Social Activities and Community Groups

"Active Through Football (ATF) is a Sport England & Football Foundation funded project, that is centered around providing physical activity opportunities for individuals who have previously faced barriers. ATF works by giving ownership of sessions to our communities and encouraging leadership development. I'm working closely with several partner organisations across the city to use the ATF funding to provide free and fun sessions that include (but are not limited to) football, boxercise, soccercise and football yoga, These activities are tailored to support individuals get active in a way that suits them, and they have a say in the activity, the time & the place. The goal is to create sustainable habits to help not only their physical, mental and social well-being but also enhance life skills. This project is using a place-based approach to capture our audiences, with the West Oldham corridor being chosen for the 5-year project, and we are looking at supporting individuals 16+. Free football every Thursday at Broadfield Primary School 20:00 – 21:00 "

"Welcome to ACAB An organisation that aims to celebrate the different cultures of Africans and Friends of as well as supporters in Bolton We aim to: Unite all Africans, with all those in Bolton who support the aims of the association, irrespective of race, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or caring responsibility. Assist all those members experiencing disadvantage, need or inequality whenever any need arises and to treat. Advance portray and promote the rich, colourful cultures, arts, heritage and traditions of the nations of Africa. Promote and create racial, ethnic and religious harmony, diversity and peace within the community. Advance the education of young people by creating an institution that will encourage them to understand and develop and interest in the cultures and traditions of Africa. Create recreational facilities for all members with special reference to children and the elderly. Engage in community work and assist in any charitable activities orgnaise events and activities such as movie screenings, hate crime awareness, meals, trips, tresure hnts for children,"

"Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender intersexual and queer (LGBTIQ) people of African heritage, the wider Black Asian Minority Ethnic groups and asylum seekers and refugees. Programmes and Services offered: Signposting to immigration advice and other mainstream services. Organise social events and activities. Offer free counselling. Support LGBTIQ people seeking asylum with no recourse to public fund by subsidising transport fares and other costs such as food. Support destitute members with weekly subsistence. Offer hot meals for members. Offer moral and practical supports to people in detention centres. Offer moral support and evidence in court. Offer buddy support for members to sign at immigration reporting centres. provide support through referrals to solicitors, housing and medical services. We offer 1-2-1 counselling, online group mental health and physical wellbeing workshops, reimbursement of expenses, prepare to claim asylum, write support letters, attending court hearings where practicable. We provide reasonable destitution support when we have resources for it. ARF has fives centres across the UK: Manchester, Birmingham, London, Leeds, and Cardiff. We hold monthly group meetings at each local centre which is a safe space for our service users to attend. "

"Ask Club is a drop-in session held on Monday afternoons 12pm to 4pm. Services include: *Free food/clothing donations *Free refreshments *Pool/table football, backgammon, board games *Health advocacy e.g help people access NHS services *Legal services signposting, finding clients solicitors, reading and translating legal correspondence, sending emails/ making phone calls to solicitors, the local MP etc *AS Support rights advocacy: help with S95, S4, ARC Card, Serco etc *English class *Covid-19 LFT testing, free, masks, vaccinations advice support I work with a paid Arabic translator/advice worker. We are fortunate to have several solid volunteers."

Some of the services we provide are: Casework – Destitution – OISC 1 Immigration advice – English classes – Meals – Clothing – Social and more

"Homeless Day Centre. At the Beacon Support Centre on Bloom Street, they offer regular morning sessions inclusing food, showers and clothing, and there's also a nurse available on Thursday 9:30am to 12pm. Support office located at 61 Bloom Street, available Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Timetable of activities here: https://www.barnabus-manchester.org.uk/drop-in-timetable Support workers ar also available and offer confidential support on a wide range of issues - from finding volunteering and paid employment, to emergency accommodation referrals and locating detox programmes. Update from Hannah at Barnabus, August 2021, - - They offer a rough breakfast from 7.30am for any rough sleepers – they can just turn up. - They work with rough sleepers aged 25 years plus - People are allocated an appointment in their drop in, currently- due to Covid, but it often gets booked up at the rough breakfast - If we are sending people to the drop in, we should phone ahead to make sure its not a wasted journey for them. - Drop in has access to: o Showers o Advice and information o Urban village (GP) o Opticians o Physios o CFL (Drug dependency team) o Mental Health worker NB, these services are often booked in advance but have spaces available on the day due to no shows. Call ahead as they may be able to help. "

Advice on asylum support and move-on. OISC Immigration & Asylum Level 1; ESOL ( Zoom & Face to face) , non accredited. Wellbeing / Social activities / Women Group.

GMYN is a charity that helps young people. Our Being Together programme is specially for asylum-seekers and refugees who arrived in the UK under 18 without parents/guardians. We work with these children and young people up to age 21, in partnership with GMIAU. We offer: Weekly groups in different areas of Greater Manchester, after school/college. These groups are a fun social space where young people can try activities like art, cooking, sport, volunteering, or learn about life in the UK. Weekly English Conversation Club in central Manchester on Tuesday afternoons. Reward trips in the holidays. One-to-one support sessions from a youth worker. Regular information sessions from GMIAU to help young people understand the asylum process. Girls Group, led by a female facilitator. Group timings subject to change. To join our programme, young people need to be referred by contacting Sarah Sunarko at sarah.sunarko@gmyn.co.uk to access the referral form.

