Greater Manchester VCFSE Safer and Stronger Communities Newsletter August 2026
AUGUST 2026
ISSUE 1
August in Greater Manchester always means Manchester Pride, one of the biggest Pride events in the UK and something we should be so proud of. This year it’s extra special as the event has been taken back by the LGBT+ community itself and, as they say, “After the uncertainty of 2025, Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community has stepped up to reclaim our Pride… Owned by the community. Back in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village where it all began.”
There is something inspiring about that, a community taking back ownership and doing something pro-active to create change, create human connection, and promote togetherness as there is safety in numbers.
It is the epitome of what this, the GM VCFSE Safer & Stronger Communities Leadership Group, is all about – VCFSE leaders coming together to help make our communities safer and stronger.
So, I am delighted that the new co-Chair of this group is Jenny Higson, CEO of TOGS (Tameside, Oldham and Glossop, and Stockport MIND). Jenny has been a member of the VCFSE Leadership Group for quite a while now and is active within the mental health and systems change arenas.
Over the next few months, Jenny and I will be reaching out to members and making new connections, as we take this group further in our engagement and influencing work, connecting VCFSE leaders to statutory partners and ensuring that VCFSE organisations are part of the solution to the question… How do we make our communities safer and stronger, and we have some exciting answers for you all!
You can catch Jenny on jenny@togsmind.org and I am on ceo@wearesurvivors.org.uk
Duncan Craig OBE
Co-Chair
GM VCFSE Safer & Stronger Communities Leadership Group
Greater Manchester Victims’ Services
delivered by Catch 22 can be found at www.gmvictimsservices.org
Helpline: 0800 876 6155 | Text Relay: 1800 2080 087 6615
Mon to Fri 8am - 6pm | Wed 8am - 8pm | Sat 9am-5pm
KATE GREEN RE-APPOINTED AS DEPUTY MAYOR LEADING SAFER AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES by the new GM Mayor, Bev Craig, which was formally noted at the Greater Manchester Police, Crime and Fire Panel on 12.08.26.
Kate has long been a strong advocate of the VCFSE and continues to be a champion of communities being the answer, long before she was Deputy Mayor, whilst she was an MP. The GM VCFSE Safer and Stronger Communities Leadership Group warmly welcomes Kate back into her role and looks forward to developing an even stronger working relationship.
It’s with mixed emotions that we report that Alison Connelly, Principal for Criminal Justice at GMCA, will soon be leaving her post to take up new challenges in other areas of the wider local government system. Many of you will know Alison and recognise the impact she has had on the GM criminal justice eco-system, which is a much better place for it.
At last year’s VSNW Conference, Alison was recognised for her long standing leadership within the criminal justice system and her unwavering commitment to ensuring the VCFSE sector is included in every commissioning conversation. Her work championing victims, creating accessible funding routes and bringing together small pots of money to unlock greater reach was widely praised. Alison’s ability to advocate for the sector in spaces where it is often absent makes her a true leader in collaborative commissioning. She was awarded the Outstanding Commissioner – Local or Combined Authority Award and well deserved. Alison will be deeply missed but the GM VCFSE Safer and Stronger Communities Leadership Group wishes her every success in her new role.
GMCA currently are seeking a Gender-Based Violence and Victims Principal (https://apply.greater.jobs/gmca/Job/JobDetail?JobId=1341) and Offenders and Criminal Justice Principal (https://apply.greater.jobs/gmca/Job/JobDetail?JobId=1339)
THE PRIME MINISTER HAS SET OUT HIS NEW TEAM AT THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE with THE Rt Hon Alex Norris MP taking up the position of Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor.
Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending is Catherine McKinnell MP (www.gov.uk/government/people/catherine-mckinnell) who will focus on all things related to prisons, probation and pubic protections, including the Dame Lynne Owen Review into Release in Error.
Sarah Sackman KC MP (www.gov.uk/government/people/sarah-sackman) has retained her role as Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, and will remain responsible for Criminal Courts policy, HMCTS, Legal Aid, Judicial Review and the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill (Assisted Dying).
Lord Lemos CMG CBE (www.gov.uk/government/people/gerrard-lemos) is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Lords Minister focusing on all Lords business and cross cutting the CJS strategy.
Alex Davies-Jones (www.gov.uk/government/people/alex-davies-jones) has returned to her role of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Victims, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and International Justice, focusing on VAWG, RASSO, Victims and Witnesses, Hillsborough Law, and Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Jake Richards MP (www.gov.uk/government/people/jake-richards) has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sentencing, Human Rights and Technology with a focus on Youth Justice, Men and Boys, Foreign National Offenders, Family Justice and Human Rights / ECHR.
