In the meeting of July 28 the Comites discussed the theme of projects financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the year 2023. In addition to those promoted by members of the Comites, it was decided to encourage the possibility of presenting further projects by fellow Italians. We invite anyone with original and innovative ideas pertaining to sectors of interest determined by the Ministry and which concern the consular district of Manchester, to send them to the Comites, through the institutional email comitesmanchester@yahoo.co.uk, by August 20, 2022 in in order to be examined and then brought to the attention of the next meeting, already scheduled for September 2 The areas of interest identified are: Supporting women, Roots tourism Helping new immigrants Support for information channels and the establishment of networks for Italians abroad, Enhancement of the historical role of local Italian communities. To this end, we remind you that all projects must be described in detail and accompanied by an estimate of the expenses that are intended to be supported with the ministerial contribution. A selection of projects determined by the assembly will then be sent by Comites to the Italian Consulate in Manchester, to be further sent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no later than September 30, 2022.

Dear compatriots, as you know very well, since 1950 England is home to a very large number of Italians who in recent years, for well-known reasons, have been joined by many others. Today England hosts a very large number of Italians. Unfortunately, however, the drastic decision of Great Britain to leave Europe places newcomers in front of a long series of questions and creates a climate of uncertainty and instability for those who believed that in England they had finally managed to find that job and that economic stability which in Italy is an utopia. These Italians need our help today. The Manchester Comites, an apolitical body representing the community, which directly elects its members (all volunteers) should protect the rights of our compatriots and deal with their problems. Unfortunately, despite the will of everybody and the efforts made by each of us, the funds set aside for our activities, as well as being very scarce, are closely linked to bureaucratic quibbles that prevent us from being more active, more present among compatriots and to be able to help them in a concrete way. For this reason, we are forced to appeal to your generosity, your support and above all to that spirit of solidarity which has always characterized our nation. Our Comites urgently needs to get in touch with the community it represents and to do this, it is essential to publish a newsletter with which to inform newcomers about the various Italian institutions in the area (indicating their roles and functions), and help them to integrate into the social context, explaining how to buy or rent a house, indicate where English courses are offered, give information on local schools and everything necessary for those taking their first steps in a foreign country. The Comites could also intervene by creating a physical helpdesk where our compatriots could go to acquire free information and, especially as regards the elderly who are not familiar with computers, find material help for the handling of their paperwork. To do all this, to support our compatriots, to ensure that they find in us a better Italy than the one they leave behind, we sincerely hope that you will support us with a donation whose use will be duly and immediately reported to you and documented. If you want to make a donation, please contact us at comitesmanchester@yahoo.co.uk and we will send you our bank coordinates. The support you offer us will be for you or your company a commendable act of solidarity whose profit will be determined by a large and heartfelt sum of THANKS!

The Consulate Relations Commission prepared a document about the opening of the Manchester Consulate, scheduled for 18 July, which was sent to the Consulate. The Comites first of all assures its support and closeness to the consular authorities, in any way that will be considered suitable and useful, hoping that the wishes of the community we represent will be realized, and in particular: Efficient and transparent ways of booking appointments, both online and through alternative channels, including multiple bookings for families. A waiting room inside the Consulate, which gives shelter especially in the cold months. Continuity in issuing passports, especially in the summer, both through appointments and by post, also through the Honorary Consulates. The Comites is also available to exert pressure on the relevant institutions for additional staff to be assigned to the Consulate, if this becomes necessary. Il Comites si rende inoltre disponibile ad esercitare pressione sulle istituzioni affinché venga assegnato ulteriore personale al Consolato, se ciò si renderà necessario. We wish the best to the Consul and the Consulate staff for the opening.