Useful links
We have a growing database of resources and external links that you may find useful. Select a category from the list below.
Note: Manchester City Council are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Categories
Advice and Benefits
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Age Concern is the UK's largest organisation working with and for older people. They provide vital local services as well as influencing public opinion and government. Every day they are in touch with thousands of older people enabling them to make more of life.
The Appeals Service was formally launched on 3rd April 2000. The Service arranges and hears appeals on decisions on Social Security, Child Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Vaccine Damage, Tax Credit and Compensation Recovery, Child Tax Credit and Pensions Credit
This site provides comprehensive information about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Find out if you qualify and at what rate you are likely to be paid. Contains guidance on application, how the Department of Work and Pensions make decisions about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and more.
The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. From its origins in 1939 as an emergency service during World War II, it has evolved into a professional national agency.
The UK's leading drugs charity and centre of expertise on drugs
The Inland Revenue is here to ensure that everyone understands and receives what they are entitled to and understands and pays what they owe, so that everyone contributes to the UK's needs.
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Help, advice and information about all housing, from homelessness to asylum seekers, Private Landlords to Council tenancies.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
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A movement of ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights, our purpose is to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied.
information on general and health related issues, multilingual and multicultural health resources.
The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) is the UK’s largest charity providing representation and advice in immigration and asylum law. These services are free to people who are eligible
Links with Refugee Community Organisations and the Refugee and Migrants Forum as well as a directory of refugee communities and support organisations in Manchester
Information, news, events, publications, myth busting, newsletter.
The NCB website has information for professionals working with young asylum seekers and refugees
Experience in reception, resettlement, development and integration, provide advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees.
News, briefings, information in 12 languages, myth buster leaflets, advice and publications.
Business
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Blue Orchid provides free advice and support for pre-start and start-up businesses in North, Central and South Manchester
Business Finder UK serves the UK public by providing Free Business Listing, Free Business Searches, Free Classifieds and Free Business Cards.
Business link is a business support, advice and information service managed by the DTI, with local presence across England.
Business support services through Business Link and Manchester Solutions.
one of the leading professional accountancy bodies in the UK and the only one which specialises in the public sector.
Help for establishing arts and culture-based businesses in the North West.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is the UK's independent regulator for corporate reporting and governance.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a membership, training and networking organisation for business in Greater Manchester
Enterprise agency providing free training and advice to the business community in Manchester.
Information about the University of Manchester's Business School.
Manchestester City Centre Management Company have info on events, transport, environment, developments and performance indicators for the city centre
Provides free and impartial ICT advice, support and guidance to small businesses, academic institutions and government agencies in the North West.
A city securing success out of a highly competitive combination of assets
Promotes Greater Manchester on the national and international stage. Links to venues, tourist information, businesses etc.
Manchester's Investment Agency
Responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest
The Partnership sees Piccadilly as the heart of Manchester, a vibrant, thriving community where people choose to live, work and play.
Website for the Manchester financial, professional and business services communities.
A business portal designed to help new businesses to get started by offering advice and services to make the business start-up process easier.
UK Trade & Investment's trade services offer support to companies based in the UK to achieve their export potential.
Central Government
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This site's purpose is to promote the UK overseas, communicate Government news and information, explain the role and history of Number 10 as a building, and the office of Prime Minister as an institution.
The Cabinet Office's role is to support the Government's delivery and reform programme.
Communities and Local Government's vision is of prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.
CJS Online has been developed as part of modernising government agenda, to establish a consolidated criminal justice system (CJS) presence on the Internet and reflect the continued commitment to deliver quality services which reflect both the citizens' needs and those working within the CJS.
The Department For Constitutional Affairs are responsible in government for upholding justice, rights and democracy. They aim to empower citizens to obtain justice, safeguard their rights, and participate in a transparent and accountable democratic process.
The Department For Culture, Media & Sport aims to improve the quality of life for all cultural and sporting activities and through the strengthening of the tourism, creative and leisure industries.
Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) was created in June 2001 * to drive forward the Government's programmes on the environment, food and rural affairs. They work for the essentials of life - food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants. Their remit is the pursuit of sustainable development - weaving together economic, social and environmental concerns.
Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications
The Department for International Development (DFID) was established in 1997, as the successor to the Overseas Development Administration, previously part of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for the Government's welfare reform agenda. Its aim is to promote opportunity and independence for all. It delivers support and advice through a modern network of services to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled people.
The DTI drives the Government's ambition of 'prosperity for all' by working to create the best environment for business success in the UK. They help people and companies become more productive by promoting enterprise, innovation and creativity.
The website that takes you to the heart of government.
