{"id":1997,"date":"2025-04-23T09:16:18","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T08:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/?p=1997"},"modified":"2025-04-23T09:41:36","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T08:41:36","slug":"melanie-price-staff-networks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/2025\/04\/23\/melanie-price-staff-networks\/","title":{"rendered":"Melanie Price: Staff Networks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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There\u2019s an old saying, \u201cBirds of a Feather Flock Together.\u201d When you look around at nature, you can see it\u2019s true.\u202fBy networking, we get the opportunity to flock with people who share our interests and values \u2013 building strength in identity and providing a platform for ideas and feedback.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I first became aware of the Staff Networks by chance, but awareness has increased and now they are really something most of us know about.\u202fThere are a diverse range of networks that have formed, which people can join as a member or as an ally (offering help or support to those groups). For a full list of Networks you can join, please see\u202f<\/span>Staff networks | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | StaffNet | The University of Manchester<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My personal experience started in the \u201cStress at Work\u201d network.\u202fI have always had day-to-day stresses \u2013 sometimes big, other times small \u2013 and I thought, why not join and see what it\u2019s all about?\u202fAlthough I have not attended a group for a while, it was useful to sit and listen or share any thoughts I had. The group offer a safe space where people can contribute, reflect, offer advice and show compassion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Following this, I joined Women@Manchester, who are making big strides in supporting women. They organise events (International Women\u2019s Day was a huge success) and have created a wonderful Speaking Club.\u202fI am a keen member of this special club, as I am not a natural public speaker, and can find speaking in front of an audience quite terrifying.\u202fHowever, I have presented at this club and listened to other women present. The encouragement and the confidence gained makes it a great place to be.\u202fAnyone who identifies as a woman is welcome to join Women@Manchester as a member, and anyone can join as an ally.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, I have joined the new HIV Network, which launched on World Aids Day 2024.\u00a0I joined as an ally \u2013 I may not be directly affected but maybe I can help someone who is? It was brilliant to have the George House Trust present to us. They provided great insight into what HIV means in modern times, dispelled the myths, and updated us on how they support people living with HIV.\u202fA lot has changed since the 80\u2019s! We are currently encouraging everyone to\u202f<\/span>know their status<\/span><\/b>\u202f(HIV Positive\/Negative) \u2013 anyone who needs support can contact the Chair Mark Miller\u202f<\/span>mark.miller@manchester.ac.uk<\/span>, or the Wellbeing Team, and of course, join the network.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Annual Staff Network Day is taking place on Wednesday 14<\/span>th<\/span><\/i>\u202fMay from 11am \u2013 1pm at Benugo Caf\u00e9 in the Simon Building. There will be stalls and an activity.\u202fMore details will be available via Staffnet on 24<\/span>th<\/span><\/i>\u202fApril.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are incredibly lucky to have such a supportive range of networks that we can join for free. I encourage you to take a look and maybe you will see a group for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Related<\/h1>\n

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Contact Us<\/h4>\n

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+44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

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Find Us<\/h4>\n

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The University of Manchester
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\n

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Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

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