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

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

How to access

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

We deliver a job club including digital skills.

Our projects are targeted to benefit the communities that we serve. The key beneficiaries of our work are the communities in the catchment, predominantly the local Bangladeshi, Pakistani and the Kashmiris. However, we abide by the Equality Policy to ensure that no individual who walks through the door is discriminated against.

How to access

For more information please call us

Learn Well offer courses on everything from CV writing, interview techniques, to mindfulness to parenting skills, resilience to eating well, both online and in the community. Our free courses are open to anyone who wants to learn and improve their wellbeing.

How to access

Contact us through our website https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/service/learn-well/

We offer a range of services to help you gain the skills, confidence, and motivation to get into work and/or training.

Services Include:

• Find training courses from our partners

• In-work support

• Guide on writing a good CV

• Guide on preparing for your job interview


Employment support at our UCAN centres -

We offer support with application forms, online job searching, CVs, IT training, one-to-one guidance and debt and money advice.

Interview clothing and prep from our Working Wardrobe -

Working Wardrobe has been set up to tackle another barrier into employment that so many men and women face today. That barrier is the lack of suitable clothing to wear in order to make a good first impression at the interview.

Find more information via: https://www.boltonathome.org.uk/working-wardrobe

Adult work experience opportunities -

View our current work experience placement opportunities via https://www.boltonathome.org.uk/work-experience


How to access:

If you think any of our services could help you or someone you know into work and/or training, just contact or visit your local UCAN centre.

Find your nearest UCAN Centre via: https://www.boltonathome.org.uk/ucan

Bolton Council website resource which provides information about:

• Volunteering (https://www.bolton.gov.uk/help-finding-work/work-experience-volunteering)

• Work Club (https://www.bolton.gov.uk/help-finding-work/bolton-work-clubs)

• Mentoring

• Courses / training

• Unpaid work experience

• Paid work experience

• Interview skills

Advice and support to find employment or to increase your chances of successfully getting a job.

Work clubs give you the opportunity to:

• share job hunting experiences

• learn new skills

• find opportunities

• meet other jobseekers

• get advice on interviews, CVs and even volunteering opportunities

How to access:

Send an email to TeamBolton@bolton.gov.uk or call us on 01204 333333

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

Whether you are searching for a job, writing your CV, filling in a job application, preparing for an interview or want to update your skills, we’ve brought together resources with lots of useful information for you.

How to access:

For more information view our website or visit the Main Library

Breaking Barriers welcomes refugees into meaningful employment with one-to-one advice and guidance, education, and training.

Employment foundations training:

If we're supporting you, you can access our employment foundations training. This will help you to build a strong base of employment knowledge and digital life skills.

Over 11 hours of interactive sessions, you will learn how to complete an effective job search and create good-quality job applications, succeed in job interviews and bolster your knowledge of employment rights.

How to access service:

Referrals for employment support are accepted. Once the form is submitted, individuals will be placed on a waiting list, and we will contact them to schedule the first appointment as soon as possible.

Please don’t fill the form if you, or the person you are referring, are currently receiving support or have previously received support from Breaking Barriers. Simply get in contact with your employment advisor or email enquiries@breaking-barriers.co.uk.

For referral enquiries, please call 020 4541 0155 or email enquiries@breaking-barriers.co.uk

Referral form can be found here: https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/refugee-support/apply-for-support/

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

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

How to access

Drop in.

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

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

How to access

Drop in.

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

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

How to access

Drop in.

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

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

How to access

Drop in

The Burnside Centre offers a drop in employability service.

How to access:

Call or email

If you are a Bolton resident and thinking of setting up a business then we can support you to make decisions that will help you on your journey. 

Check out our partner agencies via https://www.businessbolton.org/partners  and  get in touch with us. We can talk you through the options and support available from various organisations and signpost the best people to help you.

How to access:

You can contact us directly through phone or email.

Finding or changing your career can be challenging, we are here to support you make informed decisions and choose a career path that's right for you. Our careers advice is here to support you in reaching your goals. We offer our free Careers Advice service in Bristol, Birmingham, and Coventry to help you find the right employment or education opportunity.

Catch22 is a charity that provides support and services for young people and families facing various challenges across the UK.

