Talk English is a service based in Manchester that provides English language support for speakers of other languages. Their main aim is to help people improve their English skills for everyday life, work, and study.

The service offers a range of classes and one-to-one sessions tailored to the needs of learners. For example, they provide conversation classes to help improve speaking skills and listening exercises to enhance understanding. They also focus on practical English for specific situations, such as job interviews or everyday tasks.

How to access
To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on http://gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk / maes.info@manchester.gov.uk

Our Activity Groups provide safe spaces where refugees and people seeking asylum can come together to learn new skills, be active, foster community, and take care of their wellbeing. We offer regular women's, men's and mixed activity and sports groups.

Regular groups (weekly) include Women's Group, Women's Swimming (waiting list), and Men's Football. Temporary and one-off groups & programmes include Cookery, Women's Multi-sports, and Gardening. Through-out the year we run day trips in and around Bristol.

How to access

For women's activity groups, temporary programmes and day trips please message Sara on +44 7360606156 or email on sara@aidboxcommunity.co.uk.

For men's groups please message Jesse on +44 7492197372 or email on jesse@aidboxcommunity.co.uk.

Whether you'd like to practise your English, find a community of friends, or chat about important questions in life and faith, this is the place to be. We offer free English classes and activities.

How to access

Feel free to drop in, to access ESOL classes please email hello@alexandrialibrary.co.uk

All in One Learning Centre helps and supports people in the community with regard to education, employment, and overall well-being. They aim to create a positive educational environment to enable ESOL learners to develop their skills to find employment or make progress in their education and opportunities that encourage growth, responsibility, and productivity.

Classes run from Pre-Entry to Level 1, where learners are given the opportunity to achieve qualifications in ESOL, English and maths. All In One Learning Centre focuses on improving people’s relationships and careers by providing educational opportunities that will help them regain or gain confidence in their ability to return to or attend college, as well as improve their skill level so they can compete more effectively in the labour market.

How to access

Referral or self referrals via online form - https://allinonelearningcentre.co.uk/sponsors/'

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

Complete an assessment on http://gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk or call on 0161 871 2619'

ATM Training is a UK-based training provider that offers a range of courses aimed at improving skills for individuals and businesses. They focus on various areas, including health and safety, first aid, and personal development.

Their services include training programmes for employees to ensure they meet industry standards. For example, they provide first aid courses that teach essential life-saving skills and health and safety training to help workplaces stay compliant with regulations. They also offer customer service training, which helps staff improve their communication and service skills.

How to access

Referrals by phone or email (0161 224 5367 or 07399 127128 / info@atm-training.co.uk)

Brass Bolton offers immigration advice and support to individuals needing help with their immigration status in the UK. They work primarily with vulnerable groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, and those facing challenges in their immigration process.

Their services include mainly the provision of support for refugee travel documents , e-visas , asylum support S95 & S4, and citizenship applications. The charity , where necessary , makes referrals to relevant partners to help resolve complex issues related to immigration status. It also supports service users to understand their rights and responsibilities whilst in the UK

Brass Bolton collaborates with various organisations and community groups to reach those who may need support. They can also refer clients to legal aid and specialist legal services when needed. This ensures that individuals receive comprehensive help tailored to their specific situations.

Overall, Brass Bolton aims to empower clients by providing clear information, practical assistance, and emotional support throughout the immigration process, helping them navigate challenges and achieve a better future in the UK.


How to access

To access this service you need an appointment - please email admin@brass-bolton.org.uk

The Booth Centre is a charity based in Manchester that supports homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness. They offer a welcoming environment where people can access essential services and activities.

The Centre provides various support, including hot meals, showers, and laundry facilities. They also offer advice on housing, employment, and health. They organise workshops to improve job skills, as well as social activities like art and music sessions, helping people build confidence and connections.

Volunteering:

We are open Monday to Friday during the day, so are looking for volunteers who are able to help during the week.

Please email chris@boothcentre.org.uk for more information and to get started

How to access:

Contact Harris on 0161 835 2499 / harris@boothcentre.org.uk

British Red Cross provides a drop in service one day a week. It provides a social space, including a hot meal and a wide range of activities including:

• Case work
• ESOL
• health and wellbeing
• arts and crafts
• employability support
• signposting to other social activities and support

How to access

Drop in.