"The club offers young people a a safe place to be themselves, meet new people as well as trying a range of activities, play and sport and support services. The Diverse Voices lead at the cub supports refugees and asylum seekers who are members at the Club, with form filling, renewing residency status, supporting them calling the Home Office/explaining things to them so they understand what is being asked of them, improving their language skills through conversation and giving them experiences such as Jump Xtreme, Bowling, visiting other youth zones such as Chorley, Wigan and Manchester when trips are being organised. Employability and Enterprise Worker, can also work with them for CV writing, personal statement for college/Uni, mock interviews and preparing them for the working world. Any other needs that emerge, like food issues, we support them with a food parcel and signpost them to their closest food banks. "

ESOL Classes, Talk English, Employability Workshops, Wellbeing Sessions, Social Activities, Light Refreshment, Advice, Referral & Signposting (housing, health, education, welfare rights & entitlements, etc), Emergency Cash Support, Information Sessions, Extra hub activities i.e. Sports, Guided Visits, Etc.

Financial support provided to refused asylum seekers for up to 12 weeks. While offered with this support, caseworkers refer/signpost service users to access legal advice, community care, Section 4, emergency accommodation; Clothing. Foyer for socialising, light lunch provided

"We provide face-to-face orientation support to people currently seeking asylum, or people who have received Leave to Remain, in the Oldham area. This support includes casework, English classes, wellbeing activities, workshops, tea, coffee, lunch and a place to meet friends. Our activities and workshops are flexible, depending on feedback we receive from our service users: ESOL Classes, Talk English, Employability Workshops, Wellbeing Sessions, Social Activities, Light Refreshment, Advice, Referral & Signposting (housing, health, education, welfare rights & entitlements, etc), Emergency Cash Support, Information Sessions, Extra hub activities i.e. Sports, Guided Visits, Etc."

We provide face-to-face orientation support to people currently seeking asylum, or people who have received Leave to Remain, in the Rochdale area. This support includes casework, English classes, wellbeing activities, workshops, tea, coffee, lunch and a place to meet friends.

ESOL Classes, Talk English, Employability Workshops, Wellbeing Sessions, Social Activities, Light Refreshment, Advice, Referral & Signposting (housing, health, education, welfare rights & entitlements, etc), Emergency Cash Support, Information Sessions, Extra hub activities i.e. Sports, Guided Visits, Etc.

"Deliver an asylum seeker and refugee drop-in for poeple to conenct and shar their experiences; confidential one-on-one mental health support; access to IT and English classes; signposting to other services Other services include: Mentorship services for young people. Signposting and support to women fleeing domestic violence. Befriending service to women and families that are isolated or those going through hard times. Welcoming and support services to newcomers in the community. Cultural awareness program to celebrate the diversity in Rochdale. Food shopping and delivery to those that are shielding. Phone calling/chatting to those isolated to reduce the effects and pressure of mental health and depression."

"Women come for company and friendship, they feel safe and cared for. There is an opportunity to discuss their worries about paperwork, learn and enjoy cultural exchanges, cook together and learn English through their activities. NB. they have project workers who speak Arabic and Farsi available. ESOL clases also available at the project: Tuesdays, from 12 noon until 2 pm The session is led by Abi a qualified ESOL teacher and supported by a great group of volunteers. There are opportunities to learn basic vocabulary, conversational English and cultural exchange.Participants are assessed on arrival and assigned a volunteer."

"CAN provides a range of arts activities, accessible events, training for artists from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds and projects which we deliver in partnership with other organisations and community groups. We also run the Horizons Festival which usually coincides with Refugee Week and often run free events for refugees and asylum seekers as part of that. We have a children and young people’s programme providing free, accessible, participatory cultural activities which are intercultural. We always ensure these activities are accessible to children from refugees and asylum seeker backgrounds, as well as other young people who wish to attend. As our programmes are project funded, it is best to check our website for a current list of activities. Home - Community Arts North () In summer 2022 we have a project aimed at young people who are new the country and their friends. Information about this programme and how to access it is on the link below: Call out! August activities for CAN Young Artists - Community Arts North "

"• Arts and crafts workshops - Knitting, crochet, drawing, music workshops, using our volunteers to run activities and visiting workshop practitioners. • Play activities - these run every session, staffed by volunteers. • English Language activities We have 3 ESOL classes (Beginners, Intermediate and Advance levels) run for small groups, 15-20 at a time, with simple nouns and verbs in written English, but the focus would be on informal learning and English language practice on common topics. Ideally, this is for asylum seekers who remain in Stockport for 6 weeks of sessions. • The sessions are including tea and biscuits conversation, encouragement for those attending to speak about something they enjoy and to ask questions about this, in English. • We provide middle eastern hot meals on the day where we usually have 50-80 guests attending the sessions on Weds • We support with interpreting and translations for the families when they need help. • Supporting the vulnerable people to gain the medical support needed as soon as possible. • Organising several art creativities workshops for the adults and children. • Organising Football and other games for children with the support of the Stockport County Football club on Wednesdays. As of September 2022, our current activities are as follows: • Monday Walking group. We organise special events; picnics, and days out for refugees and asylum seekers, giving them a break from the challenges of daily lives. • 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.