We deliver high-quality, tailored programmes that equip individuals facing barriers to work with the support they need for a path into sustainable employment or training.

Services include:

Support into work - Our core employability programmes equip individuals facing barriers to work with the skills and confidence they need to sustain in work or training.

Each person we work with receives:

• flexible, face-to-face community-based sessions with a dedicated Catch22 advisor,

• group development sessions,

• a unique action plan,

• support on CV writing, job searching and interview preparation,

• access to training support to upskill and undergo accredited training, and

• an advisor working with you and your employer for up to twelve months in a new role.

Digital Skills - Our digital skills programmes are designed to provide opportunities for people from excluded groups to get working in digital or tech enabled roles.

Participants complete individual and team-based projects and tasks to develop their skills and knowledge.

They then receive continued support from an employment advisor to sustain in work in the technology sector, including tailoring their CV and cover letter and interview preparation techniques specific to technology and digital roles.

Social Action - Our social action programmes enable young people to come together to meet new people and learn new skills whilst doing something positive for their local community.

How to access:

For general enquiries please complete the form via: https://www.catch-22.org.uk/contact/

Support into work (AND) Social Action : 0203 700 0381 or employability@catch-22.org.uk

Digital Skills: 0203 700 0381 or catch22digital@catch-22.org.uk

CAP Job Clubs is a service provided by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) that supports individuals seeking employment across the UK. The aim is to help people develop job-seeking skills and boost their confidence.

CAP Job Clubs offer a range of services, including workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. They provide a supportive environment where participants can receive guidance and encouragement from trained coaches and peers.

Referrals can come from local churches, community organisations, or individuals seeking help directly. The focus of CAP Job Clubs is on empowering individuals to find meaningful employment, improving their financial stability and overall well-being.

How to access:

Contact directly to book an appointment

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

Deeplish Community Centre is a place that offers support and activities for local people, especially those from diverse backgrounds. They aim to strengthen the community by providing a range of services, including educational classes, health workshops, and social events. Their job club is every Monday.

How to access:

Attend drop in or call us.

EnterprisingYou is tailored to help those with a budding business idea or established self-employed individuals, sole traders, freelancers and gig economy workers in Greater Manchester. Our program can help you start-up your new venture, elevate your profile or discover your business's growth potential.

How to access

Phone, email or website form on our website

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

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

FAST runs others groups including:

- We Are Digital

- ESOL

- accredited and conversation

- Life In The UK Exam training

- Basic computer skills

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

- National Data Bank - over 6 months free data

- Employment skills and CV

How to access

Drop into our centre or call us

Current services include:

• Job search and application support

• Mentoring

• Paid work experience

• Interview skills/ preparation
• CV writing
• Construction Skills Experience.

How to access:

Email us for information and to access application

Welcome to the Gaydio Academy

A not-for-profit LGBTQ+ organisation, supporting the community through the provision of confidence-building, skills-based education and training.

Work Club Offer:

Gaydio Academy will be providing four rounds of Radio Skills for Employability training courses over the course of the next year, one per quarter, complemented by tailored employability support.

Over the course of the year, a minimum of 50 Manchester residents will be supported; we will prioritise LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those from under-represented sectors of the community: those with an ethnic minority background, gender-diverse status, aged 18-24, and with mild-moderate health conditions.

Each round will consist of an intensive week at our city centre studios and include:

• Introduction to radio, roles, stations/podcasts
• When things go wrong
• News sources and presenting
• What to do with content given to you
• Placing presenters
• Sound and imaging
• Marketing and social media
• Job searching
• Podcast creation
• Demos
• What stations want
• What to do next. 

There will be practical sessions on CV writing, interview techniques, and interviews. Each course will deliver approximately 25 hours of direct, supported learning, supplemented by an additional 15 to 20 hours outside of formal sessions. Our approach prioritises interactive sessions that encourage active participation, with a mix of classroom teaching and practical exercises.

How to access:

Please get in touch with any questions or queries for the Academy by using the form via: https://www.gaydio.academy/connect/and a member of the team will get back to you.

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

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

Regional Email addresses:

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

How to access

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

We provide :

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

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

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

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

Apprenticeships available for 16-24 year olds

How to access

Call or email us

In collaboration with the JCP and the Manchester City College, Impact for All has set up a very successful Work Club within the Central and South Manchester Community.

