Autumn/Winter Edition of Age Friendly Manchester Newspaper Launched
We are pleased to announce that the new edition of the Age Friendly Manchester (AFM) Newspaper has been launched and will be finding it's way to a venue near you over the coming week. Keep a look out in libraries, leisure centres, and community hubs and centres. The working group made up of members of our Board worked hard to make sure there is something for everyone.
We worked in partnership with Drawing Board Productions Community Interest Company again who publish monthly positive news community newspapers across Manchester, Stockport and Trafford. Our newspaper features as a supplement in their community-led newspapers for Manchester, the Manchester Post
So if you have a positive news story to tell or campaign to share then please contact news@communitynewsgm.co.uk
If you would like to see the online version please follow these links:
AFM Newspaper Version
Manchester Post with AFM Newspaper
If you have feedback or would like to be included in the Spring/Summer edition in May/June contact jason.bergen@manchester.gov.uk
 Carers Rights Day 2025
Carers Rights Day is a national day that aims to help unpaid carers understand and use their rights. An unpaid carer is someone who looks after a partner, relative or friend due to their physical or mental illness, frailty or addiction. This year, Carers Rights Day falls on Thursday 20th November, but there are free events happening across the whole week!
Carers Manchester and their partners have organised three in-person events plus a webinar, where you can learn about your rights and access support. Each event has the same structure, so you can attend whichever one suits you. For more information, please visit www.carersmanchester.org.uk/crd25/
Not sure if you count as a carer? Come along to an event and find out!
Warm Welcome Spaces in libraries and across Manchester
Council Library Spaces Every library in Manchester is a Warm Welcome Space, a free, safe place where residents can come in and stay warm all day in a welcoming, inclusive environment with lots of resources. Here is what’s available:
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Hot drinks – available from 20th October 2025 to February 2026. The self-service hot drinks are free, but if you are able to, please put some money in the donation box in the library. Please note the free self-service hot drinks offer is not available at Manchester Central Library.
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Comfortable seating and welcoming spaces for all ages.
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Staff who can signpost to other support agencies.
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Digital drop-ins one day a week
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Under 5s story times once a week at 11am. Ask your local library for more details.
Other Warm Welcome Spaces
Manchester has many other Warm Welcome Spaces which are heated, safe places, offering refreshments and a warm welcome. They are free to enter and are great places to connect with your community and friends. They can also offer advice and information about local support services near you. Each centre's details and services can be found on the
Warm Welcome Spaces site: https://www.warmwelcome.uk or call Manchester’s free Cost of Living Advice Line: 0800 023 2692 to find your Warm Welcome Space.
 Concessionary pass trial on buses in November
TfGM want to make travel easier and more affordable for everyone. The trial will allow eligible pass holders to get out to work, healthcare, leisure and shops round the clock.
- Trial takes place on buses from 1 to 30 November 2025.
- Unlimited, free bus travel is valid for TfGM issued older person's or disabled person's travel pass holders only.
- Available on Bee Network buses, not on trams and trains.
- Passes also accepted before 9.30am on non-Bee Network buses within the Greater Manchester boundary only.
As well as free early morning travel, the trial will allow pass holders to use the Bee Network's night buses as well.
From Friday 7 November the public will be able to share their views on the concessionary bus pass. TfGM will also have teams out on the network surveying passengers on buses and at stops.
For more information and to access or share the survey, please see the following link: Concessionary pass trial on buses | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM
Next steps
At the end of the trial period, from 1 December, you can continue to use your pass as normal, from 9.30am to 12am (Monday to Friday) and all day, weekends and bank holidays.
The trial is being held to look at the impact of lifting the 9.30am restriction on peak bus services and those shortly after 9.30am.
At the end of the trial TfGM will assess the evidence, including analysing passenger feedback, and bus and pass use, before a decision is made on whether the move can be made permanent.
