Advice and Support

"The ARC Project has an office space open 3 days a week for case work support for asylum seekers or refugees who need help making phone calls, understanding letters or require advice. ARC also runs a weekly social Drop-In for asylum seekers and refugees to meet, socialise and share food together. During this time there are a range of activities to participate in such as pool, table tennis and craft. Representatives from partner organisations also attend the Drop-In. They are also partnering with Home Start to offer a free playgroup for 0-5 year olds on Thursday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. ARC also provides English Classes twice a week at different ability levels. These are free of charge, easily accessible and based around practical language learning, aiming to ease integration and boost well-being. English Club runs; Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm & Friday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Each day ARC run four different classes: Absolute Beginners Class (ABC) Beginners Parents with preschool children Intermediate Advanced"

"The British Red Cross might be able to help people who have been: • deceived about work conditions • threatened and forced to work or carry out activities they don’t want to do • forced to work to pay off a large debt • treated badly by others and in ways they did not want to be treated. People might still be in exploitation and not ready to leave; have recently left exploitation; or have left a while ago. Some people don’t think of themselves as trafficked people. Some don’t wish to enter the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and prefer to explore their options. Regardless of what stage they are at, we aim to help people make an informed, safe decision. Survivors of trafficking and exploitation are very vulnerable and need help within the first few days of asking for it. They can get immediate help and longer-term support from a range of Red Cross services. We have specialist anti-trafficking officers in London, the north-west and the east Midlands. They can give more complex support to people and are also able to help other frontline workers. People who are trafficked are often separated from their families, and sometimes unable to find them. We can help them look for their loved ones and, if eligible, be reunited with them. Treating trafficked people with respect, kindness and dignity, we help them understand all their options. They can then make informed decisions about what to do next. We focus on helping people understand all the possible options they have so they can make informed decisions on what to do next. We believe that if people are given enough time, the right information and support, they can make their own choices about their next steps. We never tell people what they should do, such as leave exploitation or enter the National Referral Mechanism. Choices must be made by the trafficked person when they are ready to make them. Our support is usually time limited – mostly ranging from between three and four days or six to twelve weeks. But we offer our services for as long as people need them. Our longer-term support programme is offered for months or years. Ultimately, we want trafficked people to be independent again and we will support them to get there. We also acknowledge that people’s need for help will change over time and anyone may come back to us for further support when necessary."

The project offers support with family reunion visa applications

"The Family Reunion Travel Assistance Service provides financial and practical assistance to refugees wishing to be reunited with their families. We Can: - Give You Information About Who Can Apply For Family Reunion; How To Make The Application; How Much The Process Costs; & How Long The Process Takes - Receive Your Calls Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM - Respond To Your Emails Monday- Friday 9AM - 5PM - Refer You To British Red Cross Immigration Advisers - Subject To Capacity - Give You Details Of Other Organisations Who May Be Able To Support You Make The Application - Use Interpreters If You Need One We Cannot: - Make The Family Reunion Or Visa Application For You - Replace Your Lawyer - Give You Money Tawards The Costs Of The Application"

"Offer a range of activities and facilities for a variety of ages, including: Adult and children's library service Children's centre Citizens Advice Salford every Wednesday, 12pm to 3pm Council services Hate crime reporting centre Information and advice Floodlit all weather games area Grass football pitches Nursery Trampoline club Youth centre – for more information, telephone 0161 778 0700 Other services: Fax Internet access including Wi-Fi Photocopier Printing and scanning"

"People find themselves in financial difficulty for all kinds of reasons. Whilst cost of living expenses continue to rise and wages for many remain static, more and more people are finding themselves struggling to feed and clothe their families. We are all aware of the growing need and use of Food Banks across the country. Equally we believe that there is a growing need to provide clothing for children of families on low incomes, or those suffering financial hardship. Cascade Baby Bundles aims to support the parent(s) by providing a ‘Baby Bundle’ gift containing items of clothing, toys and essentials that will help cushion the financial impact of a child on a family experiencing hardship. We provide these bundles for newborn babies and children all the way up to age ten."