"Diversiry matters is a user led service, aiming to listen, involve, empower and enable individuals. Our activities are delivered to ensure we eliminate as many barriers to participation and engagement as possible, which is achieved through providing bilingual, culturally sensitive provision across Tameside. ESOL classes are based across Tameside, with the main delivery venue situated in Hyde. We deliver basic conversation classes, including women only classes, but also work in partnership other providers to deliver classes to residents with a higher level of English. We also have opportunities for people to engage in volunteering, employment support and training, health and wellbeing workshops, and a range of social activities Perr Support Mentoring: Provide support for South Asian women who are in crisis and need one-to-one support. Access opportunities to reduce isolation, experience learning opportunities and social activities, awareness sessions and information from local services. For more information, please contact: Nisma: 07549956567/ nisma@diversitymattersnw.org.uk Womens Basic Skills, Training and Employment Readiness: We are supporting women for employment readiness and basic skills training such as English, IT and confidence building. We also offer virtual training sessions. For more information or to register, please contact: Hasina:07591572844 / hasina@diversitymattersnw.org.uk or Shibley: 07946329099 / rilly@diversitymattersnw.org.uk Women Only Employment Support and Training programmes and classes. Befrieding Matters Tameside: Befriending Matters Tameside is a service which offers wellbeing support for people who are lonely, experiencing vulnerabilities and isolated. This service is a mix of weekly telephone and in person befriending. For more information please contact: Mahmuda: 07562686183 / mahmuda@diversitymattersnw.org.uk or Angie: 07467196702 / angie.knowles@stpeterspartnerships.org"

The group has English conversation and an art session such as hand croft, math 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. The group is welcome to anyone regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, language and culture. In addition, we have some workshops related to well-being and mental health and the group is doing signposting and receiving referrals.

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.

BAND has over 30 years’ experience of supporting people with lived experience of a mental health condition. We work to improve the quality of their lives using Recovery Focused Approaches. With co-production at the heart of all we do, we build close relationships with the people who come to BAND. As a result, we are able to develop services that are safe, responsive and appropriate to the people who use them. Our support recognises each person’s individual circumstance and we work in a way that builds on people’s strengths. We support people to find solutions to challenges. BAND’s high quality services are delivered by a dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers. Many of us have lived experience ourselves and we recognise and celebrate the value that peer support brings to our work. Our recovery model recognises that people need different kinds of support at different times during their recovery and we therefore aim to provide services that: Offer hands on help and guidance when people are struggling with benefits, housing, access to services etc Provide support to attend appointments Help to grow self-esteem and self confidence Support people to understand when their symptoms have a negative impact on their lives, and to find ways to overcome this Encourage and motivate people to make positive changes Increase social contact with other people We do this through: Information and support (for things like benefits and housing) One to one support (befriending and mentoring) Shared interest and activity groups Social groups Life skills courses

Free monthly social (first Saturday of each month) for people seeking asylum, and those with leave to remain. Hot food, children's activities, bingo, raffles, fun and friendship. Families / Singles all welcome.

"George House Trust has been inspiring people living with HIV to live healthy, confident lives by providing HIV support, advice and advocacy services. We offer a range of services: - 1 to 1 services - Counselling - Telephone buddy - Age+ (for 55 years and older living with HIV) - Calabash (for African men living with HIV) - Peer mentoring - Financial Support and advce, including our Welfare Fund, Welfare grants and 1 to 1 advice services - Online information resources - Membership"

"Social support group for people aged 13 to 21. GMIAU’s youth project, The All4One group was set up to create a safe social space for children and young people between the ages of 13 and 21 who are seeking asylum or have been trafficked, and are living on their own in Manchester. The group meets monthly for fun activities, trips and events. The young people make friends, have fun, build confidence and get to know Manchester, develop leadership skills, learn about the asylum system. Over 25 young people attend these meetings and create new memories together. A shared meal and drinks are provided."

"We aim to address a whole range of social issues, our key areas of work are: homelessness, loneliness and isolation, mental health and wellbeing, food insecurity and supporting displaced people. We do this by: Kick-starting, growing and supporting social action projects and initiatives equipping individuals and communities with the skills and confidence to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people in their local area ​ - Connecting people, faith groups and organisations together to allow them to share best practice, resources and ideas through collaboration, small meetings, large events and through building mutually supportive and relational networks - Working together with multi-agency partners to influence local, regional and national policy and strategy Our Near Neighbours initiative brings people together in communities that are religiously and ethnically diverse, so that they can get to know each other better, build relationships of trust, and collaborate together on initiatives that improve the local community they live in. We also offer night shelters as part of the A Bed Every Night Initiative. This service is currently closed."

