Friends of Mauldeth Road Station

A friendly local group that meets regularly to maintain and improve the environment around Mauldeth Road Station.
They have already established a triangle of shrubs and flowers outside the ticket office, and their next project focuses on developing the area on the corner of Mauldeth Road near the bridge.

Get involved:
Email: friendsofmauldethroadstation@outlook.com

Withington Public Hall Institute (WPHI)

A community hub in a historic venue hosting quiz nights, live music, and more.
Address: 2 Burton Road, Withington, M20 3ED
Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday, 4pm – 11pm
Find out more: www.instagram.com/ypublichall

Digital Skills for Adults

Free digital skills courses are available through Manchester Adult Education Service, including:

• Digital Skills for Beginners

• Microsoft for Work

• Digital Essentials (Entry 3 / Level 1)

• Skill Up

Location: Withington Adult Education Centre, 24a Burton Road, Withington, M20 3ED
Contact:
Tel: 0161 234 5687
Website: www.manadulted.ac.uk

Walking and Talking Group – Ladybarn Park

Group walking is great for health and social wellbeing. Come along for a free walk and chat, suitable for everyone.
When: Every Wednesday, 10:30am – 11:30am
Meeting point: Parrswood Road, near Briarfield Road
Cost: Free – no need to book

Easy Walking Club

Join us for a walk at your own pace around Kingswood Park with park volunteers, followed by free tea and toast at the hub.
When: Tuesdays at 11am
Where: Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, Fallowfield, M14 6RN
In association with: Friends of Kingswood Park
Contact:
Email: info@ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk
Phone: 07349 376 932
Or simply drop in on the day.

Mandem Meetup

A grassroots charity promoting and improving conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing.
When: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 7pm
Where: Withington Baths
Find out more: Instagram: @mandemmeetup

Withington Works at WPHI

A growing coworking space located above Withington Baths, run by Withington Public Hall Institute (WPHI).
When: Weekdays, 9am – 5pm
Details: A welcoming, affordable, and community-focused workspace for local professionals, freelancers, and remote workers.
Contact: info@withingtonworks.com

Withington Walks – Withington Baths

As part of the Withington Baths community programme, informal monthly walks are run on Sundays to reduce social isolation and improve physical fitness.
Contact: Nuala – thebathhousecafe@withingtonbaths.com

Table MCR

Table Manchester creates safe spaces for connection and community through social events, from brunches to workout sessions. For people aged 18–30.
Find out more:
Website: www.meetup.com/tablemcr
Instagram: @tablemcr

Knit and Natter

A free knitting group for all skill levels. Needles and yarns provided, plus refreshments.
When: Fridays, 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Withington Methodist Church

Open Tuesdays – Union Chapel

Join in for activities, discussions, and films. A film is shown every other week, followed by group discussion. Tea and biscuits provided.
When: Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Where: Small Hall, Union Chapel, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, M14 6ER
Cost: Free
Contact:
Email: meganbennett@hotmail.co.uk
Phone: 0161 759 8285
Website: www.unionchapelbaptist.org.uk/open-tuesday

Friends of Kingswood Park

(off Ladybarn Lane)
A group which meets on Tuesdays at 9:30am at the container to garden, chat, drink tea and coffee. Come and join us. For further information call Christine on: 07984 570 031.

The Green and Quiet Spaces Map

Nightingale & Sage are excited to share a new resource that highlights pocket gardens, mini orchards, parks, and community gardens across Withington, Old Moat, and Ladybarn. The Green and Quiet Spaces Map showcases spaces that are cared for by local volunteer gardeners.

Stay, Play, and Family Support in Withington

Stay and Play Sessions

St Paul’s Stay and Play

When: Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm
A friendly, informal session for babies, small children, and their grown-ups.
Booking: No need to book – just turn up.

Monday Monkeys

Where: Withington Methodist Church, Wilmslow Road
When: Mondays, 10am – 11:30am (term-time)
Activities and play equipment for toddlers.
Open to: Parents/carers with children under 5 who live within 1.5 miles of the church
Cost: Minimum donation £1.50 per child
Booking: Required via email: mondaymonkeyswithington@gmail.com

Old Moat Primary School Stay and Play

When: Thursdays, 9:15am – 10:45am (term-time)
Fun, free sessions for children 0–5 years, following the Nursery curriculum.
Includes snack, story, and song time.
Contact:
Email: jwalsh@oldmoat.manchester.sch.uk
Tel: 0161 445 4208
Website: oldmoat.manchester.sch.uk

Old Moat Sure Start Children’s Centre

Where: Old Moat Lane, Withington, M20 1DE
Provides support for children under 5 and their families, including early education, childcare, health, and family services.
Contact: Check website or call for current activities.