The European Union (EU) is a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. It is not a State intended to replace existing states, but it is more than any other international organisation. Its Member States have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides a range of essential services to the public - from advising British travellers to issuing UK visas and promoting trade and investment opportunities overseas.
Government Office for the North West is one of nine Government Offices in England, they represent and undertake work on behalf of ten central government departments
HMSO delivers a wide range of services to the public, information industry and government relating to access and re-use of government information.
HM Customs and Excise is a Government department with responsibility for collecting billions of pounds in revenue each year in VAT, other taxes and customs duties. We also have a vital front-line role in protecting our society from illegal imports of drugs, alcohol and tobacco smuggling and tax fraud.
HM Treasury aims to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life, with economic and employment opportunities for all.
The Home Office is the Government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales.
This site provides the first one-stop portal for local authorities to get quick and easy access to information they need on the web sites of central government departments, agencies and public bodies.
The purpose of the Ministry of Defence, and the Armed Forces, is to defend the United Kingdom, and Overseas Territories, our people and interests; act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security.
This website highlights the many steps taken to give more accountable Government, enable Parliament to hold the executive to account and to provide the lively debate that every good democracy needs.
The Regulatory Impact Unit (RIU) is based at the centre of Government in the Cabinet Office. Its role is to work with other government departments, agencies and regulators to help ensure that regulations are fair and effective. Regulations protect people at work, consumers and the environment, but it is important to strike the right balance so that they do not impose unnecessary burdens on businesses or stifle growth.
The United Kingdom Passport Service (UKPS) site aims to assist new applicants and existing passport holders by providing information and online facilities for all aspects of application, renewal and amendments of passports for British nationals resident in the UK.
Charities and Voluntary Organisations
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ACO, the Association of Charity Officers, is an umbrella group and exists to put charities in touch with people in need and people in need in touch with charities.
The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Our aim is to provide the best possible regulation of charities in England and Wales in order to increase charities' effectiveness and public confidence and trust.
Face to Face Counselling is an independent, non-profit-making organisation run by volunteers, based in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in south Manchester.
Improving the effectiveness of voluntary and community groups in Greater Manchester
A registered charity working with children and young people in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Manchester
Aims to promote mental health and to relieve mental health problems faced by the citizens of Manchester
UK charity that helps young people overcome barriers and get their lives working.
Children's Services
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Greater Manchester Play Resources Unit
Community, People and Living
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Ardwick, Longsight and Levenshulme local community website
Awards for All is a Lottery grants scheme aimed at local communities, awarding grants of between £500 and £5,000 in a simple and straightforward way. Awards for All can fund projects that enable people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, as well as projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community.
Burnage community website
Cheetham and Crumpsall community website
Chorlton community website
CN4M is a Networking organisation linking groups, organisations and other networks in the community sector in Manchester.
The Crime Reduction Website provides information and resources for people working to reduce crime in their local area.
Crimestoppers operates across the UK to help identify, prevent, solve and reduce crime. This invaluable community service enables anyone with details of criminal activity to pass them on anonymously, without fear of exposure or retribution.
didsburylife.com is an essential guide to and for the community of Didsbury and its surrounding area.
Online services for residents in East Manchester.
information on topics such as advice and support, faiths and religions, arts and entertainment, health, news, and education.
Stop a fire happening in your home. These webpages explain what to do, what to check and what to avoid doing.
Harpurhey, Lightbowne and Moston community website
Information about Local Groups in the City of Manchester
Community Website for the Moss Side area
Links to webpages of voluntary and community groups in the area.
Online community for the residents and ex pats of Wythenshawe
Consumer Advice
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Consumer Direct is the government-funded telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues. Consumer Direct is funded by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services.
The FSA aims to maintain efficient, orderly and clean financial markets and help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.
This site provides a wealth of information for consumers and businesses, schools, advice and information centres, community organisations, local councils, business support agencies and trade associations.
Council and Democracy
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AGMA acts as the voice of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester and works in partnership with a wide range of organisations both private, public and voluntary within the city-region and beyond.
Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
Community, business and council information for Greater Manchester
You can use this website to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or to find out more about the Ombudsmen's work.
An independent body that was set up by the UK Parliament in November 2000. It's aim is to increase public confidence in the democratic process within the United Kingdom - and encourage people to take part - by modernising the electoral process, promoting public awareness of electoral matters, and regulating political parties.
Development and Planning Services
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Communities and Local Government is responsible for building regulations, which exist principally to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales, whether domestic, commercial or industrial.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building design and construction. LABC is a publicly accountable, independent building control provider. Our aim is to assist you in producing high quality buildings that meet the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations in a time scale which keeps your costs to a minimum.