British Red Cross provides a drop in service one day a week. It provides a social space, including a hot meal and a wide range of activities including:

• Case work
• ESOL
• health and wellbeing
• arts and crafts
• employability support
• signposting to other social activities and support

How to access

Drop in.

British Red Cross provides a drop in service one day a week. It provides a social space, including a hot meal and a wide range of activities including:

• Case work
• ESOL
• health and wellbeing
• arts and crafts
• employability support
• signposting to other social activities and support

How to access

Drop in.

British Red Cross provides a drop in service one day a week. It provides a social space, including a hot meal and a wide range of activities including:

• case work
• ESOL
• health and wellbeing
• arts and crafts
• employability support
• signposting to other social activities and support

How to access

Drop in

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access:

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

Caring and Sharing Rochdale runs an asylum seeker and refugee drop-in. We provide services in befriending, skills development, mental health, IT, English language and signposting to other services.

How to access

Attend drop in or call on 01706 527880 / 07944 238892 or email at info@caringand sharingrochdale.org

The Well Project offers time and space to those who are seeking asylum and refuge. There is an opportunity to discuss their worries about paperwork, learn and enjoy cultural exchanges, cook together and learn English through their activities.

ESOL specific provision on Thursdays.

How to access

Drop in service during hours listed.

Cheetham Advice Centre is a local charity that provides free, confidential advice and support to residents in Cheetham, Crumpsall and across Manchester. Their aim is to help individuals navigate various challenges, including financial difficulties, housing issues, and welfare benefits. The Centre offers services such as assistance with budgeting, help with applying for benefits, and advice on housing rights. They also provide support for issues like employment and immigration.

How to access

Call us on 0161 7408999 or pop into drop ins. '

We currently provide support to refugees through the Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme. We are also able to provide some support for asylum seekers through Migrant Help UK. We are OISC level 2 registered and so can give basic advice/information on immigration and asylum and protection issues.

How to access

Through drop in or call us on 07493 114860

Community Revival UK offers non-accredited and accredited courses to ESOL learners. They provide informal and relaxed classes designed to improve wellbeing and language skills, particularly those from the BAME community including asylum seekers and refugees. Their varied online ESOL programme across Tameside includes Functional Skills qualifications, wellbeing courses, as well as information, advice and guidance to learners. ESOL Skills for Life courses are available from Entry 1 to Level 2 and cover everyday scenarios to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking to support English language skills both at home and in the workplace. Courses last typically for 60 hours and a City & Guilds Certificate is awarded on successful completion.

How to access

Call or email

We offer courses in ESOL, Maths, English, Education and Training, Information, Advice and Guidance, Skills Support for the Workforce and Digital Skills. We also run projects aimed at improving individuals’ wellbeing. ESOL Skills for Life courses are available from Entry 1 to Level 2 and cover everyday scenarios to develop reading, writing, listening and speaking to support English language skills both at home and in the workplace. Courses last typically for 60 hours and a City & Guilds Certificate is awarded on successful completion.

Classes at:

Chorlton: (Monday to Thursday 9.30am to.30pm & 1.30pm to 3.30pm) – 2 Selborne Rd, Manchester M21 0BL

Rusholme: (Monday to Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm) – Ethnic Health Forum, 1st Floor, 195 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5AQ

Cheetham Hill: (Monday to Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm) – Welcome Centre, 18 Brentfield Ave, Manchester M8 0TW

Longsight: (Thursday Morning 10am to 12pm) – Rethink Rebuild Society, Unit 7 Longsight Business Park, Manchester M13 0PQ

Ashton: (Monday & Tuesday 10am to 12.30pm) – Broadoak and Smallshaw Community Centre, Broadoak Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne 0L6 8RS

How to access

Drop in to our centre 11am - 3pm on Weekdays. Please bring ID, and proof of address if you have it. Alternatively, you can fill our our online application form at http://www.communityrevival.co.uk/index.php/local-application/

Culture Bridge run a drop in service with multiple activities including: art, music, ESOL, women’s groups, culturally appropriate meal and sports. We also organised special one off events such as picnics and days out. See our website for all activities but specific groups include:

Tuesdays: Culture Bridge-Stockport CAN project. Also, supporting the refugee women group at the Bradberry Hotel.

