In our Free Shop asylum seekers and new refugees can shop for any basic living items they are in need of with dignity and choice. Items include clothes, shoes, toiletries, household items, food, and other essentials. Within our shop, we have a Hub where we provide a warm welcome; inform newcomers on what other services and organisations are available to them; and simply sit for a chat for those that want to see a friendly face.

Offers free gym access to Asylum Seekers for 6 months.

Please read the eligibility criteria listed at the top of the application form carefully as it is quite specific. Full criteria can be found on the referral form but the person must be an asylum seeker in receipt of asylum support (S95, S4 etc) and must be living in a Bristol Local Authority post code.

Please be aware there is usually a very long waiting list for this service, we kindly request you make your referee aware of this to manage expectations (on average a 2 month wait)

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. We provide multiple activities including football, boxercise and yoga.

How to access

To enquire email enquiries@oact.org.uk

ACAB 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 organise events and activities such as movie screenings, hate crime awareness, meals, trips, treasure hunts for children.

How to access:

Referrals by phone 01204 565 076

We 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.

Services offered:

• Signposting to immigration advice and other mainstream services.
• Organise social events and activities.
• 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.
• Monthly group meetings

How to access:

Need to be referred and registered with them as a service user first in order to access their support using this online form - https://africanrainbowfamily.org/forms/

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.

A befriending programme connecting people to alleviate isolation and grow friendship.

Alleviating isolation, building friendships and creating communities of support. So far, we have connected over 200 people for friendship. This supported 10-week program will introduce you to a new friend. You will be in touch via the phone whilst you build your connection and we will be in regular touch through-out.

How to access

Complete the referral form on our website: https://airtable.com/appYGupMlStcNMsjm/shrXNBYAGhWByHotw

Thursdays 10am – 12.30pm (more details coming soon)

This is a very informal activity, where women can relax, chat and be creative. Activities include sewing, knitting and jewellery making. Women have been making cushions, cards and baskets to sell and fundraise for the organisation.

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.

Homeless Day Centre

The day centre offers lots of different services including:

• Rough sleepers breakfast

• Support sessions including (drug and alcohol support, mental health and NHS drop-in)

• Volunteering

• Music

• Prayer

• Digital skills

• Clothes and food also available

See full timetable here https://www.barnabus.org/drop-in-timetable

How to access:

Case Workers available at 61 Bloom Street, 9:30am- 12pm

Preferably by pre-booked appointment

Support with accommodation, applying for ID, bank accounts, benefits, foodbank, referrals and more

Call the centre to book a session

Providing asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol with one to one support. We match a local volunteer with a Bristol-based asylum seeker or refugee, and they then meet weekly for a period of up to one year. We equip the volunteers with the tools and support they need in order to provide the companionship and encouragement that people need. Befriending is listening, drinking tea, laughing, being compassionate, hearing difficult stories, showing empathy, visiting a museum or art gallery, being committed, going for a walk together, learning from another culture. It can have a profound impact on both the volunteer and the person they meet with!

How to access

Referral form on the Bridges for Communities website

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.

Services include:

Their services include mainly the provision of support for:

• Refugee travel documents

• E-visas

• Asylum support S95 & S4

• 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 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.

How to access service

Email us at enquiries@blgc.co.uk or call 01204 540100

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.

Through this service, the British Red Cross can help with:

• Financial support provided to refused asylum seekers for up to 12 weeks
• Casework support
• Emergency help
• Section 4 support
• Emergency accommodation
• Clothing
• Other areas of destitution 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

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.

We run ESOL classes every Thursday 11am-1pm.

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.

Services include:

• English Classes: 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.

• The Well Women's Group: Ladies 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. There is always a lovely welcoming atmosphere and the ladies are looking for more opportunities to develop services in the Centre.

How to access:

Drop in service during hours listed.

For further details please contact:
Mona Moussa - Caritas Refugee Project Worker
E-mail: mona.moussa@caritasshrewsbury.org.uk
Work pattern: Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 3pm, Friday 9am – 12pm

Chit Chat Chai offers free basic English classes and a cafe for women who are new to English and very often new to the country.

How to access:

Service runs every Monday during term time.

• English Lessons run from 9:30- 11am

• Cafe runs from 11am- 12:30pm

Community Action Network (CAN) is an organisation that supports local communities and groups in the UK. Their main aim is to empower people to make positive changes in their neighbourhoods. They provide a range of services, including workshops, networking opportunities, and one-to-one support.

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.

How to access

Send referrals through, Katherine Rogers, katherine@can.uk.com; 0161 234 2987'

Our community cohesion workshops and activities known as Celebrating Sanctuary Local, is a package of local activities to educate and promote how to include marginalised refugees and asylum seekers locally, including welcome chats and creating spaces of welcome workshops, culminating in a localised celebratory event co-created by refugees and asylum seekers and local residents. We work in communities across Bristol and South Gloucestershire and if you are an organisation, community hub or individual who would like to be involved, please get in touch.