The Land Registry guarantee the title to registered land in England and Wales and hold records for land ownership and interests.
The Planning Inspectorate's main work is the processing of planning and enforcement appeals and holding inquiries into local development plans. They also deal with a wide variety of other planning related casework including listed building consent appeals, advertisement appeals, and reporting on planning applications.
The Planning Portal offers a wide range of services and guidance on the planning system.
Disabled Services
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The British Council of Disabled People (BCODP) was set up by disabled people in 1981 to promote our full equality and participation within society. We are an umbrella organisation that represents some 130 organisations run and controlled by disabled people. BCODP is the only national umbrella organisation to be democratically set up by disabled people themselves to represent their interests at the national level.
The Disability Access Charter monitors and advises on services and facilities for disabled people in all kinds of venues from major factories and exhibition centres to health trusts and housing associations.
The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is an independent body established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.
Health and social care services to help people with learning disability attain a good quality of life.
Education
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Bullying Online was founded in April 1999 by Liz Carnell and her son John, as a direct result of their experience of dealing with school bullying. They decided to share their knowledge with other parents and pupils and identified the Internet as the most cost effective medium. Bullying Online became a UK-registered charity in May 2000 and has four trustees.
Curriculum Online is central to the Government's drive to transform teaching and learning in schools by improving access to ICT and multimedia resources for all pupils. This website exists to bring teaching professionals and multimedia resources together. It offers an easy, pinpoint searching through multimedia resources, aligned with the curriculum of subjects taught in schools in England.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families leads work across Government to ensure that all children and young people:stay healthy and safe; secure an excellent education and the highest possible standards of achievement; enjoy their childhood; make a positive contribution to society and the economy; have lives full of opportunity, free from the effects of poverty.
The government's web portal for adult learners. The portal pulls together, in one convenient place, links to all the information that adult learners may need. This will help you make better-informed decisions about learning.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England.
Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England. Its role also includes the inspection of local education authorities, teacher training institutions and youth work. During 2001, Ofsted became responsible for inspecting all 16-19 education and for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.
Working to improve basic skills, identified as the ability to read, write, speak and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general. Provides standards for schools; family literacy and numeracy programmes; work with voluntary and community organisations; open learning; financial literacy, and workplace basic skills programmes.
UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
Emergency Planning and Services
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The British Transport Police are the national police force for the railways providing a policing service to rail operators, their staff and passengers throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
The Department of Health's website with information on NHS contingency plans and advice on preparing for specific types of disasters and attacks.
Information on the North West Regional Resilience Forum, chaired by Government Office for the North West. Who's role is to support the emergency planning community across the region in their preparations for and response to disruptive challenges, particularly those that have a regional or wider impact.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service providing, maintaining and improving air ambulance services across our region.
The official website of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. The argest Fire and Rescue Service outside London with over 2,500 members of staff and 41 fire stations.
The Greater Manchester Police website is focused on community policing, crime prevention, Manchester crime, community safety, police jobs and more.
Industrial regulator responsible with the Environment Agency for enforcing the COMAH regulations
This website is designed to provide a range of information about the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and its role within the community it serves.
This website includes the common sense advice found in the Preparing for Emergencies booklet, and information on what the government is doing to protect the country as a whole.
Entertainment and News
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Local online news, sport, radio, entertainment, community debate and much more...
Information about events and concerts at the venue
News and general information on the North West.
Information about events and concerts at the venue
Environment
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Climate Change and Your Home an interactive web portal designed specifically to help those who own or manage houses built of traditional construction understand more about the potential impacts of climate change and ways to save energy.
Environmental and sustainable development initiatives in the city<br />
Regional environmental protection group representing fifteen local authorities in the North West of England, including Manchester
The leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
Health and Social Care
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Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.
As part of the National Childcare Strategy, ChildcareLink aims to help people back into the workplace by removing the childcare barrier. The ChildcareLink service is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the Scottish Executive.
The Commission for Social Care Inspection is the single, independent inspectorate for social care in England. Bringing together the inspection, regulation and review of all social care services, the Commission for Social Care Inspection's primary function is to promote improvements in social care.
Family Rights Group (FRG) was established as a registered charity in 1974 to provide advice and support for families whose children are involved with social services. FRG works to improve the services received by these families.
NHS free give up smoking website
Health section of Directgov website
Britain's Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain.
The Health Protection Agency is a new national organisation for England and Wales. It is dedicated to protecting people's health and reducing the impact of infectious diseases, chemical hazards, poisons and radiation hazards. It brings together the expertise of health and scientific professionals.
The inspection body for both the NHS and independent healthcare. Check up on your local health services.