Support for Parents, Pregnant People, and Families

NHS Healthy Start Scheme

Who:

• Under 18s: anyone pregnant can apply

• Over 18s: at least 10 weeks pregnant or with at least one child under 4
  Benefits: £4.25 per week for cow’s milk, fruit and vegetables, infant formula, pulses, and free Healthy Start vitamins
  Apply or check eligibility: healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply
  Helpline: 0300 330 7010

Parent Compassion-Focused Therapy

Who: Pregnant people, parents, or main caregivers of children under 24 months
Offer: Compassion-focused therapy groups (online or face-to-face), priority 1:1 CBT and counselling, and couples counselling.
Booking: Self-refer via NHS Manchester Talking Therapies – The Big Life Group
Call: 0161 226 3871

Manchester Local Offer

Manchester Local Offer helps children and young people with SEND up to the age of 25 and their parents/carers in the Manchester City Council area understand what services and support they can expect locally.

Mums Matter

Support for Manchester mums with a child under two experiencing mental health challenges.
Eight-week online course, two hours per session, providing wellbeing tools and support.
Contact: Charli Headley – 07592 376720 / mumsmatter@manchestermind.org
Self-referral: manchestermind.org/mums-matter/self-referral

Maternity Action

Free, confidential legal advice for pregnant people and new parents on work and benefits.
Call: 0808 801 0488, 10am – 1pm, Mon – Fri
Website: maternityaction.org.uk/manchester-maternity-rights

Porter Nutrition

Free session on postnatal nutrition for recovery, health, and breastfeeding.
Date: 25 November, Zoom
Contact: porternutritionuk@gmail.com / 07986 809 633
Details: shorturl.at/xfAYW

Youth and Teen Sessions

OMYOP Youth Sessions

Where: Withington Methodist Church, 439 Wilmslow Road, M20 4AN
When: Thursdays

• Junior Youth (ages 9–12): 6pm – 7:30pm

• Senior Youth (ages 13–19): 7:30pm – 9pm
  Activities: table tennis, music, cooking, urban art, arts and crafts, chill out, discussions
  Contact: elise.unityarts@gmail.com / 0778 756 0002

Old Moat Youth Outreach Project (OMYOP) – Girls and Young Women

Who: Ages 12–16
When: Tuesdays, 4pm – 6pm
Where: The Ice Shack, 414 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20
Activities: Arts and crafts, social action, making friends, having fun
Contact: jane.unityarts@gmail.com

More Life – Manchester Junior PARS

Who: Children and young people aged 5–17 who want to increase physical activity
Offer: Free 10-week programme to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve wellbeing.
Referral: Via a health professional or self-refer: secure.refer-all.net/referrals/manchester/refer
More info: more-life.co.uk

Withington Baths – Youth Boxing

Who: All genders
When:

• Mondays, 4pm – 4:45pm: Seniors (teenagers)

• Tuesdays, 4:15pm – 5:15pm: Juniors (pre-teens)
  Booking: No booking required – just turn up and ask for Phil
  Contact: 0161 478 1181

Has somebody fallen? Do you require assistance?

Withington Baths
30 Burton Road, M20 3EB
Tel: 0161 478 1181

Silver Circuits

• Mondays: 1pm – 1:45pm

• Tuesdays: 3:15pm – 4pm

• Wednesdays: 1:15pm – 2pm

• Thursdays: 1pm – 1:45pm

Tai Chi

• Mondays: 2:15pm – 3pm

• Thursdays: 2:30pm – 3:15pm

Table Tennis

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 10am – 12pm

Old Moat People’s History Project
Former or present Old Moat residents with stories, memories, or photos to share? Interested in local history?

Old Moat Histories is a social/local history project collecting and collating memories, photos, and stories from current and former residents of the Old Moat estate, covering the 1920s through WW2, the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, up to the COVID-19 pandemic and today.

To get involved, email: OLDMOATSTORIES@gmail.com

Chair Based Yoga
Free chair-based yoga lessons for people aged 50+.