Wednesdays: Refugee Connect Day. Women Group Workshops. We arrange multicultural Art activities for the refugee, asylum seeking and migrant women group to meet in a safe space where they can share their experiences and journeys of leaving their birth-home countries and integrating into their new lives in the UK.

Thursday: working with the Woodbank Community Gardening workshop to support a group of the asylum-seeking adults at the Britannia hotel to improve their mental and physical health wellbeing.

Fridays: Women’s Multicultural Art & culture activities.

How to access

Wednesday drop in or call us for more information about activities

Diversity Matters North West works with various groups, including individuals, families, and community organisations. They aim to empower people by providing access to resources, training, and support. They offer workshops on job skills, help someone create a CV, or connect clients with counselling services. Diversity Matters Northwest also works on community projects to promote inclusivity and understanding among different cultures.

How to access

Drop in or referral through email/phone.

The group has English conversation and an art sessions such as craft, maths and chess. Also, we do some family activities such as picnics and cooking for mothers and children. The group collaborates with other communities and organisations to run events such as refugee week, New year, Black history month, festivals, and Hate crime week. In all activities, we inform family and participants to join the event. In addition, we have some workshops related to well-being and mental health and the group is doing signposting and receiving referrals.

How to access

Call us for more information about joining activities

We are a local charity based in Parbold, Lancashire which provides a welcoming, befriending and practical support including English language skills to asylum seekers and refugees living in the local areas of Skelmersdale and Wigan. We have over 20 volunteers working with families in Wigan and Skelmersdale befriending, helping with English conversation and supporting them as they settle into our community.

How to access

Email us

Every week we have:

Free English classes from Pre Entry to Entry 3 every week unless otherwise stated in the timetable and one to one reading practice is also available.

Lunch and breakfast provided for registered members.

Free crèche for up to 10 pre-school children 10.00 to 12.00

Information and Advocacy provided by community workers in community languages (Somali, Arabic and Chinese). We also have volunteer community workers who speak a range of languages.

We offer various well-being workshops and activities including arts and crafts.

We have specialist support available for members who are survivors or are currently experiencing violence against women and girls.

We focus on basic language and literacy skills for the members in greatest need of help.

We run classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Pre-Entry and Entry 1 students. We also have a poetry group for higher levels at 10:30am on Wednesday morning.

Classes are open to all asylum seekers and refugees but when our classes are at capacity priority will be given to those without other education options e.g. someone who has not yet been in the country for 6 months

If we cannot accommodate someone in our classes we will do our best to look at other education options for them.

How to access

Classes can be accessed by emailing or by registering at our Monday or Tuesday Welcome Centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm

Jacari provides a range of bespoke English language learning opportunities for young people, delivered by our volunteers. We match volunteers to a pupil who has English as an additional language (EAL) who they support weekly during term-time, helping them improve their English language skills and increasing their confidence. Our volunteers are mostly university and sixth-form students and provide their pupil with a mentor who makes education fun, and inspires a love of learning in their tutees.

The service is run by volunteers and provides English language and life skills support to registered members subject to availability. The lessons focus on teaching practical language skills that women can use in their daily lives, for example going to the doctors, shopping or applying for jobs. English language and life skills support continues to be a primary activity at our weekly drop-in. We can help with pre-entry, Entry 1, Entry 2, entry 2/3 and entry 3.

To access our ESOL classes, an ESOL assessment will need to be carried out by us or any of our BRASP partners.

As a compliment to the work undertaken in ESOL classes, we also provide 1:1 reading and conversations classes in order to enhance confidence-building in spoken/written English.

Our services are available to registered members* only and take place in our weekly Tuesdays, term-time only drop-in centre. All pre-school children are welcome.

*Women and female-identifying only.

FAST (Families and Schools Together) is a service that helps families and schools work together to support children's development. They focus on improving the well-being of children, especially those facing challenges at home or school.

Referrals to FAST can come from teachers, social workers, and other professionals who notice a child in need of additional support.