Information, advice and a directory of hospice services
The UK's leading site for disabled and elderly people, carers and healthcare professionals, with information, news, views and products.
This site connects you to your local Primary Care Trust (PCT) who are responsible for managing all your local NHS services.
Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers. Mencap offers information and advice on a range of learning disability issues, provide support, including housing, education, employment and leisure activities and campaign to bring about positive changes in the people's lives.
This site connects you to your local NHS services and provides national information about the NHS. Find out what the NHS is, how the NHS works, and how you can use it.
NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on what to do if you or your family are feeling ill; particular health conditions; local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies, self help and support organisations.
THT is the leading HIV and AIDS charity in the UK
Housing
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Join the FREE online Forum of Council Exchanges, add your Home to the Council Exchange Community, view Exchanges and reply to ones of interest.
CTAB is a provider of information and mortgages for council tenants - recommended by local authorities and housing associations. A one-stop-centre for advice and help with right to buy and rent to mortgage.
The Housing Corporation is the government agency that funds new affordable homes and regulates housing associations in England.
Northwards Housing is an 'arms length management organisation' - or Almo - that took over management of 13,000 City Council homes in north Manchester in December 2005.
Parkway Green Housing Trust is a not-for-profit 'local housing company' that took ownership of 6,000 Wythenshawe homes from Manchester City Council in October 2006.
Shelter is a national organisation with local solutions working to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people. They provide free, professional and independent advice to over 100,000 people each year throughout England and Scotland.
Jobs and Careers
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13-19? Living in England? If you want information and advice designed just for you, or just someone to talk to, then Connexions has it all - and if you're 16 why not sign up for an exclusive Connexions Card?
This site provides help and advice on job hunting and extra support, help and advice on making a claim for benefit, Information for organisations working with and alongside Jobcentre Plus.
Jobseekers-uk.com is a service provided by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to assist you in locating a recruitment agency best suited to finding you work - on a permanent or temporary basis.
Manpower can help you anticipate and benefit from the changes happening now and next in the contemporary world of work.
Legal Advice
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The Children's Legal Centre is a unique, independent national charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. The Children's Legal Centre has many years of experience in providing legal advice and representation to children, their carers and professionals throughout the UK.
The leading law portal in the UK providing legal documents and services for English law.
Looking after legal aid in England and Wales and responsible for ensuring that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide range of everyday problems.
Leisure, libraries and culture
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Events, culture, tourism, accommodation, economic investment and development in the North West.
English Heritage make sure that the historic environment of England is properly maintained and cared for. By employing some of the country's very best architects, archaeologists and historians, English Heritage aim to help people understand and appreciate why the historic buildings and landscapes around them matter.
Gateway to a number of local history web sites, with connections to Greater Manchester
Free educational resource on the Peterloo Massacre
The Countryside Agency is the statutory champion and watchdog working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.
Official tourism and business information website for the Greater Manchester area.
Performance and visual arts group
Sport and activities
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This website allows you to search for sports facilities anywhere in England by a number of different ways. You can browse an interactive map of the country, search for facilities in your local area, use the name and address of a specific facility to find out more information.
Manchester Phoenix offical website
Searchable website enables you to find your nearest sports facilities.
Travel and roads
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Information, advice and how to apply for a insurance card
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is the body established to assess the public transport needs of the county and make policy decisions about public transport provision.
Official public transport site for Greater Manchester, Check out bus, train and tram timetables. Plan your public transport journey
The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. They have a major role in delivering the Government's Ten Year Plan for Transport. They also fulfil an international role by building good working relationships and sharing experience and expertise with other overseas road administrations. This helps promote the value of UK knowledge, expertise and best practice across the world to support UK industry.
Flight and travel information, business information and the airport's history and development.
The UK’s premier light rail network operating throughout Greater Manchester. A fast frequent service which is fully accessible to all, running 7 days a week, 364 days of the year.
The UK's largest scheduled coach company.
Northern is the largest train operator in the UK, running over 2,500 services each weekday and providing safe, reliable and comfortable local trains across the North.
ORR became the health and safety regulator for the rail industry when responsibility was transferred from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This transfer of responsibility was given effect in the Railways Act 2005.
A service which provides impartial journey planning information about all public transport services - buses, coaches, trains, ferries, trams, metro and underground - throughout England, Wales and Scotland. At present it offers information based on details in published timetables.
Utilities
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BT is a UK wide communications solutions provider with a global reach in the business market.
Information and advice on how you can be more energy efficient in your home.
Transco delivers around half the nation's energy needs through its 275,000km of pipework and runs Britain's national gas emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Manages electricity distribution, water and wastewater networks in North West England.
Manchester City Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.