• Third Friday of the month: 2pm

• Location: Withington Library

Carers Manchester – Contact Point
The Contact Point acts as a first point of contact for support for unpaid carers in the Manchester City Council area who require advice and support.

• Tel: 0161 543 8000

• Hours: 10am – 4pm, Monday – Friday (except bank holidays)

Carers Manchester South (CMS)
CMS works to identify unpaid carers and improve services in the community. They run regular free events for carers, including bowling and visits to RHS Bridgewater. The team also carries out outreach to identify new carers and raise awareness among professionals on how to best signpost carers.

• Email: cmsouth@manchestercarersforum.org.uk

Free Short Hotel Breaks For Unpaid Carers

Carers Manchester Central (CMC) is delighted to offer carers a free overnight hotel stay, including breakfast, across the UK. If you are a Manchester resident, this offer is completely free. For those outside of Manchester, there is a £33 admin charge.

Heart Help Support Group – Withington
A self-help group supporting people with heart-related problems. Activities include structured exercise classes run by experienced, qualified tutors.

• Annual subscription: £25

• Weekly exercise class charge: £5

• Location: Withington Methodist Church, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4AN (entrance off Egerton Crescent)

• Tel: 0161 536 3188

• Email: hearthelpdu2@gmail.com

Emerging Futures
Support for people going through addiction recovery, including housing, behavioural change, and coaching to help make long-term positive changes. Support is also available for families and friends of those going through addiction.

• Website: www.emergingfutures.org.uk/projects/manchester

Expert Patient Programme (EPP)
Supports people living with, or caring for someone with, a long-term health condition. Helps manage conditions, improve confidence, and feel more in control.

• Tel: 0161 549 6624

• Email: mft.epp@nhs.net

• Website: www.manchesterlco.org/services/citywide-adult-community-services

Porter Nutrition
Local registered nutritionist Aliya Porter, in partnership with the World Cancer Research Fund, offers 10 recipes for breakfasts, packable lunches, snacks, and desserts, suitable for vegetarians and some vegan options.

• Recipes: www.portemutrition.co.uk/2025/09/09/10-recipes-to-help-you-eat-better

Be Well Service
A free social prescribing service for Manchester residents or those registered with a Manchester GP. Supports whole wellbeing, including mental health, lifestyle changes, and motivation.

• Tel: 0161 470 7120 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)

• Email: bewell@thebiglifegroup.com

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis
Offers listening, information, and support for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence. Also provides information and support for male survivors, and friends, partners, and family members.

• Tel: 0161 273 4500

• Email: help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

We Are Survivors
Supports male survivors of sexual abuse and rape through community activities, drop-ins, group support, therapy sessions, prison support, and guidance through the criminal justice system.

• Tel: 0161 236 2182

• Twitter: @ThisisSurvivors

NHS Enhanced Access Scheme
GP surgeries offer more routine pre-booked appointments in the evenings and on Saturdays for services such as cervical screening, childhood vaccinations, and blood tests. You may be asked to travel to a different surgery for these appointments.

Bowel Screening – Saves Lives
Aims to prevent and detect bowel cancer early. Everyone aged 56-74 receives a screening kit every two years. The programme is expanding to include ages 50-59.

• Helpline: 0800 707 6060

• Email: bowelscreening@nhs.net

NHS Talking Therapies
Provides free therapy for issues like low mood, sleep difficulties, anxiety, coping with health problems, and lack of motivation. Services can be accessed directly or via GP.

• Tel: 0161 226 3871

• Website: www.thebiglifegroup.com/manchestertalkingtherapies

Physical Activity Referral Service (PARS) – Manchester Active
Supports people whose mental or physical health stops them from being active. Offers sessions in local leisure or community centres, delivered by qualified instructors. Some sessions are free; others may carry a small charge.

• Tel: 0161 974 7839

• Email: physicalactivityteam@mcractive.com

Change Grow Live – Drug and Alcohol Service
Supports adults and young people looking to make a fresh start. Provides free and confidential information and support for those affected by drugs or alcohol.

• Tel: 0161 823 6306

• Email: manchester@cgl.org.uk

Lipreading and Managing Your Hearing Loss Class

These classes are designed for people with hearing loss who may be finding it difÏcult to follow conversation.

Head Forward Centre
An independent charity in Manchester promoting social integration for people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Provides a safe social environment for friendship, discussion, and purposeful activities.

• Contact: hello@headforward.org

• Tel: 0161 434 2150

• Website: www.headforward.org

• Donations and volunteering welcomed.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Early detection saves lives. Targeted at men aged 64+ in Greater Manchester and East Cheshire.