All members of the Longsight Community and sister Communities of Ardwick & Levenshulme, are welcome to attend and share their experiences and help each other attain work, using our fully equipped centre totally free.

Services include:

• Supervised Jobsearch support (On every Thursday 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm)
• Interview Technique Workshop
• Confidence & Motivation Support
• CV support and workshops (On every Thursday 10.30 am – 12.30 pm)
• Universal Job Match Account 
• Universal Credit Workshop (On every Friday 10.30 am – 12.30 pm)

Come and use our free Job Search Corner

We aim to provide the local community with real solutions to better their lives and progress into employment. We have several courses that will benefit you and enhance your future prospects and enable you to access the job market. The organisation aims to increase resources for you impacting lives of people who really need the support.

How to access:

The Work Club operates every Thursday and Friday. Please call to make your initial welcome appointment with an advisor.

Book via link: https://impact4all.co.uk/services/community-services/work-club-150212513

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) offers services to support refugees and asylum seekers into work in the UK. These include a comprehensive Job Readiness course, which helps individuals find jobs, create excellent applications, build interview skills, and understand their legal rights in the workplace.

How to access

Contact our Economic Empowerment team for more information at ee@rescue-uk.org

For Ukrainians contact ua.uk@rescue.org

Work club for Jigsaw tenants in Tameside.

Local people can access the following help and assistance: Interview skills,Job search and application support, Creating a CV, Using the internet to search for jobs, Preparing and practising for interviews, Online training to support their personal development, Group support, One-to-one sessions where appropriate, Sign-posting to external organisations, Information about the latest developments with New Charter’s work placement programmes

How to acess

Sessions are drop in. If you have any questions or need to contact us please call John McGlynn on 0161 331 2000 or email greatopportunities@newcharter.co.uk.

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

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

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

How to access

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

The Manchester City Council website provides information about local services and support for residents in Manchester. It covers a wide range of topics, including education, health, housing, and community services.

Their website includes services and information for people looking to start a business.

How to access

Head to the website or use Business and IP Centre at Manchester Central Library (service also available in Bolton, Bury, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford) Ad-hoc, drop-in

Manchester Deaf Centre drop-in Job Club supports people who are Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deaf blind into employment and with any training opportunities an individual may need to become job ready.

Where needed we work with employers and job centres to ensure that the D/deaf community are able to seek opportunities on a level playing field.

We work with you through the drop-in Job Club and one-to-one sessions to ensure you have the right information, support and access to address your needs.

We have supported people who have been offered a job within 2 weeks of registration and there have been others who have been with us for approximately eighteen months, as they require in-depth support and training before they become job-ready.

How to access:

One-to-one appointments are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please make an appointment if you wish to meet or discuss via video directly with our specialist advisors through this email: waite@manchesterdeafcentre.com or Text - 07557 095854 (Text Only)

Who we are

The Refugee Employment Project (REP) by Maximus UK helps refugees find employment.

What we do

We offer job search assistance, career advice, and support with skills development for refugees.

Who we work with

We assist refugees in the North West of England who are looking to enter the workforce.

How we work

We provide personalized support, including workshops, one-on-one coaching, and job placement services.

Drop in Job club

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.

Local people can access the following help and assistance:

Creating a CV
• Using the internet to search for jobs
• Access to information
• Preparing and practising for interviews
• Online training to support their personal development
• Group support
• One-to-one sessions where appropriate
• Sign-posting to external organisations
• Information about the latest developments with New Charter’s work placement programmes

How to acess

Sessions are drop in. If you have any questions or need to contact us please call John McGlynn on 0161 331 2000 or email greatopportunities@newcharter.co.uk.

Drop-in Job Club

As part of The Staffline Group, we use our experience to support hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Our committed teams work across Britain to deliver a range of public services, including employment support, skills training, independent living, prison education, starting a business, and support to help employers grow.

Services include:

• Support to find employment

• Skills training,

• Self-employment support

• Website resource

• Interview skills

• Courses / training

• Self employment/business support

How to access:

Contact us via email or phone

Rainbow Haven have a variety of activities including:

• ESOL
• Digital skills

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

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

Supporting refugee and asylum seeker doctors, nurses and allied health professionals into NHS employment. REACHE North West carries out training and offers pastoral support, provides facilities for study and runs additional projects for Refugee Healthcare Professionals (RHPs).