GREATER MANCHESTER’S READINESS FOR PRISON RELEASES (KNOWN ACROSS THE UK AS EARLY RELEASE SCHEME) has been set out by Deputy Mayor, Kate Green. Kate has written to the VCFSE and stated:
VCFSE services have a vital role in supporting victims, survivors, families and communities who may feel anxious or uncertain as these changes are implemented. We understand the concern this may cause for the public and for victims, and we will work hard with partners to keep people safe. Your insight from frontline delivery will also be important in helping us understand emerging pressures, gaps in support and any issues that need escalation.
Through the Greater Manchester Public Protection Risk Cell and wider Stakeholder Cell, we want to ensure that VCFSE partners are linked into clear routes for communication, advice and escalation. This includes sharing concerns about victim safety, practical support needs, community confidence, service capacity or barriers people may face in accessing help.
I would be grateful for your support in reinforcing clear, factual and trauma-informed messages; promoting routes into support; and helping us identify where additional coordination or escalation may be needed. We will continue to share updates as national information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued work with victims, survivors and communities across Greater Manchester, and for your support in helping us maintain confidence, safety and coordinated local support during this period.
and has also shared a briefing note, attached to this email.
UNDULY LENIENT SENTENCE (ULS) SCHEME provides a mechanism for certain Crown Court sentences to be referred to the Court of Appeal for review where they may be considered unduly lenient. As part of MOJ ongoing work to improve awareness and accessibility of the scheme, they have recently developed a new ULS information leaflet (see attached).
The leaflet has been designed to provide clear, accessible and easy-to-understand information about the scheme, including who can apply, the relevant timescales, and how individuals can access the online application form. MOJ hope it will be a useful resource for organisations supporting victims, their families and other members of the public who may wish to learn more about the scheme.
MOJ are keen to ensure that organisations have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the ULS Scheme, particularly following the recent amendments to the scheme. Their aim is to ensure that frontline staff and volunteers feel confident in signposting and supporting those who may be considering an application under the scheme.
THE SENTENCING ACT 2026 has been very much in the news recently and following a review, it was announced on 4 August 2026 that rape, serious child sex offences, and grooming offences have now been excluded from the Sentencing Act progression model.
The Sentencing Act Progression Model applies only to offenders serving Standard Determinate Sentences. More than 18,000 offenders serving more serious sentences like Life and Extended Determinate Sentences are already not eligible for Progression. Following a review of the policy, rape, serious child sex and grooming offences have also now been excluded from the changes, as announced on 4 August 2026
Click here for the list of additional offence-based exclusions: www.gov.uk/government/publications/sentencing-act-offence-exclusions
The MOJ have developed an ‘explainer’ that is attached to this on the Sentencing Act 2026.
INFLUENCING AND CONNECTING GROUP FOR VCFSE LEADERS SUPPORTING PRISON/PROBATION EXPERIENCED PEOPLE is being set up by Rebecca Friel (CEO of ODD ARTS) and Dr David McGuire (CEO of Back on Track).
The idea came about from a project with prison experienced adults, that highlighted systemic challenges, and lack of connectivity between sector organisations. An ‘ask’ from those involved, was that work to address both these things, and the team hope this group can start to do just that.
The group is administratively supported by CLINKS, with space kindly provided by The Co-operative Bank plc. The concept is a collaborative VCSFE effort, queries should be directed to Rebecca or Dave and to reserve a spot you can email support@clinks.org
WATCHDOG WARNS ELECTRONIC TAGGING SYSTEM FAILING as Probation inspector for England and Wales says ‘clunky’ system needs huge increase in staff.
The electronic tagging system that will be relied upon to monitor thousands of offenders released early from prison is failing to alert the authorities of potential breaches of conditions, a watchdog has warned.
Martin Jones, HM inspector of probation in England and Wales, said the system relied on hard-pressed police and probation officers looking up individual cases and then deciding whether potential breaches needed to be investigated further.
He said it needed to be updated to send alerts to the authorities if a former inmate breached an exclusion zone from which they were banned.
His demand comes after the government announced that up to 5,000 prisoners would be released from 1 October to ease the prison overcrowding crisis. At present, there are 86,500 people behind bars with 2,400 spare places.
Article originally published in The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/04/electronic-tagging-unprepared-offenders-prisoners-watchdog
SAHELI IS MARKING 50 YEARS of standing alongside Black, Asian and Minoritised women and their children, supporting them to live lives that are safe, secure and free from abuse.