"Growing Together Levenshulme is a charity based in Manchester which runs therapeutic horticulture sessions for refugees and people seeking asylum at their allotment. The garden, as the project is affectionately known by participants, provides a safe space for asylum seekers and volunteers to relax in nature, find community and a sense of purpose whilst gardening together. There is an option of a hot lunch or a snack bag. People are welcome to turn up but the garden can be a bit hard to find and access, so it's better to contact the organisation first.

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.

What we do

We provide practical assistance, advocacy, and community integration services.

Who we work with
We assist refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

What we do
We offer support through our drop-in centre and community activities such as Art Therapy and Bicycle club.

Offer free cooking classes as a way to learn English, learn new recipes, and meet new people. We offer free English lessions and events. Join our whatsapp group via our website to stay connected, share recipes and practice your Englihs. Currently offering face to face and remote options.

"Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. We work alongside parents, in their own homes, to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children. We work with families across Tameside & Glossop, Oldham, Stockport and Bolton, offering a range of support including: - Home-visiting support - Infant feeding support (available in Tameside & Oldham) - Parent-Infant Mental Health (PIMH) support - Support for dads (Dad Matters) - Free education advice for two year olds - Empowering Parents Empowering - Communities (EPEC) (Stockport) - School Readiness (Play. Learn, Grow)

"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. Since 2018 Hope Church have opened Hope Cafe to provide support to asylum seekers, wanting to help them in their transition to Crewe and the UK. Pre Covid we provided food, clothes, household items, English conversation worksheets and a place to relax and chat, with table tennis and table football! For the past year we have 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."

"We are a city-based introductory service connecting residents to refugees through small acts of kindness, inclusion and friendship. Once introduced by HostNation, it’s up to our befrienders and their refugee friends to make plans and to meet up to participate in city life. We ask for a weekly commitment of meeting face-to-face over three months, but many matches become firm friends. HostNation NW is here to help asylum seekers and refugees practise their English, integrate, participate in city life and feel more at home in Manchester. We’re about welcome and 1-1 friendship. We make matches based on geography, age, gender and interests and well over 80% of the matches we have made have had positive and sustained outcomes - some tell us they're friends for life! 84% of the refugees and asylum seekers we match say that they felt better, more positive and happier after knowing their friend for three months."

"We are a group of women in Greater Manchester who support lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees. The group was set up in 2007 as an anti-deportation campaign for a lesbian from Sierra Leone. In February 2008 the campaign was successful, and she was given leave to remain in Britain. Due to the high profile of this campaign more lesbian asylum seekers contacted the group during this time looking for support. We therefore decided to continue as a general support group for lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers and refugees. The group now consists of several volunteers supporting a number of lesbian or bisexual refugees or women seeking asylum from countries such as Afghanistan, Jamaica, Liberia, Gambia, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Iran, Namibia, South Africa, Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Somalia. Many of the women contacting us were looking for safe space, where they can be comfortable to tell their stories about their sexuality. The group gives these women a place to be themselves amongst other lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers, refugees and supporters. We also give whatever support we can, depending on the needs of the individual women (e.g. support through the legal process, petitions for individual women to support their fight to stay in Britain, help with grants for women given refugee status, etc OUR AIMS ARE: To provide a social network offering emotional support to lesbians and bisexual women currently applying for asylum and those refugees who have been granted leave to stay in the UK To offer practical support and assistance to members with current asylum applications based on sexuality and to ensure that our members are treated equally and with dignity during the often-inhumane asylum process. WHAT WE DO: Organising monthly meetings as a safe space for socialising, discussion of campaigns and legal cases and individual support needs. Accompanying women to appointments at Dallas Court, the Home Office and with solicitors and others as appropriate. Supporting immigration court cases by attending court hearings, standing as witnesses and writing statements of support. For most of our members the group is the only safe space they experience in which they can relax and be open about their sexuality and their experiences and make friends."

"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. 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. Held in the cafe space, with biscuits and juice for only £1 per session."

"We believe in a fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people can achieve their full potential. Our services and activities include: - A range of support groups - Face-to-face counselling - Helpline, email and pop-in service - Befriending scheme - Sexual health programme - Substance-misuse project - Organisational training - A range of guides and resources - National website - Advice surgeries including legal advice - LGBT infrastructure support - Various research projects and policy campaigning"

Who we are

Salford Loaves and Fishes is a charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in Salford.

What we do

We provide day services, including meals, advice, and activities, to support those in need.

Who we work with

We assist homeless individuals, those at risk of homelessness, and vulnerable people in Salford.

How we work

We offer a welcoming environment, practical support, and community activities throughout the week to improve well-being and stability.