Embark on a journey from passionate home cook to confident cookery class teacher! Our programme spans two enriching years, beginning with a comprehensive 12-14-week workshop. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can: Learn To Teach Enhance Communication Forge Connections Earn Income (if you have the right to work) Qualifications: Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (upon completion) Gain work experience and plan your own business / earning opportunities

Culture Bridge is a CIC Limited community group facilitating a dialogue of communication and trust between cultures and the advancement of education of the public. We aim to push our limits through ideas and creations.

Culture Bridge run a drop in service on Wednesdays which offers multiple activities including art, music, ESOL, women's groups and culturally appropriate meals and sports.

Services include:

• On Tuesdays, the Culture Bridge-Stockport CAN project runs. They also support the refugee women at the Bradberry Hotel

• Wednesdays are the Refugee Connect Day. There are also Women Group Workshops. Multicultural Art activities are run for the refugee, asylum seeking and migrant women group, to meet in a safe space where they can share their experiences and journeys.

• On Thursdays, Culture Bridge works 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.

• On Fridays there are Women’s Multicultural Art & culture activities.

How to access:

For more information please phone or email Culture Bridge, or check their Facebook page for updates: https://en-gb.facebook.com/culturebridgemcr/

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.

Our creche is the heart of all our services. Refugee women who would otherwise be unable to access our service are able to. The creche is managed by our partner organisation Bristol Refugee Rights. We offer free a crèche for up to 10 pre-school children 10.00 to 12.00.

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.

(Online and in person) This group provides opportunities for women of color to come together, connect, and share their common life experiences. Through various enjoyable activities, participants can encourage one another both online and in face-to-face settings.

Supporting adults with a lived experience of mental health to reach their potential.

BAND’s services are delivered by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Many of us have lived experience ourselves and we recognise and celebrate the value that peer support brings to our work.

Services include:

• 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.

How to access:

You can access this service at the YMCA Building or at BAND Greenhouse

If you are interested in any of our services, whether for yourself, a family member, friend or client, then please call or drop in for a chat.

Our main Festival, which is held annually throughout June to coincide with Refugee Week, delivers a programme of 20+ events organised in collaboration with refugee communities, residents, refugee support agencies and local organisations. The flagship event Celebrating Sanctuary takes place in Queen Square each year. For further information on how to get involved, please get in touch.

This service is open to anyone new to the area but primarily focuses on supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We will have interpreters, and support, with free refreshments, and visits from support services when we can.

Every Thursday. Are you new to the borough of Rochdale? Are you aged 18 or over, and want to make new friends or learn new skills?

Come and join us for a fun gathering Heywood Library, where you can meet new friends and connect with other people from the local community. This group is all about building strong bonds and creating lasting memories.

Who is this event suitable for? For adults and families with children aged 4 and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

How to access:

Drop-in

This service is open to anyone new to the area but primarily focuses on supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We will have interpreters, and support, with free refreshments, and visits from support services when we can. For people and organisations to share their skills, and chat to each other in a safe and inclusive environment. If you know of anyone who would like to come along, there is no charge, just let them know.

Friends of Shamwari is a service dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people. The service focuses on children who may be facing challenges such as poverty, abuse, or mental health issues.

Friends of Shamwari offers various programmes and activities to help young people develop skills and build confidence. For example, they run workshops on topics like emotional well-being, life skills, and social interaction. They also organise outdoor activities and events, which allow children to have fun and learn teamwork.

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.

How to access

Drop into one of our sessions or referrals can come from teachers, social workers, or healthcare professionals who identify children requiring extra support. Please contact us on phone or email.'

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

How to access

Send email or call us

The All4One youth group has been running since 2009 and brings together separated children and young people (aged 13-21) who are seeking safety in the UK.

The group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings.

The group brings young people together over fun activities as well as developing skills such as confidence and leadership skills.

The group is also a platform for young people to speak out and campaign about issues important to them as well as learn about their rights and understand the asylum process.

The group will also organise the occasional trip or activity on a Saturday, for example to the cinema or football matches.

How to access:

Use the following referral form: https://referrals.gmiau.org/form-all4one/

Our Vision is to see people and communities all over Greater Manchester and Rossendale flourish and enjoy life in all its fullness. We aim to address a whole range of social issues key areas of work include:

• Homelessness, loneliness and isolation

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Food insecurity

• Supporting displaced people.

How to access:

Contact us by email or telephone or visit our website to find local initiatives near you.

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.