"Always Heard can provide an Advocate to children and young people who cannot access the local advocacy support they are entitled to. Always Heard provides advice and advocacy for Looked After Children, Care Leavers and young people on the edge of care from 0-25 years old. "

At Doulas Without Borders, our UK-wide network of voluntary doulas provides women and birthing people who have experienced trauma and are in financial hardship with the companionship, physical, emotional and educational support needed during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Doulas do not offer medical advice or apply clinical measures, but do offer a wealth of knowledge about birth. We help people to have a positive experience by providing information, support, and encouragement—without judgment. Doulas are there to support the whole family unit, when appropriate. We do not attempt to mirror the role of any other supporter, but to empower all towards a positive outcome. Our presence can help alleviate isolation during pregnancy and labour and assist in early parenting settling in. Having a more positive experience of pregnancy and birth contributes to the potential for bonding and attachment between parent and baby. Building resilience during this time is best achieved through a strong bond with the mother, which provides baby with a crucial step towards a healthy and balanced adult life. We accept referrals on behalf of people from 6 months of pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period, who are in isolation, or unsupported, in disadvantage and in financial hardship*. ​Our Doula services are available to any woman/person who is experiencing financial hardship* and is:​ At affect of domestic / intimate partner violence and / or sexual violence Experiencing homelessness A survivor / victim of human trafficking Under 20 years old and unsupported A survivor / victim of rape With refugee / recent asylum seeking status At least one of the above and experiencing or preparing for baby loss. Our Doula services are available to any woman/person who is experiencing financial by loss. *We define financial hardship as without funds beyond basic accommodation and living expenses. How it Works ​Step 1: Referral Our service works through a referral system. Women/people should ask a health or social care professional, a community member who can vouch for them, or a support worker to fill out the referral form on their behalf. We accept referrals for women and people during pregnancy or within the first 6 weeks of the postnatal period. We can only offer support if the person is in extreme financial hardship,which we define as without funds beyond accommodation and food. For those who are experiencing a more borderline financial hardship, we suggest women apply for a low cost Doula via Doula UK. Once we have received your referral form, we will consult our Doulas Without Borders Directory to find a match based on your geographical location and specific needs of your nominee. We tend to create a team of supporters around each client, rather than just one Doula. We then assign a lead Doula based on experience and availability and the whole team is also supported by one of our Community Elders. We have a highly skilled team of specialist Consultants who are also available for each team, on request.

A mutual support group made up of local people, asylum seekers and refugees living in the Bury area. Provide general guidance and support for asylum seekers, and a rolling programme of support groups and social opportunities including Women's Groups, Parent Support Group. Can now access Britihs Red Cross advie and support and destitution support via Eagles Wing on Mondays, and Health Watch advice on Thursdays. We are a mutual support group of friends made up of local people, asylum seekers and refugees living in the Bury area We welcome people of all ages, nationality and ability We have no paid staff and all our members help to run our groups: children are always welcome to our events, but parents MUST take care of them to keep them safe We celebrate each others’ cultures and good fortune and help each other when there are problems We are all equal and treat each other with respect and care. Aggressive behaviour is not acceptable We all work to change things for the better for individual members and for ALL refugees The elected committee makes sure that the group works in the interests of our members

At Early Essentials we give out newborn baby starter packs that are packed into Moses basket to pregnant women who are deemed to be in need by their midwife, health visitor, social worker, outreach worker, charity or equivalent.

At Early Essentials we provide a Moses basket filled with baby clothes and essential toiletries for Mum and baby for the first couple of weeks. The basket provides a safe space for the baby to sleep. Newborn starter packs for vulnerable mums and babies inc. Newborn nappies Nappy sacks Baby wipes Nappy cream Cotton wool Muslin squares Baby towels Dribble bibs Newborn and 0–3 month clothing Moses baskets Baby shampoo Baby body wash Blankets Newborn toys Moses basket sheets Baby baths Change mats For mum: Maternity pads Thin sanitary towels Toothbrush Toothpaste Shampoo and conditioner Deodorant Chocolate or biscuits Toiletry gift sets Hand cream Disposable/new knickers Breast pads Nipple cream Shower gel/soap Wash bag Flannel Body moisturiser/lotion Hand sanitiser

Greater Manchester Law Centre provides free legal advice and representation for issues relating to housing, employment, welfare benefits (Universal Credit, ESA, PIP, DLA for children). They support homeless people, people who are at risk of losing their home living in Greater Manchester, domestic violence survivors . They have contracts to provide advice under Legal Aid for both housing and public law cases (public law cases if you are bringing a legal challenge against a government or public authority). They also provide legal advice on benefits and employment rights.