"Make a Difference community group brings together understanding amongst local people from the diverse communities across Greater Manchester. Promoting recreational activities events and trips out. We support young people with special needs and disabilities. Currently run a weekly wellbeing group for new families that come to the Bredbury Hotel to access as a place to engage and discuss any issues , whilst creating crafts and arts materials. This group will also allow new families in the Bredbury area to meet their neighbours and volunteers in the community until they remain in the hotel. We have the support of the local church and its volunteer members to continue to use the building and the church volunteers to support the development work connected to local voluntary and statutory services and works together to create a holistic package of support for all members of the family or individual needs.we offer support in a variety of spoken and written languages based on culturally appropriate need."

"We are a friendly community centre, who welcome all ages to participate in our daily activities, for our groups, clubs and much more". Health and Wellbeing Programs- Mental health support: Offering safe spaces for discussions around mental health. Exercise classes: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi (On Thursdays 2-3:30pm), or walking groups to promote physical health. Nutrition workshops: Education on healthy eating and access to healthy food through initiatives like food banks. Educational and Vocational Workshops- ESOL: We offer a FREE ESOL and Citizenship Group (Stockport's Conversation Club, on Mondays 1-2:30pm), which is open to asylum seekers, refugees and all non-native speakers to practice English conversational skills. For all levels, to build confidence and enjoyment. Job search support: CV writing, interview prep and employment advice. Family and Children's Services- Parenting classes: (Coffee, Chills & Spills, on Thursdays 9:30-11am. Maternal support group for all). Children's activities (Tiny Tearaways, on Wednesdays 10:15am-12:15pm. Baby and toddler group) (Art Attack, on Thursdays 5-7pm. Creative arts session for 7-11 year olds). (Young Women's Voices, on Mondays 5-7pm. A social support group for girls aged 11-16 years old). Cultural and Social Events- Advice on housing, benefits: Especially relevant for refugees, asylum seekers or low-income families. Elderly care programs: Offering day services or social activities for senior citizens. Volunteer and Charity Projects- Volunteering opportunities: Residents can get involved in helping others in the community. Charity drives: Collecting donations for food, clothing or other necessities.

- face to face social sessions - volunteering opportunities - signposting to other orgs for support - connection with local people and wider community - training for local orgs - accreditation for local orgs demonstrating work towards welcoming and removing barriers to sanctuary seekers

"MRSN run a programme of activities, groups and classes. Current projects are listed as follows: Shared Routes is our ‘Peer Navigator’ programme, promoting the skills and attributes from within refugee and asylum seeker communities across Manchester, Tameside and Salford. It aims at training people from migrant background who want to become more engaged in community work. The training will prepare people to become ‘community peer navigators’ and help them to develop their skills and knowledge. Our training follows an asset-based development approach that means we focus on developing people’s strengths. Next to the training we support our ‘peer navigators’ into volunteer placements at a local organisation of their choice where they can put what they have learnt into practice, gain new valuable experiences and built networks. Training and volunteering provide people with more options for their personal and professional development as well as their local engagement and connections. The MRSN Health and Well-being project is set up to provide support to this marginalised and vulnerable group. In light of this, it's important people have chance to gather together and take part in a sport together. Once a week, people meet to play football together. GREAT (Greater Manchester Refugees and Asylum Seekers Together) is our expert by experience forum. The Greater Manchester Refugee Step Change Consortium is a pioneering initiative by nine charities and Experts by Experience (EBE) to transform into a joined-up and collaborative ecosystem of support for refugees and people seeking asylum in Greater Manchester. Would you like to advocate for refugees and asylum seeker in Greater Manchester? Would you like to learn research and advocacy skills? Would you like refugees and asylum seekers voices to be heard in Greater Manchester? Join GREAT! the news Experts by Experience group for Greater Manchester! We need you to advise, steer and influence the consortium’s work! If you have lived experience of seeking asylum in the UK and are interested to join, please contact Patrick Masebo, our Experts by Experience Coordinator at patrick@mrsn.org.uk, or on 07878 886 547"

All-Inclusive LGBT+ Interfaith Group, with a mission to create a space where people can feel that they belong: regardless of their culture, faith, spirituality, sexuality or gender identity.

Formerly The Metropolitan Church, they are a Christian congregation of the United Reformed Church serving and celebrating the LGBT communities of Manchester and the North West. In addition to Christian worship, they also run a food bank.

"Support LGBTI+ people seeking asylum, or those who are receiving NASS but who are in unsuitable designated accommodation because of their gender identity and/or sexuality. May be able to provide support and temporary accommodation. Their helpline is an information and referral service that provides LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees with information on housing or homelessness issues, social inclusion and move-on support for refugees. Social inclusion – Group activities exclusively for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees, currently delivered online.

"Manchester Immigration Detainee Support Scheme - visitors to immigration detainees held at Manchester Airport. We offer emotional and social support to try and improve the conditions of people held in detention. MIDST is a volunteer-run group and visits and supports men and women being detained at RSTHF302, a short-term holding facility at Manchester Airport. The group also visits and supports men being held post-sentence under immigration control at HMP Manchester. We provide information about detention, people's rights, and signpost people to relevant support."

