 Do you need help now to keep warm, but you didn't get a Winter fuel payment?
The Council is making payments up to the end of March of £150-£200 to people who are aged 66 and over who live in Manchester and who also do not receive housing benefit or council tax support.
The form is quick and easy to fill in and you won't be asked anything about any savings. This is the link: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/winterfuelfund
Payments will be made as promptly as possible to bank accounts or through post office vouchers.
You will need to give contact details and your National Insurance number. Family members can make an application on your behalf.
Or, if you need help filling in the form, please call for free on our cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692.
Our teams want to help.
 Micro-grants available to fund events that challenge ageism
The Centre for Ageing Better have launched micro-grants for community groups and local voluntary sector organisations within Age-friendly Communities to take part in the Age Without Limits Day on 11 June 2025.
This year, the theme for the day is Celebrate Ageing. Challenge Ageism. They want to fund creative ways of marking the day that work for you and your community. Last year’s Age Without Limits Day saw fashion shows, podcast launches, volunteer awards, photography competitions and much more.
How much is available?
Grants of up to £500 are available, with an additional £150 to cover anything needed to make your event or activity more accessible.
Who is eligible for a micro-grant?
The grant is available to community groups and local voluntary sector organisations. To apply for these grants your area needs to be part of the UK Network of Age-friendly Communities. You can find out if your community is a member and therefore whether you are eligible to apply, on this map.
Groups may already have a specific focus on older people or might be using the action day as a new opportunity to engage with the issue of ageism and we encourage applications from both.
For more information on eligibility and assessment criteria please read the Information Document provided at the bottom of this webpage.
When is the deadline?
The deadline to apply for a micro-grant is 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025.
To apply for a micro-grant, please fill in the application form below and email it to grants@ageing-better.org.uk by the deadline.
Information Sessions
They will be hosting two information sessions to answer any questions you may have about the micro-grant opportunity and the Age Without Limits Day.
You can also email grants@ageing-better.org.uk with any questions.
If you are stuck for ideas, please read this blog which showcases previous events and activities hosted for the action day and visit our website for more information and examples of hosting an event.
 Waltz into Winter film
Health chiefs at Manchester City Council say there is still time to avoid Winter flu, if people act now. Using a new dance-themed film aimed at older people, chiefs are urging residents to have their jabs, side-step viruses, channel their inner Strictly and ‘Waltz into Winter’.
Good to see out Age Friendly Manchester Older Peoples Assembly members involved!
Watch the film and find out more online.
 Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter
Do you have experience of accessing, or supporting someone who has accessed, mental health support as an older person (50+)?
We are looking for people to join our network to make a difference to mental health support across Greater Manchester.
We're here to have our voices heard, connect with our peers, reduce stigma and represent older people across Greater Manchester.
If you would like to learn more and join as a network member please,
Email: GMOPN@macc.org.uk
Call: 0161 834 9823
 Try Salsa Dancing
Salsa is the name for Latin American dances that are danced to salsa music. Salsa is one of the most popular types of Latin dance that is practiced worldwide, and is typically danced with a partner, although there are elements of solo footwork as well. La Suerte Dance School Salsa Manchester - About us will provide a taster class at the below session.
When: Wednesday 22 January 2025
Time: 2pm – 4pm – 1.45pm arrive for registration
Where: Simpson Memorial Hall, 361 Moston Lane, M40 9NB
Refreshments will be provided.
Please contact Karen Kennedy to book on either 07795450563 or
Email: Karen.kennedy@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
Barbara Walker inspired Portrait Day
This Portrait Day is open to people aged 50+ and has been put together as a response to the Barbara Walker exhibition to give participants an opportunity to explore the works and create your own portrait.
About Barbara Walker:
Barbara Walker MBE, RA is a British artist based in Birmingham in the UK. Her work is informed by the social, political and cultural realities that affect her life and the lives of those around her. Barbara makes portraits in a range of media and formats, from small embossed works on paper to paintings on canvas and large-scale charcoal wall drawings. More information here: https://www.barbarawalker.co.uk/
About the day:
The workshop is facilitated by Lela Harris and will take place in our Garden Studio.
10:00am – Meet at Parkside entrance for Curator talk and tour of exhibition
11:30am – short break
11:45pm – Warm Up Drawing Session : Developing Sensitivity
12:30pm - Portrait Drawing: Tips & Tricks
13:00pm – break for lunch – participants bring your own
14:00pm – Portrait Drawing
15.45pm – show and share
16:00pm - Finish
About the artist Lela Harris:
Lela Harris is an award winning figurative artist, originally from Manchester but now living in Kendal. Her creative practice focuses on uncovering stories of those often overlooked by history and marginalised by society, her work is inspired by the use of different mediums, techniques and surfaces; resulting in a mix of work with a strong focus on portraiture.
More information here: : https://lelaharris.co.uk/ [lelaharris.co.uk]
When: Wednesday 22 January
Time: 10am to 4pm
Where: Whitworth Art Galllery, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER
Cost: £25
To book click here: Barbara Walker inspired Portrait Day Tickets, Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Lipreading Classes and Managing Your Hearing Loss
What do lipreading classes provide? Examples include:
- Chance to meet others in the same situation
- Lipreading practice in a friendly atmosphere
- Strategies and tactics for difficult situations
- Useful information about organisations and helpful equipment
- Sharing of problems/solutions with others with similar difficulties
What does it cost?
The cost varies according to the provider of the class.
When can I join?
You can join at set times in the year depending on numbers in the class. Please contact us to check that there is a place.
In Manchester the class is at Withington Library, 140 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M21 3BN and are provided by Promoting Deaf Issues.
For more information contact:
Email: lipreading@outlook.com
Or write to: PO BOX 319 Manchester M21 3DG
 Free course for people unemployed and looking to gain new skills in 2025
Gaydio's ‘Intro to Radio & Podcasting’ course is being held in Gaydio's headquarters in central Manchester.
Participants will learn:
- Introduction to Radio and how to become a radio presenter
- Show content & news presenting
- Other roles in radio & a look at music
- Creating your own station, job searching in the industry and preparation for the creation of your podcasts
- Podcast creation, a session exploring the next stage progression tailored to participant's specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
When: Monday 3 to Friday 7 February
Time: 1pm to 4:30pm
Where: Suite 1a, Manchester One, 53 Portland Street, M1 3LF
For more information visit: https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2024/work-club-2024-2026-manchester/
For any questions please contact lee.barnes@gaydio.co.uk
 Play: Dark, Beautiful and Chaste
A rehearsed read performance of Dark, Beautiful & Chaste. A play written by Marie Greenhalgh based upon women’s real life stories of childhood trauma.
The stories are skilfully presented in a patient/ therapist discourse with accompanying music from local artists John and Gina Topliff.
To book call 0161 935 4020
When: Friday 7 February 2025
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Wythenshawe Forum- Library, Manchester, M22 5RX
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