Over those 50 years, Saheli has grown from a small, community-led initiative into a vital lifeline for women facing domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse and other forms of violence. Together with our partners, supporters and volunteers, we have helped over 10,000 women find safety, rebuild their confidence and take courageous steps towards independence.
On 12th September, an Anniversary Dinner is being held at The Grand Suite at Vermilion in Manchester and you can buy tickets at www.tickettailor.com/events/saheli1/2300138
This celebration is as much about our shared past as it is about a future in which every woman and child has the right to live free from fear.
The evening includes a sumptuous 4 course Asian meal, drinks reception, stalls and entertainment by acclaimed SonAash Dancers and DJ Kash.
DID YOU KNOW THAT DBS IS CHANGING? From 1 September 2026, the law changes how DBS checks work for volunteers who have contact with children.
At the moment, a volunteer who works with children may not need a regulated activity DBS check if they are supervised by someone who is already cleared to work with children, known as the supervision exemption.
From the 1st September that exemption is being removed.
Please contact your local CVS or your DBS supplier for more details.
A NUMBER OF MEMBER ORGANISATIONS ARE RECRUITING.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis are looking for a Registered Social Worker (Social Work England Registered) to join their innovative Greater Manchester Pathfinder Partnership, working across Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, MASH and SARA (£38,000-£40,000 – 37.5 hours). Go to: www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk (closing date: 28.08.26)
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis are looking for an experienced and compassionate Volunteer and Community Development Worker to join our specialist team supporting women affected by rape, sexual violence, child sexual abuse and exploitation (£28,500 – 35 hours). Go to: www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk (closing date: 09.09.26)
MASH are looking for Outreach & Engagement Worker (Maternity Cover) to provide gender and trauma-informed support to women who are rough sleeping, begging and/or sex working in Manchester (£34,164.35 – 35 hours). Go to: www.mash.org.uk/jobs/outreach-engagement-worker-maternity-cover (closing date 30.08.26)
BIG LIFE GROUP are looking for Substance Use, Gambling and Wellbeing Coach to provide specialist advice and support to colleagues across Greater Manchester who work with people on probation whose low-level substance use, gambling or emotional wellbeing impacts their rehabilitation but does not meet the threshold for structured treatment (£31,022 – 35 hours). Go to: https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/work-volunteer/opportunities/substance-use-gambling-and-wellbeing-coach (closing date 31.08.26)
We Are Survivors is looking for Head of Service – Support and Advocacy to provide operational leadership across We Are Survivors’ support and advocacy services (£40,000 – 37.5 hours). Go to: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/news/apply-today (closing date 06.09.26)
We Are Survivors is looking for OUT Side OUT Spoken Navigator to support male survivors and survivor allies as they prepare to leave prison or another secure setting and rebuild their lives in the community. (£30,000 – 37.5 hours). Go to: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/news/apply-today (closing date 06.09.26)
We Are Survivors is looking for Nightingale Navigator to provide support to the loved ones of male survivors through the Nightingale Project, a project between GMCA and Pankhurst Centre. (£28,000 – 37.5 hours). Go to: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/news/apply-today (closing date 06.09.26)
We Are Survivors is looking for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) to provide provides trauma-informed, low-intensity psychological support to male survivors of sexual harms (£30,000 – 37.5 hours). Go to: www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/news/apply-today (closing date 06.09.26)
TOGS (Tameside, Oldham, Glossop and Stockport) MIND is looking for a Gambling Harms Education Practitioner to work in partnership with schools, educational settings and community-based organisations, you will deliver engaging psycho-educational workshops, lessons and assemblies that increase understanding of the risks associated with online gaming, gambling behaviours and reward-based systems that can encourage gambling activity. (£19,658.08 – 26 hours). Go to: https://www.togsmind.org/vacancies/gambling-harms-education-practitioner (closing date 06.09.26)
'WHEN THEY TELL YOU’ IS A GUIDE THAT HAS BEEN CREATED BY THE MANCHESTER TRAUMA AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE NETWORK. It is a guide for professionals receiving disclosures from adults of sexual harms which have occurred in either childhood and/or adulthood.
There has been direct input from 86 adult survivors (with experiences of both childhood and/or adulthood sexual harms) and 71 professionals across Greater Manchester and provides practical tools, language, and guidance to support professionals in responding to disclosures of sexual harm in ways that are empathetic, safe, and trauma-responsive; for both the person sharing and themselves. This webinar for professionals is the launch of the guide and a supporting animation.
The webinar will include a welcome by Charlotte Clayton, CEO of Talk to Sara, an in-depth introduction to the guide and the authentic voices of survivors. This will be followed by time for questions and answers.