Free language & clinical training programme provided by NHS clinicians and academics for refugee and asylum-seeking doctors and nurses based in England.

Can provide free clinical placements and supports local registered doctors and nurses to secure their first job in the NHS.

Eligibility requirements:


• The programme is designed for doctors and nurses. We do not currently provide a programme for biomedical scientists, dentists, paramedics, pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals.

• Applicants must be awarded a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) by an institution which is recognised by the relevant council

• As we provide specialised support for the OET exam, we strongly recommend having English language skills equivalent to:

-ESOL Skills for Life Level 1 award

-OET C+ in all skills

-IELTS band 6.5 in all skills

You may be invited to an assessment of your grammar, reading, and writing skills during your application. This test takes about 100 minutes to complete.

How to access:

If you meet the requirements and would like to enquire about joining REACHE, please enquire about membership via: https://reache.org.uk/app/register/

(OR)

Email reache@manchester.ac.uk

Pathways to Work is a project providing pre-employment support to refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants across the UK. This is a digital service and all your sessions will be delivered via Zoom (the video meeting service).

You can join us for:

• An eight-week employability group programme

AND/OR

• 1-2-1 employment support.

This is not an ESOL service but we can signpost you to an ESOL course.

You will need:

• The ability to communicate in English without an interpreter. Your English level needs to be Entry 3 upwards. We can assess your English language level if you are unsure.

• Employment-related aspirations or goals (for example, you want to get a job, work experience, start a training course, explore further education or secure a volunteering opportunity)

How to access

Complete self-referral form online: https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/pathways-to-work-self-referral-form/

Free short courses and workshops offering pre-employment information and guidance for people recently arrived in the UK, often learning English. We encourage and support learners to take small steps to improve their employment prospects. To support people to do this, we offer follow up appointments and work closely with other services.

These are the courses and workshops usually offered at Rainbow Haven in Gorton for half a day each week:

- Pre-employment (6 weeks)

- Job Applications and Interview Skills (3 weeks)

- Learning English (3 weeks)

- CV (workshop)

Refugees & Mentors offers various forms of support, including one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and group sessions. We assist with important tasks such as finding accommodation, understanding the healthcare system, and improving language skills.

The mentoring service supports around 25 refugees a year to improve their employment prospects.

Offers information, guidance and support to:

• Explore short and long term career routes and goals
• Gain recognition of overseas qualifications via UK NARIC or other professional bodies
• Practise English
• Gain unpaid work, including volunteering or shadowing, experience
• Find jobs
• Improve the quality of job applications
• Practise interview skills
• Improve computer skills
• Access other services and networks.

Who provides the service? Mentoring is provided by a project manager and volunteer mentor. Mentors have at least 15 years UK work history, with experience in different sectors and a variety of roles. All volunteers have undergone Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

How is mentoring provided? For up to 5 months. 5 hours commitment each month. Can be face-to-face, by email or video calls, in the day or early evening. A regular newsletter with information about local and online opportunities, including training, courses or jobs. Optional workshops and social events.

How to access:

To find out more email info@refmentors.org.uk

The Work Club offers employment-related information, guidance and support for refugees, vulnerable migrants and people seeking asylum who live in the area of Manchester Local Authority.

Together we offer: Information and guidance, including;

• Volunteering
• Finding and applying for jobs
• Career routes
• Education and training
• Recognition of overseas qualifications
• Learning English
• Developing individual learning and career plans.
• Digital skills appointments in English and Arabic

To Access:

This service is offered remotely through phone and video appointments and through a drop in. Please email us for more information.

Service for professionals - Specialist service for refugee professionals who have overseas professional experience and a degree in Engineering, IT, Telecoms, Architecture or Business Services; business management, sales and tendering, human resources, accountancy.

Individual support to enable people to improve their professional profile (professional CV, overseas qualification comparison, professional bodies, UK labour market research) and support to gain a paid professional placement or job in their profession, with in work support.

Must have a relevant graduate degree or equivalent, at least 2 years specific occupational experience and a good standard of English – confirmed by a written assessment. This service is mostly delivered remotely.