"Our purpose is to create a space where mental health comes first. We believe that everyone deserves to be supported in their mental health needs and that we have a part to play in that. We value the commitment of our staff and volunteers who work hard to ensure our services are delivered in a way that enables people to feel heard and involved. Current projects include: Food For All and Allotment Project Poor mental health, loneliness and lack of access to healthy food are intertwined and our Food for All team offer a range of services to support individuals and communities experiencing the greatest need. Young People We work with young people either in schools, or through our community project, CYP, to educate about mental health and to provide help when young people are struggling. Peer Support Our Peer Support groups are run by people who use their own experiences to help each other. The aim of the peer support groups is to offer a safe place for people who are struggling with their mental health to share, understand and give mutual support for mental health related issues being experienced. Criteria: You need to be living in an area within the Manchester City Council. 4 groups at present with : 2 groups are online: Tuesday, 5.30pm -7pm. Friday, 10.00am-12.00pm. A Wednesday face to face group 2pm-4pm in Hulme. We’re intending to provide online access at the same time if anyone has that need. A Friday face to face group, 2pm-4pm in Harpurhey. Advice We provide free and impartial advice on welfare benefits, debt and housing to people with mental health needs living in Manchester."

Who we are

Mustard Tree is a charity fighting poverty and homelessness in Greater Manchester.

What we do

We offer support services, including food distribution, training programs, and employment support, to help people rebuild their lives.

Who we work with

We support individuals and families in Greater Manchester who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.

How we work

We currently run three community offering access to low cost food through the food club, clothing and household essentials such as furniture, white goods and pots and pans.

We also offer financial support, and run activities such as art music, ESOL and drama groups.

We engage with local adults and families offering meals, food and support. We hold the Ashton foodbank at our Centre. We also work with families running a mentoring project with local volunteers.

"Food bank, soup kitchen and community cohesion - Carry out soup runs in the Manchester area to address issues caused by homelessness. Give practical outreach support to people who are homeless or on low incomes in the Manchester area. Our team goes into the city centre serving hot food, and hot drinks and making new friendships. Also deliver food parcels and other essential items to those in need in Bury.Organic Soul Food is working to build a community in which all citizens and communities feel valued, enjoy equal opportunities, lead fulfilling lives, and share a common sense of belonging. We do this by organising regular events throughout the year with different communities from different faiths or no faith, different cultures and backgrounds, working to building stronger communities."

"Taught classes, with some one to one tuition, including ESOL and digital skills. Also host the Refugees and Mentors work club. Well-being courses and activities - have an activites programme that runs throughout the year including - Gardening, arts and crafts, choir, mum and baby group, perinatal mental health and well being, dance, yoga Various volunteer roles, majority filled by refugees/migrants"

On a break until October 2022. For LGBTQI people of color in Manchester. The group is a space for socializing, discussions, activism, community organizing and ensuring a presence and that LGBTQI people of color’s voices are heard in Manchester.

"RAPAR functions as an enabler with displaced people, a campaigning focal point, a community development facilitator and a participatory action research producer. RAPAR provide a casework service including interpretation and translation support. Their casework aims to be empowering working alongside individuals to record problems, and work out how to begin to solve them, including: Our casework very often involves us using our interpretation and translation skills to enable communication, for instance in the following areas: Deportation Education Employment Family Reunion Financial hardship Health Housing Destitution Safety Learning opportunities Violence Volunteering opportunities"

"Refugee Women Connect is a women-only charity set up to support women asylum-seekers, refugees and survivors of trafficking. We work together to build a safe life in the UK for all women in the asylum seeker and refugee community. We primarily offer support through our women only drop-ins. At the drop-ins there are refreshments, including a meal, opportunities to meet other women, get help and support from staff, volunteers and some other organisations that attend the drop-in. Children are always welcome and we have toys for them to play with. Women can get one-to-one casework and emotional support, find out more about the asylum process and life in the UK and get information about specialist services that could be useful to them. Women can request for someone to go with them to an important appointment, such as a hospital appointment or court. If their support needs are complex we may be able to offer them additional one-to-one support outside of drop-in. We are also launching a new mental health programme, where women can access support groups, one-to-one emotional support, arts and crafts, and various well-being activities."

