people who like to talk and have a few spare hours a week to come and help talk to people who attend the chatty café about anything from ‘by gone times’ to ‘exciting hobbies’ are encouraged to contact Yasmin Brodie to register their interest: Yasmin.Brodie@manchester.gov.uk / 07971617147

Learn more: thechattycafescheme.co.uk

NHS Healthy Start Scheme

The Healthy Start Scheme offers help to buy milk and healthy food.

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. Help can be added onto this card every 4 weeks.

You can use the card to buy:

• plain liquid cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
• fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
• infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
• Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

Eligibility:

Under 18’s: Anyone who is under 18 and pregnant can apply.

Over 18’s, you must be: • At least 10 weeks pregnant or • Have at least one child under 4

See eligibility criteria and how to apply visit https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/ or you can call their helpline on 0300 330 7010.

Activities for Young People at Withington Baths

Withington Junior Boxing Club

• Free to attend
• Every Monday 4-5pm
• Expert coaching: fitness, strength, confidence, resilience.
• Visit www.withingtonbaths.com / 0161 478 1181 to book classes or for more information.
• Address: Withington Baths, 30 Burton Road, M20 3EB

Young Peoples Saturday Groups at Ladybarn Hub

Fizz Club

• Youth Club for young people with disabilities run by 4CT
• Saturdays (Term Time) 10am-12pm
• contact 0161 230 1420

Youth Club

• Saturdays (Term Time) 1pm-4pm
• contact 0161 230 1420

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

www.ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk

OMYOP Youth Sessions

Table Tennis, Music, Cooking, Urban Art, Arts & Crafts, Chill Out, Discussions, Conversations, Fun and More…

Withington Methodist Church – every Thursday 6:00pm-9:00pm for 10-19 year olds

(note: the entrance to the building is through the back of the building via carpark off Egerton Crescent)

For more information contact ELISE.UNITYARTS@gmail.com / 07787560002

N-Gage Monday Night Youth Club

Mondays 5:45pm – 7:15pm for Ages 7-11, Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, M14 6RN

Arts and Crafts, Table Tennis, Games + lots of fun!

Community Care Navigators

Our Community Care Navigators operate across the City of Manchester.

It can be difficult to find your way around the range of services that are available. Community Care Navigators will work with you to explore what services you already have in place, as well as helping you get the most out of these services and link you with other options in your neighbourhood.

Community Care Navigators work in tandem with NHS services, mental health services, GP’s, social services (council), housing associations, charities, voluntary groups, social enterprise organisations and other community resources. Requirements can be discussed over the phone or email, or in some cases a home or local community visit can be arranged.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00

Referrals can be made outside of these hours but will not be actioned until the next working day

If you would like to talk to a Care Navigator or make a referral, please contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) team by phone or email.

Tel: 0300 303 9650

E-mail: mft.spa-uhsm@nhs.net

Community NHS Health Checks – Withington

Monday 24th April, 10am – 3pm, at Withington Library

The health check consists of a blood pressure check, a small blood test to check cholesterol levels and diabetes risk, plus height and weight measurements. The health check takes around 30 minutes to complete, and you will receive a copy of your results during your appointment.

NHS Health Check Eligibility Criteria

• Aged 40 – 74
• Do not already have heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease and not taking medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Registered with a Manchester GP practice
• Have not had an NHS health check in the last 5 years

To make an appointment for one of these health checks please contact the community NHS health check team on 07702872861.

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.

Be Smoke Free

Ready to stop smoking? Be Smoke Free are here for you.

• Free products, advice and support to help you stop stopping for good!
• Expert one-on-one support from a nurse to find the best way to stop smoking for you
• Free stop smoking aids like nicotine patches, gum or Champix
• Encouragement and support throughout your journey to smoke-free

Be Smoke Free operate from Monday to Friday, 09.00-17.00. They also run several evening clinics until 20.00 if this is more convenient.

See latest be Smoke Free e-bulletin here https://mailchi.mp/76072d460300/be-smoke-free-2022-newsletter

The contact number is 01618234157 or please visit the website for more information: https://www.changegrowlive.org/be-smoke-free/home

Be Well

Be Well is a social prescribing service for people living in Manchester.

So come to us if you are looking for help with:

• Getting more support locally
• Reaching your life goals
• Motivation, low mood and feeling positive about life
• Feeling less isolated
• Reaching a healthier weight or lifestyle

But tell us about the things holding you back too. Things like:

• Problems in work or finding a job
• Debt, paying your rent or mortgage, getting the right benefits
• Managing a long-term condition
• Where to start and what support is out there

To make living and feeling well part of everyday life, call Be Well on 0161 470 7120 from Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm or email bewell@thebiglifegroup.com

Breakthrough UK – Health Connecting

Breakthrough supports disabled adults in Manchester to reconnect with their communities and access helpful local services through one-to-one sessions over 12 weeks.