Language & culture classes taught by people of refugee and migrant backgrounds. RefuLingua enables people of refugee and migrant backgrounds to gain employment or work experience through teaching their native language. By providing basic language teacher training and ongoing support, RefuLingua offers our tutors the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people and gain confidence in a new country.

At the same time, RefuLingua gives host communities the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the skills that people of refugee and migrant background bring to our city, through the eyes of being a student. It challenges the stereotype of refugees as people who just need or receive help, and welcomes them as neighbours, co-contributors and teachers.

How to access

Varies, sign up via the Bridges for Communities website.

Drop in Job club

• Volunteering
• Work Club

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

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

In addition we provide:

Face-to-face delivery

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

Support with IT skills

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

To Access:

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

Smart Works is a charity that helps women gain the confidence and skills needed to secure employment. They provide a unique service that includes dressing clients in professional outfits for job interviews, as well as offering coaching and support.

Smart Works works primarily with women who are unemployed or facing barriers to employment, such as low self-esteem or financial difficulties.

Examples of their work include providing tailored styling sessions, where clients receive clothing suitable for interviews, and one-on-one coaching to improve interview skills and confidence. They also offer workshops on topics like CV writing and job searching.

Overall, Smart Works aims to empower women by enhancing their professional image and providing practical advice to help them succeed in their job applications. Their support helps women feel more confident and prepared as they enter the job market, ultimately improving their chances of employment.

To Access:

Referrals to their service can come from various sources, including job centres, charities, and other organisations that support women. To make a referrral: https://smartworks.org.uk/make-a-referral-to-smart-works-greater-manchester/

The Job Club has expanded and developed over the years and the aim is to support local residents.

Services include:

• CV writing

• Job searches

• Writing applications

• Help with interview techniques, presentations and telephone skills.

Our Job Club coordinator has devised a weekly file/notice board of updated new job vacancies so users can access this information easily and apply for suitable positions.

To Access:

For more information about services please phone or email.

If you are thinking about starting a business in Wigan or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.

Start Your Own Business in Wigan contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.

Services Include:

• Free start-up resources and useful local contacts, including the free Start-up Pack. Register to access via https://www.syob.net/auth/signup

• Free Start-Up Workshop, designed to increase your chances of success.

It runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm (London time) and everybody is welcome!!

Book your space via: https://www.syob.net/workshops

How to access:

Contact form: https://www.syob.net/contact.php

For general inquiries please email: info@syob.net

During the day St Johns Centre offers a wide variety of courses and activities that help people build their skills and confidence, engage more fully in their community, and increase their chances of paid work.

Courses generally run for one term, three times a year, but we also run shorter courses. We have a range of wellbeing activities during the day and evening, including family activities, choirs, and many different exercise classes.

These are gradually reopening as COVID restrictions are lifted. For more information, please go to the relevant page for the activity and contact them directly, or contact the Centre.

How to access:

If you are interested in joining one of these courses or groups, please come to one of our Open Days. If you can’t come to the open day, please email or call. If you do not know what level you are, then we can offer a free assessment.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or need support to grow an existing one, Build A Business is here for you.

Our programme targets small businesses, entrepreneurs, and those with a business idea, providing tailored support across all 10 Greater Manchester authorities. 

From Artists to Zero-Waste Shop Owners, Alpaca Farmer to Zumba Instructor, we’re dedicated to helping you succeed, no matter what your business focus is. Join us and transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Each library service boasts its own dedicated Small Business Enterprise Officer. They are committed to offering a variety of workshops and services, including information
surgeries, digital support for online selling, business planning, and pitching assistance.

To Access:

To schedule your appointment, complete this form: https://buildabusinessgm.org/one-to-one-support/#121-booking.

The Apprenticeship Store is designed to be a friendly, welcoming, informal environment where customers can drop in at any time and obtain advice and help.

To Access:

Want to be an Apprentice? Unsure what Apprenticeship to do? Would you like to be informed of local Apprenticeships in your chosen area or invited to Apprenticeship job fairs?

Get in touch with us today to arrange a 1-2-1 team's call with a member of the team. Email or telephone us, or complete an Apprenticeships Learner form: https://interactive.stockport.gov.uk/apprenticeships/Home/Learner .