How to access

Feel free to come along to Tuesday, Thursday or Friday session. Call ahead for timings and more information. For referrers: Please email us on growingtogetherproject@gmail.com.

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.

We are a friendly community centre, who welcome all ages to participate in our daily activities, for our groups, clubs and much more. A non judgmental, safe space to talk, listen, or creatively engage.

Services include:

Health and Wellbeing Programs-

• Mental health support: Offering safe spaces for discussions around mental health

• Nutrition workshops: Education on healthy eating and access to healthy food through initiatives like food banks

Educational and Vocational Workshops-

• Job search support: CV writing, interview prep and employment advice

• 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.

Family and Children's Services-

• Parenting classes: Offering guidance on raising children and managing family challenges

• Children's activities: Playgroups, after-school clubs and creative workshops

Cultural and Social Events-

• 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.

Support Services-

• Advice on housing, benefits: Especially relevant for refugees, asylum seekers, or low-income families

• Elderly care programs: Offering day services and social activities for senior citizens

Volunteer and Charity Projects-

• Volunteering opportunities: Residents can get involved in helping others in the community

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.

Home-Start is a charity that supports families with young children facing challenges in their lives. They work with parents who may be struggling due to issues like isolation, mental health difficulties, or financial problems. The service provides trained volunteers who visit families in their homes to offer emotional support, practical help, and guidance.

Home-Start aims to empower parents, helping them build confidence and develop parenting skills. For example, volunteers might assist with daily tasks, such as meal preparation or organising activities for children, and provide a listening ear for parents needing someone to talk to.

How to access

Many of our services are available to families across Oldham, Stockport, Tameside & Bolton, and some across Greater Manchester. Due to funding, however, some of our services are only available in certain areas –   use the support finder on our wesbite to see what we offer in your area.

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

Host Nation is a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers in the UK by connecting them with volunteer hosts. The service helps those in need find a safe and welcoming place to stay, especially when they arrive in the country. Host Nation works with various organisations, including local authorities, charities, and community groups, to identify individuals who require accommodation.

How to access

You will need someone to refer you to us. We need a person who knows you and can tell us that this is the right service for you. Referrals welcome from refugee organisations, charities and local authorities. Click the link to the referral page on our website.

Inspiring Communities Together is a charity that focuses on improving the lives of people in communities. They work with individuals, families, and local groups to support social change and community development and offer volunteering opportunities in the community. The charity collaborates with schools, local councils, and other organisations to identify those who may need help.

Services include:

• Stay and Play Sessions: Held on a Monday morning (Term Time only) between 9.30 – 10.30am. Free for families with pre-school children and babies to attend. There is no need to book, just come along and join in.

• Neighbourhoods Program: Grow to Learn, Green and Grow, Learning for Work, Learning for Life

To view all ongoing activities, please see here: https://inspiringcommunitiestogether.co.uk/activities/

How to access:

Sign up for volunteering positions or become a member using the forms on the 'get involved' section of the website: https://inspiringcommunitiestogether.co.uk/get-involved/#volunteering-opportunities

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.

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

- Advice surgeries including legal advice

How to access

Contact our advice line, send us an email, or visit our website to understand how to get involved in each of our services. Each service has different access. Our befriending scheme, is self-referral. For other services please visit our website for updated information.

Listening spaces are events and activities that facilitate intentional listening and dialogue between people of different cultures, races, faiths, social class and political opinions. Through this listening and dialogue we can build understanding, increase empathy and influence action, so that we are better equipped to live well together.

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 we 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.

How to access:

Drop ins welcome

MAMAhub is a community drop-in group for pregnant people and Mamas from migrant backgrounds, with babes under 2 years old. At the Hub, Mamas can meet and chat to other parents, share a home-cooked meal and access workshops and advice. We don’t ask for referrals, just come along! If you would like support or company to attend then give us a call. We also reimburse the cost of bus tickets, so finance does not need to be a barrier to joining us.

Manchester City of Sanctuary's vision is for every person seeking sanctuary to feel part of a supportive community that understands and welcomes them. Their mission is to make Manchester a welcoming place for refugees and asylum seekers.

They offer:

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

How to access:

Will accept self-referrals. If you’d like to receive updates about when we meet, our conversation clubs and activities you can get involved in, please sign up to our newsletter mailing list.

It’s very easy to do! Simply fill in your email and name details on this form: https://manchester.cityofsanctuary.org/newsletter-sign-up/

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.

How to access

Email for up to date meeting info.

We are a Christ-centred congregation which serves, celebrates and affirms the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) communities of Manchester and North West England.

All are welcome.

Our services are celebrative yet thoughtful and aim to appeal to folk from a range of different church backgrounds as well as to those for whom spirituality is new.

We offer a place to explore Christian spirituality and help people live the Christian faith in ways which make sense in our contemporary society.