• Find out what you are interested in and connect you to activities
• Support you to access and understand services (including health and wellbeing services) and become more independent
• Support you to become more digitally confident
• Support to become more confident travelling & using public transport
• Contact activities and agencies on your behalf
• Help connect you to organisations that can support you with everyday things

For more information contact: referrals@breakthrough-uk.co.uk or call 0161 234 3950

Change Grow Live – Adult and Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service

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 offers a tailored service for young people and families: 0161 839 2054 / eclypsemanchester@cgl.org.uk

Change Grow Live – Volunteer Opportunity

• Gain new skills and experience
• No qualifications needed
• Full training provided
• Flexible around your time

To view all available roles and to apply, visit www.changegrowlive.org/volunteering

For more information, or for an informal chat about any role, please email joshua.nicol@cgl.org.uk

Expert Patient Programme

Manchester self-management offer services for people who live with long-term health conditions.

The course helps you manage your long-term health conditions and to feel more in control of your life

They deliver the course at local venues across Manchester or virtual courses online. There is also a specialist diabetes self-management course available.

To find out more or to register for a place on a course please contact:

Tel: 0161 371 2105  

Email: mft.epp@nhs.net

A Reminder…

Please make sure that your GP has up-to-date information!

To enable the best care for you, please remember to make sure that your GP has your current:

• Mobile number
• Home address
• Details of your carer – also let your GP know if you are a carer yourself

Citizen Advice Manchester

Helping you and your family with energy concerns.

• Financial support and advice
• How to manage energy debts
• Advice for saving money on energy bills
• Ensuring your energy supply is safe
• Advice on efficient and safe energy options available to you

Contact: Energy Advice Advisers on 0808 164 4406 (Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Smoke Alarm Testing and Escape Planning Campaign

Important messages for residents in Greater Manchester, to help keep you safe from fire in the home.

• Ensure you have at least one working smoke alarm fitted, on every level of your home, which you test weekly.
• Ensure you have an escape plan, in case of fire, which your whole household understands.
• If there is a fire in your home – get out, stay out, call 999.

Porter Nutrition – 10 Tips to Save Money on Fuel in the Kitchen

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

1. Put the lid on the saucepan

Keeping the lid on helps keep the heat in. It also reduces the amount of steam in the room so you are less likely to have to put the extractor fan on for ages or open the window.

2. Turn down the heat

Once your food has come to the boil, turn down the heat. Pasta, rice and veg cook well on a lower heat – you just need to keep the water simmering

3. Turn the heat off a couple of minutes before the end of cooking rice or pasta or veg

The heat from the water will continue to cook the ingredients after you turn the gas off so why not save some pennies and turn the gas off just before the food is cooked (don’t try this with meat and fish though).

4. Choose the correct size saucepan

If you have a pan which is too small for the ring, you lose lots of heat up the side so pick the right size pan to cover the whole electric ring or to sit so that the flames of the gas don’t go up the side of the pan.

5. Use a steamer

One ring of gas/electric and lots of levels. I like to cook my pasta/rice/potatoes on the bottom and my veg on the top.

6. Don’t keep opening the fridge or freezer

Every time you open the fridge the warmth of the kitchen goes into the fridge. This means it has to work harder to keep cool. Think through what you need before you open the fridge or freezer. Try not to stand there thinking what you might have too! And, for your freezer, you might want to consider having a mini wipeable chart which you can write what is in each drawer/on each shelf so you can quickly access what you need – and stop your hands freezing too!

7. Keep your freezer fairly full

When you open the freezer, warm air rushes in. The emptier your freezer is the more warm air can get in. A recent hack I saw was to put bags or boxes of water in your freezer to fill the gaps. Don’t pack it too tightly but this can help.

8. Maximise your oven use

If you need to use the oven, think what else you can cook at the same time. I like to cook chicken breasts at the same time as another meal which I thinly slice for sandwiches – it’s much cheaper than buying pre cooked meat.

9. Consider a pressure cooker

If you have some money to invest to save money long term, consider a pressure cooker. You can cook soups, veg, meat, pulses and a fraction of the time.

10. Consider a slow cooker

Although slow cookers are on for a while, they are often much more efficient than having the oven on. Choose recipes which don’t need to have lots of things part cooked first and you are on to a winner – and a time saver.

Enjoyed these tips? Why not share them with a friend? You can also download the free factsheet with all the tips and stick it to your fridge as a prompt from this website: https://porternutrition.co.uk/2023/01/06/10-tips-to-save-money-on-fuel-in-the-kitchen/

Manchester City Council Cost of Living

Help is available to you! 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.

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.

Please also be sure to take a look at our Winter Service Guides, which are full of helpful outlets and offers.

Sport England Small Grants Programme

The Small Grants Programme is returning with rewards up to £15,000. The fund will run until the end of June this year and will prioritise funding projects that can make the biggest difference to people that need it most.

The programme will prioritise projects that focus on environmental sustainability, can demonstrate how they connect with their communities, provide the biggest possible impact to those who need it most and are working with people living in areas of disadvantage.

Applications can be made for awards of between £300 and £15,000, with multiple applications permitted but organisations can only have awards totalling £15,000 or less in any 12-month period.

Only not-for-profit organisations are eligible for the programme and applications should explain the need for the project as well as how end users have been involved in its development.

In addition to this, submissions should consider how the project adds value to services currently available in their community, and show how the organisation will collaborate with other groups to maximise the project’s impact. Apply here https://www.sportengland.org/news/small-grants-programme-returns-awards-15000

For more information on the above funds contact – Dan Roberts (Neighbourhood Physical Activity Officer) d.roberts@mcractive.com / 07736 918675