"The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage in stockport and the surrounding areas through the provision of providing free meals, shelter, warmth, companionship and signposting to other support services. The relief of persons suffering from drug or alcohol abuse or similar problems and refugees and those seeking asylum by providing therapy in connection therewith or by sharing with them the christian faith, principles and values and advancing their education so as to better enable them to cope with the business of life and promote their mental and physical rehabilitation and the relief of unemployment by the provision of vocational and skills training, advice and support. Support for mental Health including self-support groups, reduce stress courses and one to one support delivered by a trained mental health nurse Behnam is the first point of contact when Iranian asylum seekers arrive in Stockport and he is contacted by the local authority, Stockport Homes, Job Centre, local churches etc. He will have an initial meeting with them to assess their needs and then will signpost them to the relevant support services. Run a twice weekly workshop for female asylum seekers to learn how to sew using sewing machines. The main aim of the group is to prevemt social isolation and mental health issues and create community. Works closely with Stockport Homes to help asylum seekers / refugees navigate the housing system. Also supports refugees with employment advice, housing advice, benefit advice and translation services. Works closely with another charity ‘The Olive Branch’ which offers mental health and well-being support plus opportunities for volunteering.

"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. RR has established an advice service that provides support with benefits, job searches, and immigration matters, thus working to improve the economic and social well-being of Syrians and refugees from other countries, helping them to become self-reliant in their new country. RR also endeavours to relieve or prevent poverty among refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants, in particular but not exclusively, Syrians. RR provides advice regarding education, housing and employment. Education and training are also provided in computer skills, entrepreneurship, and volunteering opportunities, mainly in English. Social Inclusion: RR promotes social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants from becoming socially excluded. RR provides 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: RR also brings the Syrian community together during these difficult times in their mother country. RR organises 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. . Monthly Seminars and Movie Screenings: As implied by our name Rethink Rebuild Society, we are heavily invested in stimulating debate and promoting discussion within our community. Our 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.

"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

"Garden Needs is a centre where we run a regular mental health and horticulture project. It is also a hub for green wellbeing projects and interventions that we offer in parks and green spaces across Greater Manchester. The Garden Needs site is on the boarder of Salford and Prestwich and is right on the edge of the Kersal Dale Woodland. Garden Needs hosts a number of projects including forest school training, woodland wellbeing for adults, a mental health and horticulture project, a pre-school forest school, green social prescribing, holiday clubs and, outdoor education services for schools."

"Refugee Friendship Group for Families - Monday's 10am - 12pm Refugee Friendship Group for Adults - Thursday's 10am - 12pm."

A Healthy Living Centre offering Free Activities, Courses and Events for Salford People with the aim of giving communities the opportunity to access Healthier and Happier Lives. Range of services and facilities offered include free counselling, fitness and health activities, social opportunities, Woodland Wellbeing Walks, Gardening Sessions, History Walks, Saturday Socials and Exercise Sessions, language, arts and crafts, community cafe, volunteering opportunities and more. They also offer services to help with a range of health topics, such as quitting smoking, and taking control of your health in a variety of ways. Please visit website to find out more.

"We support and advocate for Ethnic Communities within Stockport including Refugees. Support with 1-1 advocacy, housing, Health, Employment Benefits. Culturally apprpropraite foodbank Activity based work, e.g. Sewing Club, Children activities, Volunteer Training, Drama, Women’s Group, Choir Black Mens group Conversational English session. Immigration Surgery

"Our work focuses on four main areas: - Housing: To provide accommodation to newly granted refugees who might otherwise struggle. - Support : Providing a short to medium term support network as a refugee acclimatises to their new environment. -Integration: Making use of services to help the refugee integrate into the local community as naturally as possible. - Partnerships: Working with other refugee and migrant services that can provide support when requested. To make use of our services, the client must: - have been awarded refugee status with leave to remain within the last 3 months. - be able to provide at least 1 verifiable form of identification before any assistance with housing or reintegration support can be made. This can be in the form of a BRP (Biometric Residence Pass) or other supporting documentation that confirms recent status award. - must have recently been told to vacate Home Office accommodation within the Greater Manchester area. We will need to see the 28 day notice to vacate.

"St Thomas’ and St Luke’s work alongside several other local churches to support asylum seekers and refugees who are based in our town. This ministry is an important way in which we can show God’s love to people who have had to leave their homes and face very tough situations. Our ministry to support asylums seekers includes: Home visits. Team of visitors from our churches visit the asylum seekers at the addresses where they are living to befriend them and to offer support and assistance. Language classes. On Thursday afternoons at 2 pm we provide weekly English classes for those who want to come along and improve their English language skills. The classes take place in St Thomas’ church hall. Social. At 1 pm on Sundays, we provide a drop-in for those who want to come along for a drink and a chat or to play games. These socials take place in St Thomas’ church hall. Discipleship Group. This is for those who speak Farsi. It is aimed Christians and those who want to learn more about the Christian faith. The group meets on-line from 6-7pm on Wednesdays. Please contact Sue Thomas (07877704645) for the Zoom link Compass meets at Emma and Antony Billington’s home each Monday from 3pm until 5pm. Come for a drink and a chat or to use the wi-fi. We are happy to help with making phone calls, writing letters and emails, and sorting any problems online. If you would like to attend and don’t know the address then please contact Emma on 07922 091896."

