GMCA - Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The Network seeks to create a collaborative environment where Local Authority and commissioned partner staff who work in a targeted way with non-UK nationals can can connect, build meaningful collaborations and share learning.

Members of the network include resettlement caseworkers, housing officers, ESOL coordinators, Public Health colleagues, social workers and many others who are working with non-UK nationals across Greater Manchester.

At each Network event, we feature  policy and programme updates, advice on current or emerging issues, locality spotlights and expert presentations on specific aspects of frontline work with non-UK nationals.

Our aim is to:

• Develop the profile of this vital work

• Build consistent and positive practice

• Support the continuous development of a skilled, supported and cohesive workforce across all specialist non-UK national frontline roles.

How to access:

If you are interested in joining the Network, please fill in the form via this link:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=agPY6Pm1P0-dNtfNdAKZu9JYqj2KusBNlUe5AhnE4LxUNjlDVVVHQjlXN0NDTElJWDJYUlhLRldURi4u&route=shorturl

The Restricted Eligibility Support Service (RESS) is a unique and innovative homelessness prevention and support service. It works with Greater Manchester residents facing immigration-related barriers, helping them to navigate complex systems in order to move on from homelessness, live well and thrive.

RESS is a partnership between the Boaz Trust, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) and Booth Centre.

It delivers specialist floating support and immigration advice for people who have restricted eligibility for public funds because of their immigration status and are facing, or are at risk of, homelessness.

How to access:

For more information: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/media/9615/ress-overview.pdf

To make a referral: https://form.jotform.com/230722721343043

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Bolton is a partnership between Bolton Council, Believe Achieve CIC, Befriending Refugees and Asylum Seekers (BRASS), Bolton Solidarity Community Association (BSCA) and Bolton Wanderers in the Community.

Working with refugees and people seeking asylum, they will offer a holistic approach to tackle barriers to integration, stable housing, employment and good wellbeing.

The partnership will deliver:

• Structured and unstructured ESOL
• Employment support
• A programme of wellbeing activities
• One to one holistic support
• Opportunities to participate in Bolton’s cultural offer.

How to access:

To make a referral, please email rwp@bolton.gov.uk

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Bury is a partnership between Bury Council, Bury VCFA, Fair Futures, ADAB and New Life Church, which is providing tailored access to English language education, digital inclusion support, and skills development opportunities.

Through a combination of one-to-one guidance, group sessions, and community-based activities, the service helps individuals build confidence, improve wellbeing, and strengthen their connection to local communities.

How to access:

To make a referral, please fill in this form: https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/rwp/

(or)

You can download the Bury RWP referral form and email it to asylumandimmigration@bury.gov.uk

Form found here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/homelessness-and-migration/migration-and-inclusion/the-refugee-welcome-programme-work-and-skills/

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Manchester is a partnership between Manchester City Council, Mustard Tree, Breaking Barriers, Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN), Impact for All and Rainbow Haven, that will work with refugees and people seeking asylum to build ESOL, Employability and Integration skills.

The programme will offer a mixture of group and 1:1 sessions at accessible locations across the city, alongside tailored support from a RWP Support Worker who will facilitate access to the relevant services that participants may need. The programme will be holistic and person-centred in its approach, as well as being culturally appropriate and trauma-informed in its practice.

How to access:

To make a referral into the RWP at Mustard Tree, email referrals@mustardtree.org.uk or visit the Mustard Tree website: https://mustardtree.org.uk/get-help/

To make a referral into the RWP at Breaking Barriers, visit the Breaking Barriers website: https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/refugee-support/apply-for-support/employment-education-skills/

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Rochdale is a partnership between Rochdale Council, Action Together and a network of VCSE partners who are established across the locality.

The Programme is here to help people who have come to the borough of Rochdale to find safety and start a new life, and offer support with:

• Making friends and joining the community

• Finding jobs and learning new skills

• Feeling good and staying active

• Learning English and going to school

How to access:

To make a referral, please email RRWP@rochdale.gov.uk

To find out more information, visit the Rochdale Refugee Welcome Programme webpage

AFC Community Trust, Andalucia Learning Centre, Army of Kindness, Aspire in Inspire, Caring & Sharing, Kashmir Youth Project, Maverick Lab, Spotland Community Centre, Steered to Serve and the Women’s Welfare Association.

The Salford Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Salford City Council, Salford Loaves and fishes and and a network of new and emerging migrant led third sector partners across the locality.

The Programme seeks to offer refugees and people seeking asylum a range of support through a more extensive and targeted learning café offer.

Learning Cafes are a well-established programme of informal learning opportunities in Salford aimed at providing a safe space for residents to practice their English, learn something new and meet people from outside their immediate household or community.

The main aim of the programme will be to achieve better skills and work outcomes for refugee and asylum seekers living in Salford through targeted interventions to improve English language, wellbeing and employability.

How to access:

To make a referral, please visit Salford RWP webpage.

Alternatively, you can contact the Skills and Work team directly by emailing us

The Stockport Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Stockport Council, Sector 3, and a range of other VCSE organisations across the locality.

The Programme is expanding the formal and informal ESOL provision that already exists across the borough, as well as providing an expanded wellbeing and community inclusion offer that targets the specific needs of refugees and people seeking asylum.

How to access:

To make a referral, please email workandskills@stockport.gov.uk

The Trafford Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Trafford Council and Trafford Community Collective.

The Programme is a community-led initiative for people seeking asylum or with refugee status, providing support and access to:

• Learning English
• Digital skills and inclusion
• Wellbeing sessions
• Community connection
• Job advice.

The programme works in five Community Hubs in Trafford: Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Old Trafford and Partington.

How to access:

To make a referral, please email refugees@traffordcollective.org.uk

To find out more information, please visit the Trafford Community Collective website

The Wigan Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Wigan Borough Council, Rebuild with Hope, and a network of other VCSE organisations across the locality.

All partners will deliver a mix of provision, targeted at:

• English language classes
• Employability sessions
• Digital skills sessions
• Wellbeing and recreational activities
• Parenting sessions
• Peer-support
• Volunteering and much more.

How to access:

To make a referral, please complete the online Wigan RWP referral form found here:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UvoQHRewVU6_DNO7jilkwp1h07sAVWpCpqv_sKFiMbRUNjEwQlFZMzI4VjRXQ1dROVNaVlcxT1RFVi4u&route=shorturl

Fitya, EPiC Hope, Ekhaya, SWAP, Rotary Club - Astley, Rotary Club - Wigan, Wigan Mosque, Radio M29, Friends First, Astley Cycle Club, All Ears, Sudanese Community