We are a friendly church and after worship - which usually lasts around one hour - everyone is invited to stay for refreshments and a chat.

For many years our congregation was part of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) - an American-based lgbt denomination, but we are now one of the two worshipping congregations of Wilbraham St Ninian's United Reformed Church.

How to access

We meet in Chorlton, about 4 miles south of Manchester city centre, we are easily accessible by Metrolink and bus services, and we offer a warm welcome to all our services and events.

You can get in touch via the website.

Micro Rainbow’s vision is to create a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people are free from discrimination, persecution and have equal opportunities in life, including in accessing employment, training, education, financial services, healthcare, housing, places of faith, and public services.

We do this by:

- Providing safe housing to LGBTQI asylum seekers 

- Facilitating access to employment, volunteering, training and education for LGBTQI refugees through our moving on programme

- Providing social inclusion activities to reduce the extreme isolation faced by LGBTQI people

- Advocacy – up to 6 tailored sessions with Outreach Officers to meet need and requirements, providing legal workshops and signposting and collaborating with relevant organisations 

How to access

Helpline for LGBTQI migrants - 0800 3585851

First time callers from Monday to Friday from 2pm – 5pm

Others from Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm

Helpline for LGBTQI refugees from Afghanistan - 0800 3585852

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 2pm – 5pm.

If you need a translator, please email social@microrainbow.org to arrange this in advance.

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.

How to access:

MIDST visits the centre three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) between 10am-12pm. Usually it is just one member per visit. We introduce ourselves to anyone who is in detention and offer the opportunity to speak with us in private in the visitors room.

If you would like to meet with us just ask a member of staff or speak to us when our volunteers come to visit. We can also be contacted via email.

The telephone number provided is for AVID. MIDST do not have a direct telephone number.

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 provide free and impartial advice on welfare benefits, debt and housing to people with mental health needs living in Manchester.

How to access

See services pages of website for details or call our infoline.

• Self-referral or referral through others with the individual’s written consent.

• Call or email to arrange an initial chat with our Peer Support Development Workers: tel: 0161 769 5732 or email: peersupport@manchestermind.org

Moveable Feast caters for various occasion, such as such as conferences, AGMs, team meetings, weddings, or any other special event. Moveable feast works with amazing people who have been made destitute by the UK's asylum system. Our chefs are asylum seekers who come from all around the world. All profit we make goes into providing vital assistance to asylum seekers through our other services. Moveable Feast offers BHN members and refugees to connect with UK citizens, improve skills for integration and employment, and feel less lonely and become a part of the community.

Mustard Tree is a charity fighting poverty and homelessness in Greater Manchester. We offer support services, including food distribution, training programs, and employment support, to help people rebuild their lives.

We currently run three community shops in Ancoats, Eccles and Little Hulton, offering access to low cost food through the food club, clothing and household essentials such as furniture, white goods and pots and pans. Here, people seeking asylum can get free clothing up to a value of £15 a month.

We also offer financial support, and run activities such as art music, ESOL and drama groups. This includes information sessions every morning around housing and homelessness support. Migrant Help are visiting Mustard Tree every Wednesday and offering support for e-visa changes.

How to access:

Drop-in or submit a referral form on the website to register for services like Food Club and hear more about clubs, classes and the Freedom Project (life-skills and employability training placements). ID and proof of benefits are required to register.

For self referrals and client referrals, please complete a referral form via: https://mustardtree.org.uk/get-help/ and email to referrals@mustardtree.org.uk, or call 0161 228 7331.

Food bank at New Life Church, Tameside.

How to access

Drop ins welcome for our food bank. Information on activities we are running is available on our facebook page.

One World Unity Bridge aims to empower communities and foster unity by taking positive actions that uplift, support, and encourage refugees and migrant families.

Services include:

• Refugee & Migrant Help: Offers personalised asylum support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers, providing them with the guidance and care they need during the challenging asylum process. Connecting individuals with legal aid, housing, healthcare, and more, ensuring they receive the support they need.

• Career Coaching service: Led by a professional expert, this service offers personalised guidance to help you become more employable and career-ready. From CV writing to interview prep.

• Stories Unite! : A flagship programme, which offers refugees a chance to share their stories, express vulnerability, and find healing through connection.

• Foodbank and Clothes Bank: Supports individuals and families in need

• OneWorld Active! : Brings youth, women and families together to stay active and healthy. The program encourages everyone to join the gym, take swimming lessons, and participate in exercise sessions.

How to access:

Please email or phone for more information.

Free, one-hour appointments available to book for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. To check for availability and to book, please follow this link: https://www.oneworldunitybridge.org/booking-calendar/book-appointment-tue-wed-thur-2?referral=service_list_widget