The Dandelion Community - part of The United Reformed Church

10/06/2026

Results of the surveys many people completed at The Dandelion Community and elsewhere are now in.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17qDtyZsVy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

WCN Pride in Place consultation results are now available!

The Wythenshawe Central Network submitted the report from the results of their community consultation to MCC today for Benchill South and Wythenshawe Central.

This summarises the views, thoughts, priorities and concerns of 500 residents who live, work, access facilities or activities in the Benchill area.

You can view the full report by following the link in the comments below!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation, whether by completing a survey or participating in a workshop.

Looking forward to our Residents' & Members meeting this evening 6-8pm at St John's Club where we will have the chance to share the results in person.

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

Join Benchill Neighbourhood Board for Pride in Place! Deadline midnight this Friday 15th June!

🚨 DEADLINE: 15 JUNE 🚨
HAVE YOU HEARD OF 'PRIDE IN PLACE'? The government is investing £20 million (£2m a year for 10 years) into 250 local neighbourhoods to tackle long-term deprivation. Manchester has 5 chosen areas, managed by a resident-led Neighbourhood Board.

BUT NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT YET! 🤫

If you live, work, have kids in school, or run a community group in these areas, you can join the board:
1️⃣ Benchill South and Wythenshawe Central
2️⃣ Clayton Vale
3️⃣ Gorton South
4️⃣ Harpurhey South
5️⃣ Moss Side West

❌ You DO NOT need lots of experience. It is really easy to apply. The most important thing is your local knowledge and passion for your community!
See below in the comments for links on where to apply.
👉 Please spread the word through your networks to make sure these boards are genuinely resident-led.

10/06/2026

03/06/2026

LOOKING to make your community’s celebrations sparkle?
This digital download is for you!
OTN Patron Alex Clare-Young & their wife Jo edited this collection by the Iona Community’s + Common Concern Network: bit.ly/GraceLikeGlitter

03/06/2026

This month something powerful is happening in communities across the UK 🇬🇧

More than 100 screenings (National Emergency Briefing) are taking place during (6–14 June) - bringing people together in village halls, community centres and local cinemas to hear from leading experts about climate and nature, and to discuss how to respond together.

As one attendee put it: "the spirit in the hall was one of grounded optimism."

That's exactly what Great Big Green Week is about too - communities coming together, having honest conversations, and finding hope and purpose in collective action. Because when people come together like this, something shifts. That's what looks like in practice.

Find a screening near you or if you're organising one yourself, don't forget to add it to the Great Big Green Week map:

📍 https://www.greatbiggreenweek.com/events_calendar

03/06/2026

A prayer following violence in Southampton

The Revd Dr Michael Hopkins, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Wessex Synod, offers this prayer in response to recent violence in Southampton, and in sorrow for all who have been harmed, frightened or bereaved following the murder of Henry Nowak.

God of justice, mercy and peace,
we pray for the city of Southampton.

We hold before you the family and friends of Henry Nowak,
and all who grieve his death.
Surround them with compassion, truth and love,
and protect their sorrow from being used to deepen hatred or division.

We pray for all who are afraid today:
for local residents whose streets have become places of fear,
for communities made anxious by racism, suspicion or blame,
for those injured in violence,
and for all who are working to restore calm.

As a Church committed to becoming actively anti-racist,
we confess that racism wounds the body of Christ
and distorts the life of our communities.
Give us courage to name injustice clearly,
to listen to those whose experience is too often dismissed,
and to resist every attempt to turn grief into prejudice.

As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
we reject violence as a way of seeking justice.
Teach us the discipline of non-violence,
the patience of truth,
and the costly work of reconciliation.

Where public trust has been damaged,
let there be honesty, accountability and careful investigation.
Where anger is justified,
let it be turned towards justice and not hatred.
Where communities are divided,
raise up peacemakers who are neither silent in the face of injustice
nor careless with the safety of others.

God of all people,
make us instruments of your peace:
strong against racism,
steadfast in hope,
gentle with the wounded,
and brave in the work of justice.

In the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.

https://urc.org.uk/a-prayer-following-violence-in-southampton/
Image: Peter Law/Pexels

03/06/2026

Live - an evening of new music spotlighting Wythenshawe's up-and-coming young music talent - returns to the on 11 June.

The event is a showcase for new music created during the weekly Amplify Wythenshawe, music-making sessions for instrumentalists, rappers and singers aged 11-17, held in the .

Thursday 11 June from 6-7.30pm 📆

Tickets are free but capacity is limited. Sign up to secure your place at: www.brightersound.com/get-involved/amplify-wythenshawe-live-june-26