Who we are

Holy Trinity Church & Community Centre (HTCCC) is a dedicated community hub that partners with Tameside College to deliver educational and enrichment programs, particularly for local, hard-to-reach women.

What we do

We offer Pre-Entry level ESOL courses designed to boost confidence and foster connections among women. Our friendly and supportive learning environment covers a broad ESOL curriculum, including phonics, everyday life skills, and health and wellbeing topics.

Who we work with

Our primary focus is on local women who may find it challenging to access traditional educational resources. We also cater to parents of young children, providing them with the necessary skills to support their children’s early education.

How we work

Our ESOL courses are held at HTCCC, where we create an inclusive atmosphere for around 35-40 women each week. We also offer a free crèche to support mothers attending our programs.

"For parents on little or no income, we provide a service of baby clothes and equipment at our office in Manchester. Once a need has been verified, Image is able to offer support through the provision of various items of equipment including: clothes, bedding, bath, cot, buggy/pram, high chair, moses basket, fire guard, travel cot, nappies, breast pump, steriliser, baby bouncer, car seat. Please note there is a small charge for clothes and items of clothing unless you have no recourse to public funds"

ESOL and Life in the UK classes

Who we are

Maternity Action is a charity advocating for the rights of pregnant women and new mothers.

What we do

Our Women from Abroad project supports migrant women with advice on maternity rights, healthcare access, and financial support.

Who we work with

We assist migrant women, including asylum seekers and refugees, who are pregnant or new mothers.

What we do

We provide support in a variety of ways including online information sheets, peer support and our Maternity Rights Advice Line.

We have launched a dedicated Migrant Women Housing and Support Advice Service for pregnant women and new mothers across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire East region. We can provide advice on a range of issues including:

Housing and support for asylum seekers including who qualifies and how to apply
Advice on what to do if there are delays in receiving Home Office support
Advice for women who have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
Advice on maternity provisions, maternity grants and other payments for migrant and asylum seeking women
Advice for women who are survivors of trafficking and domestic abuse
Advice on adding a new dependent to a person’s Home Office support
Advice for pregnant women who are living in unsuitable Home Office accommodation or in hotels
Advice about NHS charges for maternity care and children’s care

The service provides free and confidential advice on entitlements to housing and support for migrant and asylum seeking women in Greater Manchester and Cheshire East.

"Manchester Women’s Aid provides services so that domestic abuse survivors can live a life free from the fear of domestic violence and abuse. We provide safe and confidential temporary accommodation, play services, advice and support, dedicated case workers and support groups. Their SAHARA Project is designed to work with BAME women and girls, who have been victim of DV&A. The service provides 1:1 outreach support and group work. We offer counselling as a part of a journey to the survivors who access and complete outreach and group program. SAHARA runs a weekly women's drop in where you can enjoy lunch, get information and advice about legal matters, benefit and housing issues. It is available for all women. SAHARA offers various term-time group work courses (crèche available) to women aged 16+ and children who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse which run throughout the year. We offer one group in a different language per term. The Pankhurst Centre women's drop in welcomes women of all ages and backgrounds. The drop in is a women’s only social group which allows women - free of charge and on an informal basis - to meet new friends and have fun. We offer wellbeing workshops and creative activities during some of the drop in sessions, and talks and discussions at others. The drop in allows women to socialise in a safe and supportive environment. There is a Family Law advice clinic on alternate weeks and a Shelter & Housing Benefits adviser once a month. Lunch is provided and a vegetarian option is always available. We are supported by Sheikh Nazim Helping Hands, a charity who provide lunches for everyone who wants one. The support offered aims to build confidence, self-esteem, awareness of domestic abuse, and impact of domestic abuse on women and children in a safe and supportive environment."