This service offers:

• Job search and application support
• Mentoring
• Paid work experience
• Website resource
• Interview skills

To Access:

Please phone, email or access their website for more information.

Work Clubs are a local advice and support service for jobseekers looking to find employment. They also help jobseekers increase their chances of successfully getting a job.

Work clubs give people the opportunity to:

• Share job hunting experiences

• Learn new skills

• Find opportunities

• Meet other jobseekers

• Get advice on interviews, CVs and even volunteering opportunities

Work Clubs are held at:

• The Hardman Centre- Hardman Street, Stockport, SK3 0BJ

• Bridgehall- Bridgehall Community Centre, Siddington Avenue, Bridge Hall, Stockport, SK3 8NR

• Lancashire Hill- Stonemill Terrace, Lancashire Hill, Stockport, SK5 7RZ

• Stockport Homes Work Club (Brinnington)- First House, 367 Brinnington Road, Brinnington, Stockport, SK5 8EN

We offer a range of training options to those who work in the private, voluntary and independent sectors with children and adults in Stockport. This offer includes a range of e-learning courses and classroom based training. Access e-learning courses on safeguarding, food safety, dementia, end of life care, autism and more.

Learning Pool is the home of the council's e-learning courses. It's available to both the council’s workforce and the workforce of its partners. There are courses available on Safeguarding, Social Care, Autism, the Care Act and more.

To Access:

You can access the website by visiting Learning Pool: https://stockport.learningpool.com/login/index.php .

The first time you visit the site you'll need to create a new account.

Adult Social Care Training: access a range of courses for people who work in adult social care or as carers.

The courses currently available are listed below:

• Dysphagia training

• Mental Capacity Act training

•Safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse (Alerter Training)

• Safeguarding adults referrers training

• Safeguarding adults initial 2 day inquiry officer

• Safeguarding adults inquiry officer refresher

• Self-neglect and hoarding training

• Sensory loss awareness

To book a place find more information on the website.

The Broughton Trust provides services for refugees and asylum seekers across Salford. We provide a one to one assessment process to plan a bespoke learning and support programme for ESOL learners.

The wide range of courses in their ESOL programme are non-accredited and delivered in a community setting to reduce anxiety and increase participation, creating pathways to employment and qualifications.

Learning support workers work closely with each individual to identify skill gaps and other non-academic support needed. Information advice and guidance sessions are provided throughout the process and by working with outside organisations through a signposting/referral system.

Employment Support: In partnership with a range of employers and training providers we provide a pathway into meaningful employment for the unqualified, unskilled and inexperienced, particularly in fields such as construction, hospitality and personal services. We offer a range of services from job clubs, pre-employment training and work sampling all underpinned by 1:1 support.

We contact some of the most difficult to track and place young adults (the ‘invisible’) who are on no-one’s register, who claim no benefits and who live outside the system. Our successes have been recognised by contracts with a number of partners and in 2018 we placed over 60 adults into sustained (over 6 months) permanent full-time jobs.

We help to increase people’s employability prospects through our job club, training courses and Volunteering opportunities. Our volunteering programme increases people’s ability to participate in the wider community.

We help people get back into employment through CV writing, job search support, training, skills development, apprenticeships, and IT skills

We offer a range of volunteering opportunities at our centre, including administration, retail, catering, warehousing, fundraising, building and grounds maintenance.

Our Digital Skills and Employability register - which users must complete before proceeding with their activities instantly generate a report allowing us to capture detailed insight into our services users - which in turn allows us to further tailor our services to their needs. 

The system changes are important in setting the groundwork as we launch our formal Employability and Skills offer which will include our new apprenticeships scheme.  

How to access:

Monday to Friday by appointment only. To make an appointment please phone us or come and drop-in to visit.

We aim for half of our volunteer team to be BRR members, asylum seekers and refugees who use our services. We offer tailored training and support to member volunteers including support into employment. Speak to any member of staff at the drop in or get in touch by email.

Our drop-in Welcome Centre offers a safe place for refugees and asylum seekers to meet and provides weekly community meals, signposting support and more.

Mondays 10-12: Register as a member, get advice, signposting support, tea and coffee available.