FAST runs others groups including:

- We Are Digital

- ESOL

- accredited and conversation

- Life In The UK Exam training

- Basic computer skills

- possibility of gaining a free tablet at the end of this course

- National Data Bank - over 6 months free data

- Employment skills and CV

How to access

Drop into our centre or call us

Our free English conversation classes will help you to improve your confidence and ability to use English in everyday situations. Lessons are suitable for complete beginners to intermediate level. We mainly focus on speaking and listening but also encourage reading and writing according to the student’s requirements. Sessions are led by qualified teachers with the support of other volunteers who draw from a range of resources, including ESOL Entry Level 1, English My Way and bespoke support.

How to access

Drop ins welcome

GM ESOL is a web based gateway to access ESOL across Greater Manchester.

You will need to complete a short application. We will then contact you to arrange an assessment for an ESOL class in your local area. If you wish to join an ESOL class but you are not able to complete an online application, you will need to make an appointment to have an assessment in your local area.

Regional Email addresses:

esol@manchester.gov.uk, esol@rochdale.gov.uk, esolpathways@wigan.gov.uk, SalfordESOL@salford.gov.uk, esol@bury.gov.uk, esol@trafford.gov.uk, esol@oldham.gov.uk, esol@stockport.gov.uk, esol@bolton.gov.uk

How to access

Make a referral through this link https://gmesol.org/make-a-referral/. You can also sign up to a class as an individual here https://gmesol.org/take-a-test/ .

We provide :

Advice Bills, Housing, Debts and Finances, Universal Credit, Personal Issues, Benefit Appeals, Sanctions in PIP and ESA, Completion of housing forms.

ESOL courses that will help you improve your Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading. Pre-Entry, Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3 ESOL. (Must be on mainstream benefits or working less than 16 hours to be eligible.)

Employment training, advice and support if you are currently out of work seeking employment.

Courses including: Child Care - level 1, level 1 City & Guilds; Health & Social Care - level 1, level 2 City & Guilds; Security Guard courses; Interpreter & translator service.

Apprenticeships available for 16-24 year olds

How to access

Call or email us

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

Who we are
Heart4Refugees is a charity that support refugees to fully integrate into our community, helping them to build new, successful lives and relationships. We provide practical assistance, advocacy, and community integration services.

What we do
We offer support through our drop-in centre and community activities such as Art Therapy, Yoga and Bicycle club. We also offer ESOL and non-accredited English classes through LifelongLearning.

How to access

Our drop-in centre is open three days a week to provide a safe and welcome space for asylum seekers and refugees to meet, gather and enjoy any of our wellbeing activities, our garden, ESOL classes and homemade food.

You can also complete the referral form on our website.

We offer free cooking classes as a way to learn English, learn new recipes, and meet new people. We offer free English lessons and events.

How to access

Join our whatsapp group via our website to stay connected, share recipes and practice your English. Currently offering face to face and remote options.

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.

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. 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.

How to access

Get in touch with us on 0161 339 0236, or call into the Centre, to find out when our next courses start and how to enrol.

Hope Cafe for asylum seekers provides food, clothes, household items, bikes where possible, English conversation, coffee, a place to relax and chat, and we help with whatever we can, from form filling, to phone calls, to helping with setting up bank accounts. We have also been delivering food to homes, and have helped with many and varied practical needs, such as ringing doctors, asylum help, helping with setting up bank accounts, reading letters, and often just a friendly face to support people in their situations.

How to access

Drop in or call Phil on 07906616373

We are an independent charity dedicated to the development and economic regeneration of the communities of Rochdale.

Our support for refugees and migrants includes ESOL classes, job clubs and guidance, advice, and assistance for settlement in the UK. Moreover, our holistic key worker approach covers areas such as healthcare, employment, housing, education, and training.

KYP also provides a bi-lingual Welfare Advice service for those that struggle to access the support they need due to language barriers.

How to access

Please contact KYP on 01706 630140 for further information or referrals.

Learning Unlimited are based in London but offer a lot of online ESOL conversation clubs and free resources.

Online conversation clubs:

Learning Unlimited offers free online drop-in conversation clubs for migrants/refugees living in the UK aged 19+ and with at least E2 level English.

No registration is necessary, just come along if you are free!

Great place to practise your English language speaking and listening skills and meet others living around the country.

