networks directory

BME Network

Our aims include:
~ Support and Advice and Capacity Building
~ Development of Network
~ Identify unmet needs of BME Communities
~ Work with existing groups and develop new groups
~ Help groups obtain resources
~ To create a representative and consultative infrastructure
~ Communication and dialogue

The BME Network meets bi-monthly at the end of the month at T3SC offices. The representative Network decides the agenda for each and every meeting. The network allows for effective participation and creates a democratic and representative structure. Membership of the Network is open to all BME residents in the Tameside area. Contact details for more information: Hakeel Qureshi

The full terms of reference for the BME network can be found here
Details of the council elect are here
Minutes of the July meeting are here and the June ones are here
Here is a report from the BME Conference held in July 2005 and here is an article that appeared in the Asian Times about a project to increase access to the Peak District National Park

BME Womens Forum

This forum has been created to cater for BME women who reside in Tameside, to attend and represent their community. The Forum allows opportunities to identify their needs and any issues affecting them. It allows members to share ideas and access information which they can feedback into their community and identify areas to improve self development through courses and training. The forum particularly wants representation from younger women aged between 16-25 to result in a balance of input, views and ideas from all ages

The forum meets monthly at T3SC offices. If you are interested and want more information about this forum please contact Hakeel Qureshi at T3SC

Tameside Community Union - for those working with children and young people

Brings together groups and organisations in the voluntary, community and faith sector whose work is with and for children, families and young people.

• Celebrates the contribution of the voluntary, community and faith sector in achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families

• Provides an opportunity to share information about services, receive policy  briefings and share learning experiences

• Develops and collective voice to influence statutory sector developments/service and strategy. Nominates and supports representation for the Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership and all parts of it's governance model.

Contact Veronica Hyde at T3SC

The Compact Group - Click here for policy and strategy (Word document)

Crime and Disorder Reduction Network

This is a relatively new network, launched at a mini conference in February 2005 as a result of community need. Read notes from the conference here

Greens and Open Spaces Network

The greens and open spaces network has been created through demand from the local community the aims and objectives of this group is to:

• To promote and support a network of ‘friends of’ green and open spaces.
• To provide a network for community views on green and open spaces issues and topics
• To be a strategic and challenging consultative body for greens and open space issues in Tameside.
• To promote greater community access and awareness of green issues and to promote involvement in green and open spaces
• To disseminate information concerning green and open space groups.

Health Network

Brings together groups and organisations in the voluntary and community sector whose work has a health focus. Particular emphasis with self help/support groups. Provides an opportunity to share information about services, receive briefings and shared training and also develop a collective voice to influence statutory sector developments/service and strategy. Nominates representatives for Health Partnership Board, Joint Management Group, Sexual Health JSSG, Public Participation Committee (of Primary Care Trust), Mental Health Local ImplementationTeam.

Meets quarterly, 12 - 2pm lunch provided. Health Network also links into Tameside and Glossop Health is for life festival (H4L) . Contact Hameed Khan at T3SC

FaithsUnited

The Network was launched at a Conference in September 2004, and aims to bring together people of different faiths in Tameside. The following statement is agreed by the Steering Group:“A network committed to develop fellowship by increasing mutual understanding through dialogue, networking, and engaging in joint action." The Conference Report is available to download here.

Network meetings are held quarterly, normally on the 2^nd Monday of the month, from 12 noon to 2pm, and are open to all those who wish to get involved. A business meeting takes place at 11am for one hour prior to the network event, and again is open to all those interested in furthering the development of the network.

Mental Health Forum

For more information please contact: Bernard Conboy 0161 3083633 or via Liz Blithe, Wickham House Basement 217-219 Mossley Road Ashton u Lyne OL6 6LX

Tameside Arts Network

For more information please contact John Miles, 01457 763 701 or email: j.p.miles@btinternet.com

TOPAG (Tameside Older Peoples Advisory Group)

TOPAG is a representative network for the interests of older people in Tameside; it provides opportunities for older people (50+) to meet together, discuss issues which they have identified as important to them, and present these to decision makers at local, regional and national levels. Locally, two places at the Older Peoples Strategic Partnership are elected by TOPAG. Regionally, TOPAG links to the North West Older Peoples Advisory Group, which is part of the national Better Government for Older People (BGOP)

As well as the regular meetings, staff link up with existing groups of older people through outreach work.

TOPAG meets bi-monthly from 10am to 12 noon on the 4^th Wednesday of the month, at T3SC. Meetings are open to anyone over the age of 50 years who is living in Tameside. Contact Colin Kirby at T3SC

VOLCON (Voluntary Organisations Chief Officers Network)

Part of Tameside Voice – VOLCON brings together the senior managers in Voluntary Organisations in Tameside to

• Share information and experiences, and provide mutual support
• Develop joint working
• Develop a stronger voice for the voluntary sector in strategic partnerships
• Develop more effective relationships with statutory agencies in Tameside

Members are Chief Officer/most senior paid officer in voluntary organisations based in and working in Tameside (Voluntary organisation is defined as one with paid staff, delivering services to a wider group than its members, with ongoing revenue funding)

Contact Tony Okotie at T3SC

WAG (Women's Associations Group)

For further information please contact Sue Higginson 0161 3422688

The T3SC Mission Statement

To build a strong, clear and independent voice for the third sector in Tameside, through developing the capacity and accountability of individuals and groups and of the sector as a whole