There’s such a lot of information out there for families. If you can’t find what you need, you’re invited to contact Ali on the Local Offer team. Whatever the question, she will do her best to signpost in a way that is geared to you and where you live in the city. It might be:

• What fun activities are in my local area?
• I’m struggling - is there anyone I can talk to?
• Where can I get help with benefits?

Email ali.davenport@manchester.gov.uk or call/text 07971 587963. Ali usually works Monday to Thursday mornings and will get in touch as soon as she can.

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As shared in the last issue, Manchester Libraries' Black History Month programme includes ‘Aleiah’s Adventure’, a children’s play about the journey of a young black girl with a hearing impairment who is introduced to the stories of three inspirational black historic Mancunians. This 50 minute play is for families with children aged 7-11+ and has British Sign Language and Visual Movement throughout. See the programme for information.

As Manchester Youth Zone is still closed at the weekend, their Inclusion Session (disabilities and/or additional needs) for 8-25 year olds runs on a Friday 4-6.30pm. All new members can join on the website and will be asked to attend a New Members Meeting before joining sessions. Weekly activities include games, arts & crafts, multi sports and fitness, gym access, sensory play and much more. If you’d like more information, visit the website or contact Corrina, the Inclusion Manager, for a chat at corrina.aitchison-hayles@manchesteryz.org or 0161 203 5333. 

There is a Sunday Club from 11am-3pm at the HideOut for young people who identify as having additional needs or a disability. The Junior session (8-12 years) is 11am-1pm and the Seniors (13-25 years) 1-3pm. The club features lots of Hideout fun, including sports, team games, design, sensory art, guided meditation, boxing, gym, music-making, cooking, gardening, rock-climbing, gaming and everything inbetween! Become a member here and there’s no need to book. You're welcome to contact Emily, the Inclusion Co-ordinator for a chat - emily.aris@hideoutyouthzone.org  or call on 0161 511 3777.

The Youth Involvement Team at Wythenshawe Community Housing Trust runs a free Ability Group every Tuesday evening 6-8pm at The Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre in Wythenshawe. These are SEND open access sessions for 13-25 year olds and an opportunity for young people to engage in fun activities based on sport, arts & crafts and skills for life. Young people need to be signed up using this online form. Any questions or if you'd like a chat, contact Daniel Armitt, Senior Youth Worker, daniel.armitt@wchg.org.uk, 0161 936 1565, 07580 870078.

There are free mindfulness courses this autumn for city residents experiencing stress, anxiety, pain and disability. Funded by Manchester City Council and provided by Manchester charity Breathworks in partnership with Disabled Living, the 9-week online course introduces simple meditations and daily life practices to build wellbeing skills, calm thoughts and restore and recharge. The course has two start dates: Thursday 14th October 11am-12.15pm and Tuesday 19th October 7-8.15pm. While people are encouraged to attend each session, the organisers know that isn’t always possible. Support can be given to access the course online. Contact Karen or Colin at info@breathworks.co.uk or 0161 834 1110 for more information and to book on. You can also ask to be put on a list for future courses, including a one-off taster session.

Sunday 10th October is World Mental Health Day. In a Carers Week 2021 research report, 69% of carers said their mental health worsened as a result of the lack of breaks and caring during the pandemic. Carers Manchester can signpost you to a range of organisations that can help with your mental health and wellbeing. Visit their mental health information for tips.

We have a list of organisations that can support your mental wellbeing on our Coronavirus Advice & Information page under ‘Your Wellbeing’. This includes Contact who offer a free Listening Ear service for parent carers. These are one to ones with a family support adviser over the phone. Visit their Eventbrite page to see available appointments and make a booking.

Neuro-speak is a new epilepsy support group for parents and carers. It’s a space to get things off your chest and give support to each other, and get help on managing seizures and accessing services. Meetings are monthly on Mondays, 12.30-2.30pm at The Green Room, The Lighthouse Project (Top Floor) Middleton Shopping Centre, Manchester, M24 4EL. The dates for this year are 8th November and 6th December. Contact Jeanette 07599 276030.