How to access:

The conversation clubs take place on Zoom. Access the Zoom links via https://www.learningunlimited.co/online-conversation-clubs/

For more information please visit our main website www.learningunlimited.co or our Instagram page @learnunltd

Levenshulme Inspire is a community-led organisation which brings together people from many backgrounds to transform our area through community activity, creativity, enterprise and fun.

Our work radiates from the Inspire Centre, a community and business hub at the heart of Levenshulme which is open to everyone to hold meetings and organise activities and events.

We offer a range of events to the community (see website), and our Cafe is open Monday - Friday for food and friends. Foodcycle provide free community meals on Thursdays. ESOL course also run from the centre. Play sessions for pre school children from 9.30am – 11am every Wednesday in the cafe space, with biscuits and juice for only £1 per session.

How to access:

Stop by our cafe or visit our website for events.

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A non judgmental, safe space to talk, listen, or creatively engage.

ESOL: We offer a FREE ESOL and Citizenship, which consist of a informal platform to engage in english conversation, History and British culture as well as learning and celebrating other cultures and traditions which represent the diversity of our weekly group attendees.
Cultural Community Kitchen: A cultural community kitchen program, led by local resident volunteers. Building a community empowerment program that will educate “why to “and “how to” through culturally appropriate food.

Our organisation is very well connected to local voluntary and statutory service and works together to create a holistic package of support for all members of the family or individual needs.

How to access

Drop-ins are welcome.

The Manchester Adult Education Service offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses designed to help non-native speakers improve their English skills. These courses are aimed at adults from diverse backgrounds, including migrants, refugees, and anyone looking to enhance their language abilities for work or everyday life.

The ESOL courses focus on key language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For example, learners can participate in classes that help them communicate effectively in various situations, such as at work, school, or during social interactions.

In addition to language instruction, the Manchester Adult Education Service provides information about further education, job training, and other community resources. This holistic approach helps learners not only improve their English but also gain confidence and skills for a better future in the UK. Overall, the service aims to empower individuals by fostering their language development and integration into the community.

How to access:

All applications are process through the centralised GM ESOL Service website - https://gmesol.org/take-a-test/. You will then be invited for an initial assessment on site at one of our campuses and placed on the waiting list.

A part of Greater Manchester ESOL. We offer funded ESOL courses in 4 locations from Entry 1 to Level 2. We offer ESOL for 16-18 year olds, and adult learning classes.

ESOL Adult Learning:

- Must have AEB Funding Eligibility

- Must be aged 19 or over (if aged between 19 and 23, you must already have a level 2 or equivalent qualification)

- Must not have previously completed the course you are wanting to enrol on.

- If you are on a spouse VISA, you must have been living in the EU for the last 3 years.

If you are unsure on your eligibility fill out our application form or contact GM ESOL Advice Service.

How to access

All applications are process through the centralised GM ESOL Service website - https://gmesol.org/take-a-test/. You will then be invited for an initial assessment on site at one of our campuses and placed on the waiting list.

Manchester Migrant Solidarity (Manchester MiSol) is a self-help group set up as a convergence space for all migrants including asylum seekers offering practical and social activities for mutual support, empowerment and solidarity with non-migrants to build a powerful political voice against the systematic mistreatment of migrants in the UK.

Here are some of what we undertake:

- Awareness raising of migrants and asylum seekers’ issues

- Workshops (appeals, legal, campaigning etc.)

- Language help/lessons

- Socials (cooking etc.)

- Anti-deportation mobilisation and detention support

- Film showings/talks/infosessions

How to access

Contact us directly by email or telephone, or through our online contact form.

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

Volunteers and staff help with asylum support, asylum process, claiming asylum, how to access to immigration advice and referrals and signposting to other solicitor firms and legal services colleagues.

The team also assist with:

• Refugee travel documents (for those with refugee status only)
•Naturalisation as British Citizen (adult)
• Registration as British Citizen (child)
• Lost BRP card
• EEA residence cards for EEA national and their family members (including permanent residency)
• NLT and TOC (bio-metric residence card for those with visa in passport of paper document)
• Leave in line application (for a child of a refugee born after parent is granted refugee status).

Also help with the provision on advice and practical support on accessing to services including housing, access to health and welfare services.