We are a charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Our 'HopeLine' service advisors want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present, and provide a safe space to talk through anything happenining in you rlife that could be impacting on your or anyone else's ability to stay safe. Our HopeLine service is available through call, text or email. We also offer a range of tools on our website, such as a suicide safety plan, information, and guideance.

"Advice and casework drop-in for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants. On our drop-in days you can also join our English classes, ask for IT skills support, have a hot drink and meet other people take part in activities, and enjoy a hot lunch. Social space with activities, lunch, and creche. Food and toiletries, cash payments, bus fares, suppport to move out of destitution for those with no access or entitlement to other support. An NHS Mental Health practioner from the Increasing Access to Physchological Therapies service attends Rainbow Haven once a week to deliver a clinic (by appointment only and only available ot those registered witha GP in Manchester borough) "

Our Asylum Crisis Project works with asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and those seeking to claim asylum, who are based in Greater Manchester, to understand their entitlements to accommodation and support, to access that support and to challenge barriers to that support, through advocacy, appeals and legal challenge. Asylum Crisis also seeks to ensure that the support provided is suitable and adequate for the needs of our clients. Asylum Crisis strives to ensure our clients are aware of and able to access a range of services including legal advice, health and social care, education, community groups, charitable support social and well-being opportunities. How to access service: Please contact by email or phone to refer yourself or others. No drop-in available’

"The Refugee Council receives direct referrals from the Home Office each time a looked after unaccompanied minor who is seeking asylum. The Refugee Council’s Children’s Panel provides advice and support to separated (unaccompanied) children and young people seeking asylum. The Children’s Panel is funded by the Home Office but we are a fully independent organisation and provide independent advice. The Children's Advisor, can offer; Advice about the asylum process and related matters to separated children and professionals involved. All Children’s Advisors are registered with the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) at Level 1. Advocacy for the young person in the form of acting as appropriate/responsible adult during meetings and interviews (e.g LAC reviews, Home office interviews, age assessments). Referrals to other services (e.g immigrations/welfare solicitors, Red Cross family tracing, social clubs). A means of linking up different professionals involved in the care and support of separated asylum seeking children and young people."

"OISC accredited Immigration advice drop-in on Tuesdays covering fee waivers for destitute/failed asylum seekers, family reunion-new arrivals support, discretional routes, Settlement Protection FLR FP- for our most vulnerable clients -these normally require fee waivers as financial circumstances mean they cant pay; Further leave to remain for dependents of refugees allowed in outside the immigration rules- fee waivers also required; Replacement biometric permit applications, change of name, transfer of conditions and no time limit for refugees and their dependents; Travel document applications; Citizenship applications for eligible children of applicants that we are helping with FLR -FP applications to reduce future burden of payments for extension applications. Other areas of advice: By appointments only. Women’s group arts and craft - every Monday except school or bank holidays (On referral basis) Allotment project Destitution support: food parcels and other essentials"

Drop-in service for asylum seekers and refugees covering move-on advice for newly recognised refugees, asylum support, No recourse to public funds, homelessness. Run non-accredited ESOL classes. Present at hub and register to access. Employability/IT support Volunteering programme. Social club (football, cycling, snooker, table tennis) Destitution support: food parcels and other essentials

"Safety4Sisters works to support migrant women across the North West who have experienced gender-based violence and who have no recourse to public funds or state benefits. They advise women with NRPF, that you may think there is no way to leave if you are dependent on your husband’s immigration status or you have no recourse to public funds and have no money; We urge you to talk, text or email us and we can help discuss your choices. Run a Migrant Women’s Support Group that gives voice to migrant women fleeing abuse. During the school holidays we run weekly trips with the women and children"