Thursday 17 September
1:30pm
90 minutes, including lived experience input and a Q&A session
To reserve a spot, go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adult-disclosure-of-sexual-harm-guide-launch-tickets-1992481916047
A NEW NATIONAL DAY FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF TERRORISM was observed on 21 August, which will now be an annual day of remembrance. The day focused on remembering and recognising those impacted by terrorism, supporting victims and survivors to get access to the help they need to rebuild their lives, and amplifying their stories.
No one ever needs to remind us here in Greater Manchester the impact of terror and so we will commence with discussion on how this group will lead GM VCFSE even for 2027.
KNIFE CRIME HOMICIDES FALL TO 35-YEAR LOW - their lowest level in 35 years as the government’s surrender drive takes more than 15,000 knives off Britain’s streets.
The programme has expanded to Yorkshire this year, as well as continuing to operate in London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester. Knife-enabled homicides have fallen to 26% while knife crime overall has dropped by 11% under this government.
SHORE: A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WORRIED ABOUT HARMFUL SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR
Half of children who are victims of sexual abuse are abused by another child. The Shore website www.shorespace.org.uk and anonymous chat service, run by child protection charity Lucy Faithfull Foundation, provides a safe space for young people concerned about their own or someone else's harmful sexual behaviour.
Last week, they published a report analysing conversations between young people and Shore advisors during the service’s first seven months of the service (starting July 2023). More than 75% of young people had never spoken to another professional about their concerns before contacting Shore. The report contains quotes from young people that reflects the significant difference that Shore has made to their lives. Find out more and download the report here www.lucyfaithfull.org.uk/this-is-giving-me-the-opportunity-to-turn-my-life-around-why-shore-matters-to-prevent-harmful-sexual-behaviour
BACP (BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY) ARE DELIGHTED TO SHARE THE NEW ETHICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE COUNSELLING PROFESSIONS 2026, which will support therapists in making ethical decisions and delivering safe, effective practice.
The launch is the start of a transition period to help you prepare and become familiar with the new framework and supporting resources. Therapists are still committed to working with the Ethical Framework 2018 until midday on Tuesday 3 November 2026, when the Ethical Framework 2026 becomes mandatory.
Since 2018, the world, and the way in which therapists work, has changed. BACP have been reviewing the Ethical Framework for the last four years with the aim of making it more accessible for all their members and adapting it to the new ways of working, emerging ethical challenges and encompassing current issues and legislation.
See the new framework here: www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/preparing-for-the-2026-ethical-framework
PUBLIC HEALTH AT MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL ARE LOOKING FOR NEW VCSE REPS FOR A NEW TRAUMA STEERING GROUP THAT WILL SIT UNDER MAKING MANCHESTER FAIRER.
Manchester has an ambition to be a trauma aware and trauma responsive City. As part of the next phase of this work the Public Health team at Manchester City Council are setting up a trauma steering group that will feed into the Making Manchester Fairer Programme Board. The trauma steering group will be strategic rather than operational, and provide governance, oversight and coordination to ensure the effective development, delivery and sustainability of the programme.
Remuneration for attendance will be available and more information click here: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/news/vcse-reps-needed-trauma-steering-group
Deadline: 21st September.
MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED ON THE ROADS THAN THROUGH HOMICIDE, YET VICTIMS SAY ROAD CRIME IS NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY
New research from the Victims' Commissioner reveals how victims of road collisions are left in limbo while police decide whether cases will be treated as crimes. Poor communication, lengthy investigations and court delays compound victims' trauma, while too few are referred for the specialist support that can transform their recovery.
Read Victims Commissioner’s Report here: www.victimscommissioner.org.uk/news/more-people-are-killed-on-the-roads-than-through-homicide-yet-victims-say-road-crime-is-not-taken-seriously
VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE TO BE SUPPORTED with Rape Crisis England & Wales being awarded £8.7m government funding to provide round-the-clock confidential support for adult survivors and victims of sexual violence, male and female.
Free to use, the helpline offers confidential emotional and listening support to all victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse aged 16 and over. Since it launched in 2022, the service has supported survivors through more than200,000 calls and 75,000 webchats.
Helpline specialists can also help direct victim-survivors towards long-term support services, whether they have told anyone about the crime or not. The new funding will support Rape Crisis to develop the service further, including by introducing British Sign Language Interpretation and providing dedicated support for survivors with different needs.
Rape Crisis England &Wales’s 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is for anyone aged 16 and over in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life. You can contact the service at any time, day or night, all year round, on 0808 500 2222.