"The organisation is run with asylum seekers and refugees to help build full lives for asylum seekers and refugees in the U.K.We are primarily dealing with the Farsi speaking community. Services delivered: We deal with practical concerns such as helping asylum seekers deal with the Home Office, finding accommodation,opening bank accounts, accessing GPs and medical facilities, arranging volunteering and employment opportunities and career coaching

Have a dedicated community support team who can help you fill in forms, write appeals and apply for benefits. Also have emergency food and clothing packs available. Run English, Maths, Science, ESOL, Cookery and History lessons, and offer volunteering opportunites in their kitchen.

"The Sudanese Community of Bolton is a voluntary organisation, Its main aim is to help vulnerable people from black ethnic backgrounds and refugees from Sudan. The Sudanese Community in Bolton was established in 2005. Our main aim is to aid refugees and those seeking asylum in their transition into a new life in a different country. We do this by offering information, advice and guidance , as well as helping members with social, cultural, psychological and communication issues. We also offer educational and recreational programs. Day to day activity Members of the community can use the recreational facilities at our centre such as our table tennis and pool tables, and a community football team, as well as connect with others of similar backgrounds. Classes and events The Community hosts Eid prayers and gatherings at both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Also we host Quran lessons for kids with plans to re-open our weekend supplementary school. Trips and events The Community also hosts trips for its members."

"The charity was established in 2009 to support French speaking asylum seekers and refugees living in the Greater Manchester especially in Salford. The charity now has a wider remit of helping the local community in Salford and surrounding areas such as Cheetwood, Cheetham Hill. We support people who are in the transition points of their lives: Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and second generation of British citizens. Most of our activities aim to alleviate isolation and depression, including emotional wellbeing, social, physical and recreational activities. It currently operates a variety of projects including, drop in sessions to provide general information, advice and advocacy services, volunteering programme, mentoring, Homework club and after schools’ club. We also provide social and recreational activities for older members of the community. The problems we deal with include: unemployment, homelessness or vulnerable housed, mental health, discrimination, social and economic deprivation, loneliness and isolation. Our helpline (07427672139) offers practical support over the phone or online to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. It’s a confidential service for those aged 12 and over and opens from 6 am to 10pm 7 day a week. Call if you want someone to talk to. We love to listen and we will help you through this difficult time. our volunteers speak French, Lingala and Portuguese."

"West African Development (WAD) provides Pre-Entry ESOL classes, introducing basic entry level to learning English, building confidence skills and developing understanding in reading, writing and speaking needed for life in the UK. They also offer budgeting and Life in the UK courses. In addition, WAD also provides volunteering opportunities, housing support, help with form filling, referrals to further advice and guidance, digital skills support, and opportunities to take part in their African heritage workshops and programmes. From the requests from our community member to be involve in other activities and the positive idea of some members who experienced stress and finding difficulties leaving kids and young people with no activities during a school holiday. The majority of our community memberships are facing the same problem due to financial hardship parent cannot afford taking children away during the holiday time and also working parent during the school holiday find it difficult to leave children alone with no activities. West African Development (WAD)organize a special holiday activities program and provide children and youth with activities like: Arts and Craft, Hair weaving, Drumming and Dancing, Sport and Football and Trips. West African Development (WAD) together with the Worker’s Education Association offers an accredited Community Interpreter’s course which recognize and accredit bi-lingual skills, increasing basic skill levels in the Community and giving people confidence to progress to further study and employment. WAD also providing a translation service to support people who have English as a second language. This service will enable more people to successfully complete training courses and increasing their chances in life."

Who we are

WAST is a charity based in Manchester supporting women asylum seekers. We fight for women's rights and raise awareness of the injustices in the UK immigration system.

What we do

We provide vital support, including a destitution fund and well-being activities, to help women survive the asylum system. We offer a weekly drop-in support group where women can find essential information and connect with others.

Who we work with

We work with women asylum seekers in Manchester, offering support and advocacy to improve their lives.

How we work

We run a fortnightly an anti deportation group, a weekly food bank, choir, domestic violence self help group ( when we have the funding), a basic English group and more.

We also provide a phone tree for emotional support when members go to sign, and help to look after any property or belongings if they are detained. In addition we support to help keep in contact with a solicitor and additional immigration advice.

Hate crime support

"Yaran supports members of the Middle Eastern and, in particular, the Iranian community in Manchester with a wide range of psychological needs and social disadvantage who wish to integrate and strengthen their confidence and self esteem. They offer a range of well-being support such as one on one counselling, advocacy, peer support groups and activities for Iranians and other Farsi speakers. Our Psychological service provides one-to-one and group counselling/psychotherapy for Middle Eastern, in particular Farsi speaking residents, across Greater Manchester including new immigrants, families and couples who need urgent help and support in health and well-being. The Advocacy service assist people from Middle Eastern background and covers improving their confidence, developing their basic skills in learning English, understanding the world of work, and guidance in seeking jobs and self employment. Services also include solving debt, education and more. Our workshops, community-based programmes and professionally led self-help groups are for those in the community experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues alongside a spectrum of life issues too. Run a rolling programme of classes and activities including Life in the UK and ESOL"