• To book an appointment: Tel 0161 291 5716

Annual Health Checks for People with Learning Disabilities
Everyone over 14 with a learning disability can have an annual health check at their GP. A useful way to help keep well—contact your GP if you haven’t had one.

NHS App
The NHS App allows you to:

• Manage prescriptions

• View issued medication with barcode for pharmacy collection

• Access test results

• Book appointments (where available)

• Change your nominated pharmacy

Maggie’s Manchester
Provides free expert care and support to people with cancer and their families. Services include:

• Psychological support (group or private)

• Benefits advice

• Courses such as Managing Stress and Relaxation

• Muslim Cancer Support Groups for Brothers’ and Sisters’

• Cancer-specific support groups

• Address: Kinnaird Road, M20 4QL

• Tel: 0161 641 4848

• Email: manchester@maggies.org

• Website: maggies.org/Manchester

Cost of Living Advice Line
Free telephone support for anyone struggling with food, energy bills, or finances. Services include:

• Benefits and help with rent

• Advice about debt and paying bills

• Food support – find local community food provision

• Help to get online – access to the internet, laptops, phones, and data

• Information on nearest Warm Hubs

Tel: 0800 023 2692
Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 4:30pm
Translations and Sign Video services available upon request

Hardship Helpline
Free phone service delivered with Citizens Advice to access benefits, grants, or energy efficiency support.

Tel: 0808 208 2138
Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (except public holidays)

Reach Out to the Community
Support for anyone concerned about someone sleeping rough in South Manchester. Works with local rough sleepers until they can live off the streets.

Website: www.reachouttothecommunity.co.uk

Warm Space at Ladybarn Community Hub
A warm, welcoming space offering tea, coffee, cup-a-soup, Wifi, and a small library. Free to everyone.

Address: Ladybarn Community Hub, Royle Street, Fallowfield, M14 6RN
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10am – 4pm

Cost of Living Events
Would you like to find out about services that can support you with the cost of living?

Energy Advice & More
Citizens Advice Manchester in partnership with Cadent Gas offers free, confidential, and impartial advice. Services include:

• Increasing household income

• Managing energy debts

• Saving money on bills

• Making homes safe and efficient

• Accessing the Priority Services Register

Tel: 0808 164 4406
WhatsApp: 07360 546 111
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Ladybarn Community Hub
Ladybarn Community Hub
Royle Street, Ladybarn, M14 6RN
Tel: 0161 224 3733
Website: ladybarncommunityhub.co.uk

Interested in volunteering for Ladybarn Hubs Older Peoples Groups on Wednesday and/or Thursday?
Contact us or visit: www.ladybarnhub.co.uk/volunteer for more information.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis (GMRC) – Helpline Volunteers
If you are a woman aged 21 or over, you can volunteer for the helpline.
Commitment: one shift per month.

GMRC provides formal training in basic counselling skills and helpline-specific knowledge, plus ongoing training and support through regular helpline meetings.

For more info:
Website: www.manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk/volunteers
Tel: 0161 273 4591

Withington Civic Society
If you live in Withington, Ladybarn, or Old Moat and want to improve your local neighbourhood, join Withington Civic Society.

Volunteer roles include committee positions (Secretary, Archivist) or helping with community activities like clean-up days and stalls at events.
Committee meets six times a year.

Contact: contact@withingtoncivicsociety.org.uk
Tel: 0161 445 3760
Website: www.withingtoncivicsociety.org.uk

Withington Library & The Bread and Butter Thing
A mobile affordable food pantry operates from Withington Library.
Volunteers help unload the van and pack food bags.

Time commitment: Mondays, 12pm – 3pm.

Email: withingtonlibrary@manchester.gov.uk

Driving Volunteers Needed – Withington Assist
Volunteers give lifts to older people at risk of social isolation.
Volunteering does not affect car insurance; petrol expenses covered.

Contact: 0161 434 9216
Email: amelia@withingtonassist.org.uk

The Christie Hospital – What Matters to You?
If you or a loved one have been affected by cancer, volunteer to help shape cancer care.

Email: the-christie.ppi@nhs.net

Volunteer to Deliver Manchester Post!
Manchester Post is a free, monthly community news newspaper.
Volunteers deliver to their local streets (10–600 papers per month).

Email: news@communitynewsgm.co.uk