"Saheli Asian Women’s Project provides advice, information and support services to Asian women and their children fleeing domestic abuse and/or forced marriages and is based in Manchester, UK. Saheli gives Asian women a chance to get away from violent domestic situations by providing an environment which is safe, culturally familiar and which helps them come to decisions of their own about the next steps. If you are an Asian woman, with or without children and you are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse and would like support, you may call us in confidence. We have a range of holistic services and areas of work to meet the needs of Asian women facing domestic violence and their families. Click on the links to see more details. Refuge Accommodation Children & Abuse Outreach Hosla Service Forced Marriages Group Work Social Enterprise Volunteering Training Saheli are alo lead emebers of the Maya Partnership: The Manchester Maya Project is a partnership of 8 organisations: Saheli, Ananna, Wai Yin Society, Himmat, Women’s Voices, Wonderfully Made Woman, CDMUK and Bauer Academy working together to support BAMER women and girls. A collaborative approach to support Black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee women and girls in Manchester, dealing with crisis, accessing help and support, developing aspirations and achieving dreams. Service delivery partners will have improved links across the project partnership through the development of the project, its structures and cross referral pathways Service delivery partners will develop stronger and wider links with a range of external agencies including voluntary and statutory services for better pathways and specialist support"

"Our service offers support to Male survivors of sexual trauma; rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. We work with men (including those with trans identities/ non binary identities- assigned male or female at birth, we are inclusive and would gladly support anyone who feels like their experience pertains to our work) offering 1-to-1 therapy and also group and community activities towards their healing from sexual trauma. We also have an in-house ISVA service (independent sexual violence advisor) who support clients from reporting offences to the police all the way through criminal investigations and court processes. We also run a drop in every Monday 2-6pm, for survivors to meet, chill and get familiar with our service/ space. This is held at : Survivors Manchester: Unit 8 Brewery Yard, Deva City Office Park, Trinity Way, Salford, M3 7BB. We also offer 1-to-1 therapy to secondary beneficiaries, so those who are supporting men who are getting support for their trauma within our service (ie: partners, family members etc)."

"Delivering baby essentials to families in hardship across Greater Manchester. We have been funded to provide the following items: Nappies/Pull ups sizes 0-6, Wipes Baby or kids bath wash Shampoo Baby food 6m+ Formula milk stage 1 or 2 only Blue top milk Calpol / Teething gel Please note we do not provide food for babies over 12 months or stage 3 formula milk. We can provide blue top milk or milk alternative as per NHS guidance, and make a referral to a foodbank if the family need food. We have limited stocks of clothing available for newborn – 18 months old children but these are not guaranteed. Please ask and we will see what we can do. At the moment we do not have any prams or moses baskets or stair gates. If the items are for a family in urgent situations in need of these items (fleeing DV, temp accommodation, asylum seeker/refugee etc) please ask our team and we may be able to source the items for you. Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, our team now has a small capacity to help clients 1:1 or in peer support groups aimed at women with children under school age. We currently run peer support groups in Longsight and Gorton, and we will have groups in Salford and North Manchester by Spring 2022.

"Wai Yin Society has been supporting, empowering and working in partnership with Chinese individuals and families for more than 30 years. Founded in 1988 by a group of community-minded Chinese women, Wai Yin has become one of the largest Chinese Community centres in the UK, sustaining its operations through commissions and contracts with mainstream organisations. As the Society has grown, we have developed a range of employment, education and community services for Chinese men and women and for other ethnic minority groups, including Somali, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian and many European nationalities. Services include: Education, Training and Employment Support Women and Parenting Project Youth Services Older People Services Mental Health Support Crisis Support Services Food Bank Services Macmillan Cancer Support General Advice Volunteering Services Hate Crime Reporting Police Drop-in"

"Wood Street Mission helps support families living on a low income in Manchester and Salford, with practical support and services. We can help families with children’s clothes, toys, bedding, baby equipment and toiletries through our Family Basics service, from our base here in Manchester City Centre. Families can come along to our Book Clubs, to pick up books to take home and have a fun morning together each school holiday. Our SmartStart project can help with school uniform and other school kit, and at Christmas we can help with gifts for the children."