 State of Ageing 2025 Society Chapter Launched
The Centre for Ageing Better's latest research explores what our communities and neighbourhoods are like for older people.
Did you know that older people in general are more likely to be positive about where they live and are more likely to contribute to their local communities through volunteering, caring and civic participation?
The research has also found that older male carers are even less likely than older female carers to receive support from friends and family - with many receiving no support from any services either.
The chapter finds that older people take on varied and active roles in their communities but frequently come up against barriers of ageism, digital exclusion and cutbacks in local amenities and services.
If you want to find out more then read the chapter in full on our website here:
Society/The State of Ageing 2025
 Find out more about Autumn/Winter Vaccinations
There are several important steps you can take to help protect yourself and your family this season. Get vaccinated.
During the colder months, viruses common in winter can make some people very unwell, potentially leading to serious health complications that may require hospital care. In some cases, these illnesses can even be life-threatening.
Therefore, this autumn and winter, the NHS is offering free vaccines to those most at risk of catching flu, Covid, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). By getting your vaccinations, you not only reduce your own risk but also help prevent spreading viruses to others – helping to protect your family and community.
All NHS vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Covid and Flu are available from 1st October 2025 to help you get protected ahead of the colder months. However, it’s best to get your vaccinations as soon as possible to maximize your protection.
Take action now to help you and your loved ones stay healthy and happy this winter.
Check which vaccines you are eligible for and learn how to get them. Don’t miss out on enjoying all the activities you love during this busy time of year.
Find out which vaccines you are eligible for.
Find out more about winter vaccines and winter health.
 Creative Health: Supporting older adults to live well in Greater Manchester
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Join us for an afternoon exploring creative health approaches to supporting older adults to live well in Greater Manchester, with a particular focus on the link between creative health and brain health. Delivered in partnership with Creative Manchester.
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 19 · 2 - 5pm GMT
Location: Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama, Bridgeford Street Manchester M13 9PL
Book Here
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 Trishaw Rides
South Manchester Cycling Without Age with Chorlton Bike Deliveries operate a Trishaw scheme across South Manchester which is giving hundreds of older people and those of limited mobility, the opportunity to experience being back out and about.
As one of the affiliated ‘chapters’ of global not-for-profit movement ‘Cycling Without Age’, we offer people and carers the chance to ride onboard a ‘Trishaw’ bike, piloted by an experienced rider.
You can also book the Trishaw for one-off events, subject to rider availability.
Get in touch to book a ride on our Trishaw or arrange a session for a local organisation.
To book a ride or to volunteer, please contact Chorlton Bike Deliveries:
Phone: 07561 737986
Email: hello@chorltonbikedeliveries.coop
 Chetham's this Autumn
Take a lunch break and enjoy this free recital by some of the UK’s most exciting young musicians!
Discover the UK’s next big talent with concerts featuring remarkable Chetham’s School of Music performers, aged 8-18, from the UK’s leading music school with multiple days in October.
You can find the programmes and free booking for upcoming concerts here.*
Chetham’s Lunchtime Concerts Food and Drink
Alongside tea and coffee available to purchase at our Chetham’s Lunchtime concerts, from September 2025 we will have a hot soup lunch offer for concert goers to enjoy.
Chetham’s Relaxed Lunchtime Concerts
Wednesday 5 November, Wednesday 3 December at 1.30pm
Chetham’s Relaxed Lunchtime Concerts return to Manchester’s Stoller Hall, with performances by fantastic young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music.
The seating brings you closer to the performers and their instruments to give you a truly memorable experience. You are welcome to get a hot drink and chat to others before and after the music.
These events are perfect if you’re looking to encounter the world of classical music in an informal environment.
Tickets are free. You can booked advance online at chethamsschoolofmusic.com, or by calling the Stoller Hall box office on 0333 130 0967 open Tuesday – Thursday 1.30pm – 4pm.
*Please note that as our students are still developing their musical skills, there may be last minute changes to programmes. Thank you for your understanding.
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