Also deliver ESOL classes, Language Parties, Language Clubs, Migrants Voices from the North – Radio Show.

The Language Employability and Integration Hubs are aimed to support people from diverse migrant communities who are new in the UK to not only learn English but also to reduce levels of isolation encouraging them to understand English culture, skills for life and increase chances to get employment.

The LE Integration Hubs also is a platform to understand multiculturalism and develop conversations about respect and tolerance. Teachers and volunteers deliver English for Skill for Life sessions covering basic and advanced grammar Provide access to private housing to refuges that have status, along with a six month reintegration package to help people claim benefits, education, healthcare, local orientation etc.

How to access:

Main ESOL contact: sandra@migrantsupport.org.uk

Volunteer coordinator: sophie@migrantsupport.org.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

If English is not your first language and you want to improve your English speaking, reading and writing skills our English Classes are the place for youOur classes are open to anyone who wants to improve their English speaking and listening skills as well as enhance their reading and writing abilities. We have no minimum language requirement and cater for a range of abilities.

We run two classes simultaneously: a beginners and an intermediate class. All lessons are delivered by warm and friendly staff who are keen to help you learn. Classes run every Wednesday from 10am-12pm at Oldham Bethel Church. We usually begin with tea and coffee in order to get to know one another better. This means you learn English in a classroom setting as well as having the opportunity to put your speaking skills into practice by talking with native English-speakers.

Community Food Bags: Turn up outside the church between 11-12 on a Saturday if you need help with a few items of food. No voucher required. Just turn up and pick up a bag or two of food donated by local supermarkets.

How to access

Drop in

We are an Adult Education provider (19 years and older) and offer English as a Second Language to residents across the borough in order to help learners to improve their English language.

Our provision is based across three main centres:

• Coldhurst Lifelong Learning Centre, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2HR

• Oldham Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL

• Werneth Park Lifelong Learning Centre, Frederick Street, Werneth, Oldham, OL8 1RB

Services include:

Oldham Lifelong Learning Service offer a range of vocational and non-vocational provision at Pre Entry, Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3 and Level 1.

Learners can work towards the Ascentis Award in ESOL Speaking & Listening, Award in ESOL Reading and Award in ESOL Writing across the academic year.

Courses are either one or two classes per week. Courses are four mornings or four afternoons per week. The provision is offered to Pre Entry, Entry 1 and Entry 2 learners who are actively looking for work.

How to access:

You can access this service via GM ESOL website or Job Centre coach.

All applications are processed through the centralised GM ESOL Service website - https://gmesol.org/take-a-test/. You will then be invited for an initial assessment on site at one of our campuses and placed on the waiting list.

Job Centre Plus learners can be referred for an initial assessment via their work coach by contacting Margaret Manning on 0161 770 1531.

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

Rainbow Haven have a variety of activities including:

• ESOL
• Digital skills

• Well-being activities
• Mother and baby groups
• Gardening
• Volunteering opportunities
• Refugee and mentors led work and skills club

How to access
To learn more about our classes and clubs, please email info@rainbowhaven.org.uk and we’ll get you signed up.

Rethink Rebuild Society (RR) is a Manchester-based charity that works towards improving the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, in particular but not exclusively Syrians in the UK, helping them become positively established within British society.

Services provided:

• Refugee Support- Advice service that provides support with benefits, job searches, and immigration matters. They also provide advice regarding education, housing and employment. Education and training are also provided in computer skills, entrepreneurship, and volunteering opportunities, mainly in English.

• Social Inclusion- Education and training in English language and culture; promotes the arts culture and heritage of refugee communities; and provides recreational facilities that bring communities together and relieve isolation.

• Social Gatherings- They run social gatherings, in particular but not exclusively, for the Syrian community during Eid days and Christmas and Easter holidays, a time when many may feel particularly lonely or isolated, away from family and friends.

• Annual Syrian Day- Their annual 'Syrian Fun Day' is a celebration of Syrian heritage that brings together hundreds of people from all over the country. Typically hosted during the summer, this event is widely attended by guests and dignitaries who enjoy Syrian food and explore a market-style array of clothing, literature, souvenirs, and more.