Social Space every Tuesday from 11am to 2pm: We have board games, art, laptops and a football table available to our members. A hot halal meal is served at 1pm. Our doors close at 2pm.

How to access

Drop in.

This is a directory of business support services in Wigan.

Services include:

• Believe in Business Festival September 2025 (https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Business-Support/Business-Festival.aspx)

• Free business advice service (https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Business-Support/Advice/Get-free-advice.aspx)

• Digital support for businesses (https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Business-Support/Advice/Digital-support.aspx)

• Running your business (https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Business-Support/Running-your-business/Index.aspx)

• Get business funding (https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Business/Business-Support/Funding/Index.aspx)

Wirral Change is a charity that supports people from diverse backgrounds in the Wirral area, especially those from minority communities. Their main aim is to promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life for individuals and families facing various challenges

The organisation works with various groups, including refugees, immigrants, and vulnerable individuals. They offer a range of services, such as advice on housing, employment support, and health services. For example, they help clients with job applications and provide information about local services available to them.

Referrals to Wirral Change can come from local agencies, schools, or individuals seeking assistance. They collaborate with other organisations to ensure comprehensive support and access to necessary resources.

In addition to practical support, Wirral Change runs community events and workshops that promote cultural understanding and personal development. These activities help individuals connect with others and build a sense of belonging in their community.

A range of services to support disadvantaged and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Wirral.

We offer information, advice and guidance on matters such as:

• Debt/ Housing/ Welfare/ Benefits/ Safeguarding Matters

• Legal Advice & Guidance

• OISC Level 1 Immigration Support: BRP & IRL Replacement, Passport Support, Citizenship Support, Family Route/ Spouse Visa Extension/ Travel Document support

• Also provide support with interpreting, well-being and employment. Interpreter Request Form: https://wirralchange.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Interpreter-request-form-26.07.23.docx

We have a range of classes for all abilities. Our helpful team will help your learn at your pace and grow in your confidence.

English classes: If you would like to attend ESOL classes, please contact our team on 0151 649 8177

GM Working Wardrobe is a service in Greater Manchester that provides free professional clothing and support to people who are looking for work. They focus on helping individuals who may be facing barriers to employment, such as those who are unemployed, low-income workers, or people returning to work after a break.

The service offers a range of items, including suits, dresses, shoes, and accessories, to help clients present themselves confidently during job interviews. They also provide styling advice to ensure that each person finds suitable clothing for their specific needs.

Referral pathways include partnerships with local charities, job centres, and employment support services, which help connect individuals to GM Working Wardrobe. For example, a job centre may refer someone who has an upcoming interview and needs suitable clothing. All appointments must be booked via their referral partners.

If you would like to become a referral partner, please contact the Project Officer either by email or phone using the details below:

Working.Wardrobe@groundwork.org.uk

In addition to providing clothing, GM Working Wardrobe aims to empower clients by offering workshops on job skills, such as CV writing and interview preparation. Overall, the service supports people in their job search, helping them feel more confident and prepared for the workplace.

Working Wardrobe operates out of a mobile electric vehicle which moves to different locations across Greater Manchester therefore it has no fixed address.

Yes Manchester is a charity that supports individuals and groups in Manchester, helping them start and grow their own businesses. They work with a variety of people, including those who are unemployed, students, and anyone looking to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

The organisation provides different services, such as business advice, training, and workshops. For example, they offer sessions on business planning, marketing, and finance to help people understand how to run a successful business. They also have a co-working space where people can work and share ideas.

Yes Manchester also supports people in accessing funding and grants to start their businesses. They focus on empowering individuals by providing the tools and confidence needed to succeed. Overall, Yes Manchester aims to create a strong entrepreneurial community, helping people turn their ideas into reality.

How to access

Referral pathways include partnerships with local job centres, schools, and community organisations. This helps them reach a wider audience and provide the necessary support to those who need it most. In order to self-refer or to refer a client please use this form: https://yesmanchester-forms.caseworkerconnectonline.org/ .

Their original, and largest, centre is in the heart of Newton Heath. You’ll be able to use their free-to-access internet-enabled computers to find the latest work, volunteering and training opportunities, supported by one of their friendly Digital Support Officers, as well as meeting one of their IAG professionals. This is also where ‘Yes to Employment’ their 3 week part-time employability course is delivered.