You may be worried about the increase in energy prices this winter and how it could affect your energy bills. There are plenty of options to help you save, such as switching suppliers or changing tariffs. Contact your energy supplier to explain what you can pay and when, and they are bound to support you fairly. Visit the Citizen’s Advice website for more information. If you meet certain criteria or claim particular benefits, you can apply for Manchester City Council’s help to pay for fuel scheme and the Government’s Warm Home Discount, cold weather payment or winter fuel payment.

Due to the increase in wholesale global gas prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may see more suppliers than usual exiting the energy market. You won’t stop receiving gas and electricity. Ofgem, the energy supplier regulator, will automatically switch you to a new supplier so there won't be any interruption. If you are notified that your energy supplier is going out of business, there are some simple steps you can take: 

• Check out this information and advice from Citizens Advice and Ofgem.
• Make a note or take a photo of your meter reading as soon as possible 
• Download any bills while you're waiting for your new supplier to contact you 
• If you're in a vulnerable situation, check out what extra help might be available from Ofgem.

Lifted offers 1-1 support, guidance and advocacy to parent carers. They are now working out of the Dandelion Community on Oatlands Road, Wythenshawe, M22 1AH, where they are offering individual appointments booked in advance on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. They are also slowly building up their small group gatherings. There’s a weekly guided walk on Wednesdays in Wythenshawe Park, 11am-1pm, meeting at the Courtyard Cafe. Please book on these. You can bring along the person you care with but be aware that many of the walks are on uneven ground. While Lifted’s work is based in the south of the city, it’s a city wide service and they can provide support over the telephone - 07384 784262 or 07385 568990.

Carers Manchester have a free online workshop -  Being a Carer, Tuesday 12th October, 10am-12 noon. Topics include health and wellbeing, finances and benefits, carers rights and where to seek help and support. It’s an opportunity to meet other carers and share experiences, with follow up support if you need it. See the events page. 

Do you love to read but struggle to get out and about with your caring duties? Carers can have books delivered to their home through Manchester Libraries’ free ‘Books To Go’ service.

Unpaid carers aged over 16 are eligible for a third Covid 'booster' vaccine this winter, as well as people aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 and adult household contacts (aged 16 or over) of immunosuppressed individuals. You will be invited for your third dose at least 6 months after your second dose. Please wait to be contacted by the NHS. Read more information.

If you have been affected by the end of the temporary £20 increase to universal credit payments, visit Citizens Advice website for more information. You can also contact Carers Manchester to talk through your options and the benefits and grants you are entitled to.

Autism on-line conference – a hands on approach, Tuesday 9th November. £20 parent/carer, £20 autistic person, £50 professional. More information here. Any queries to autism.ahandsonapproach@gmail.com or 07966 399709.

Spectrum Gaming has grown so quickly, they are looking for more volunteers! There are 35 autistic young people on the voluntary staff team in various roles including Server Managers, Event Planning Managers, Server Improvement Team Members and Moderators. Find out more about the opportunities.

The Spectrum Gaming community has made this video about what makes them happy as autistic young people - part of the #BeeWell initiative.

Digital People is a course for Greater Manchester 16-24 year olds who want to work in tech. No experience or qualifications needed, just a real interest in digital and willingness to learn. They’ll get lots of support from a friendly team and be part of a supportive group of learners. The timetable is 15 hours a week, mornings or afternoons, for 12 weeks – but is flexible to fit around young people’s lives. Applications are especially welcome from: people with special educational needs and disabilities, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, those on low incomes, those who have lost work or opportunities due to Covid. The next Digital People course starts on 14th October but they run every month. Apply here – any questions to hello@hivemanchester.net.

As part of the city’s Covid recovery planning, 2022 will be the ‘Year of the Child’. The Council is asking children and young people what they want to achieve, what is great about growing up in Manchester and what could be better. Share ideas here. Closing date: 15th October.