• Monthly Seminars and Movie Screenings- Their monthly seminars and movie screenings address issues pertaining to Syria or Syrians, or refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants from other countries, and allow for constructive discussion and debate.

• Educational Projects- In collaboration with a number of charities and organisations, has already initiated educational projects as well as children and adolescent protection programmes. They have helped establish and support schools in several parts of Syria that together are accommodating thousands of Syrian children of varying ages.

To Access:

You may drop in and wait for one of their team to help you or call the office to book an appointment before you come.

Drop-in service for asylum seekers and refugees covering move-on advice for newly recognised refugees, asylum support, No recourse to public funds, homelessness.

Revive run a variety of activities at their drop in including

• 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

How to access

Drop-in or agency referral. Through the organisation referral form - https://www.revive-uk.org/drop-in-services/

Our ESOL Skills for Life Academy is ideal for adults aged 19+ who want to improve their English, find work and integrate successfully into life in the UK.

Courses are free to eligible learners and build important communication, social and functional skills. We can help you with the settlement process and with boosting employability.

In addition we provide:

Face-to-face delivery

An understanding of British culture and values to help you adjust to life in the UK

Support with IT skills

Enrichment opportunities, including visits to libraries, museums and art galleries

To Access:

To make a referral please contact them via phone or email.

Speak&Eat is a free, regular six-week cookery and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class that is open to refugees and asylum seekers who are looking to improve their English, whilst preparing and sharing delicious foods from around the world. During each weekly session, we explore a different cuisine chosen by individual group participants. Together we cook and prepare dishes from countries across the world. We then learn and practice dining traditions and customs from those countries as we sit together around the dining table to enjoy the food we have cooked. An hour is also dedicated to speak and improve English skills with the guide of the super talented and amazing Aisha, our qualified English teacher. To refer someone or find out more, please contact Kelly.

We generally have several ESOL courses and conversation groups running at St John’s at various levels, in association with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). Please note that these courses are only open to people who are not working.

We also have our open access, volunteer-led groups, which are free and open to anyone at any level. ESOL Group and Discover Manchester.

We are always looking for volunteers to help in our ESOL groups – if you can speak and read English well and would like to help, please contact Claire Trivino at claire@stjohnscentre.org or call.

To Access:

If you or someone you know needs to improve their English, your first step should be to talk to the Trafford ESOL Service for an assessment, and information about ESOL classes in Trafford Borough. They hold a drop-in session at St John’s Centre from 1-3pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month if you would like to talk to someone in person – no appointment needed, you can just drop-in. Steph will access your level, discuss your learning needs, and help you to choose the right course to achieve your goals.

At Stockport Continuing Education Service, we believe that education is a lifelong journey, and it's never too late to start. Our mission is: to support and develop learning communities in order to promote economic well-being and social inclusion

We offer a variety of courses including:

• English

• ESOL

• Maths

• Children & Young People

• Community Interpreting

• Counselling

For course details, please get in touch with us at 0161 474 5801 or by email.

At Stockport Race Equality Partnership we support and advocate for Ethnic Communities within Stockport including Refugees. We aim to integrate communities in Stockport, influence decision-makers, improve health outcomes, tackle food poverty, align services and funding to better support EDC, strengthen EDC-led organisations.

We work to bring different communities together, to learn from each other, reduce mistrust and generate positive relationships. We do this by running:

• Knowledge Forums: regular events that bring people from all backgrounds together

• Educational events: at key times of the year, e.g. Black History Month, Hate Crime Awareness Week.

• Brave Spaces: cross-cultural conversations to help us build back better.

• Bring together key NHS, social care and other partners to improve the services our communities receive.

We can represent ethnically diverse communities in Stockport to the Council, the Mayor, GMCA, our MP, the NHS and others.

To Access:

Please contact us via phone or email if you need our help or know of someone who needs our help. Also if you would like to work with us, have a project you would like to collaborate on or if you would like to volunteer with us and help your local ethnically diverse community.

​If you need culturally appropriate support and advice when facing systemic racism and are a resident of Stockport then please get in touch.

You can also drop into our EDP Advice hub every Tuesday.

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If you are an organisation in Stockport that needs to better support ethnically diverse people thrive to make your company more inclusive and less institutionally racist then please get in touch too.

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