Do you need advice? Do you want to claim asylum? Have you been refused asylum? Are you an asylum seeker who is homeless or without financial support? Are you having issues in your accommodation? Are you a migrant without secure immigration status and are you at risk of homelessness? Have you been trafficked to the UK? We may be able to help.

What we do:

1) We share information and resources so you can understand the asylum system and access your rights for yourself

2) We give advice and casework support when extra help is needed, such as: preventing homelessness; challenging bad decisions by the Home Office; keeping you safe from harm and abuse

What we do not do:

Support not relating to asylum claims or support, or for people with Leave to Remain, this includes: Debt (except NHS overseas patient charges) Benefits (except asylum support) Help applying for bank accounts, driving licenses, or jobs Regulated immigration advice, including: Advice about the content of an asylum claim Completing PIQ forms or ‘Asylum Questionnaires’

How to access BRR advice

If you live in a hotel, speak to a worker from BRR, Borderlands, Mind, Red Cross, The Haven or North Somerset Welcomes Refugees at the hotel. If you do not live in a hotel, visit our Drop-in on Wednesday at 10am in Wellspring Settlement BS5 0AX

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 dropin)

- Volunteering

- Music

- Prayer

- Digital skills

- Clothes and food also available

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

How to access

Call the centre to book a session

Our Emergency Essentials programme supports individual children and young people living with severe poverty. The programme provides items that meet children’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to give them a hot meal, clothing (in a crisis) and other items and services that are critical to children’s wellbeing. The programme is now being delivered by Family Fund Business services on our behalf.

How to access

It is a referrer only programme and applications can only be made by registered referrers. Phoneline for referring agencies open between 9.30am and 3.00pm on Monday to Friday (01904 550011) Organisations can register via the website: https://www.familyfundservices.co.uk/emergency-essentials/

Boaz shared houses are for people who have been refused asylum or people recently granted refugee status. These houses are single sex and are allocated for men or women (unfortunately, we cannot usually accommodate family groups). Our accommodation and support is available for up to twelve months. Our team of support workers meet regularly with people to offer holistic support and encouragement. Many of the people we support are unfamiliar with navigating systems and culture here in the UK, may not speak English as a first language and may lack social networks and experience which many of us rely on.

How to access

Referral only via our website

The council helps people find suitable housing and provides support for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

If you believe you may become threatened with homelessness or about to become homeless, we can offer advice via telephone or email and may have a duty to provide you with accommodation in certain cases.

We can help with specific areas including:

• Your landlord has asked you to leave

• You’re not getting on with the people you live with

• You can’t afford your mortgage, rent, bills or have other problems managing your tenancy or accommodation

• Your accommodation is not suitable because it’s too small or in a poor condition

• Your accommodation is not suitable because of a medical condition or disability

• You’re experiencing, or are at risk of violence, abuse or harassment

How to access:

If you need to contact our Housing Options Service please ring us on 01204 335900. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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

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

Volunteering:

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

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

How to access:

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

Offers services to people who are homeless, in poverty or facing debt crisis. The Brick are the delivery partners for A.B.E.N. and operate over 3 locations in Wigan and Leigh offering a bed, a hot meal, a hot shower, and someone who can give them help and support to move off the streets. The services run by the Brick Project include the Crisis Intervention Service and Wigan’s largest Food Bank.

The Brick also operates statutory tendered projects offering support to people in their tenancies; ensuring people newly homeless move quickly into accommodation, and ensuring that homeless people receive good health care and support if in hospital.

How to access

Drop into our building or call on 01942 318 004 / enquiries@thebrick.org.uk / complete web form at https://www.thebrick.org.uk/contact-us/ The Brick 01942 236953 or via webchat at http://www.thebrick.org.uk Out of Hours emergency housing helpline – 01942 828777

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

Bury family bank is a organisation set up to help people in bury who need help and support. we will try our best to help with clothing, shoes, toiletries, baby items and general essentials.

How to access

Call on 0161 797 7366 or email at buryfamilybank@gmail.com

Morning Star, next to our Cornerstone centre in central Manchester provides a safe, high quality supported accommodation for 20 single homeless men.

The team provides the time for people to build the confidence and skills for independent living and supports the re-establishment of relationships with those closest to them if possible. We work alongside people to empower them to transform their lives with dignity, aiming to help them to move on and successfully resettle in the community.

How to access

call or email

Red Door is our day centre for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Bury (see below for our address and contact details).

We provide a warm welcome to anyone over 18 and provide holistic support including helping with housing, finance/benefits and health issues, with a big focus on wellbeing. We also provide free nutritious meals and a warm hub where people can socialise and receive support.

The team, as well as delivering direct housing outcomes, also enables people to improve their wellbeing through services that meet immediate basic needs, promote mental health and wellbeing, enable people to access healthcare and other support services and to take up education, training, volunteering opportunities and employment – all as a means of sustaining positive housing outcomes.

How to access

phone or email

Cascade Family Essentials is a service that helps families in need. They focus on supporting parents and children who may be struggling, often due to difficult situations like poverty or illness. The service provides essential items such as clothing, food, and household goods to help families manage better.

Cascade Family Essentials not only provides material support but also offers practical help. For example, they may assist families in applying for benefits or accessing other services. They aim to empower families, helping them build skills and confidence to improve their circumstances.

Cascade Baby Bundles aims to support the parent(s) by providing a ‘Baby Bundle’ gift containing items of clothing, toys and essentials that will help cushion the financial impact of a child on a family experiencing hardship. We provide these bundles for new born babies and children all the way up to age ten.

How to access

Referral sent from professional email address (i.e. GP, school etc.) you can also call the service'

Centrepoint is a charity that helps young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They provide safe accommodation and support services to help these young people rebuild their lives. Centrepoint has hostels, shared houses, and outreach services in various locations. In Manchester, they run a homeless day centre providing hot drinks and meals, haircuts, internet access. Offer a support service to assist young people on their first step into a home and a job. Their in-house health team of specialists work with young people on a range of issues, including substance use, mental health nutrition and dietetics.

How to access

Referrals to Centre point can come through phone or email from schools, social services, and other organisations that identify young people in need. For example, a teacher might refer a student who is facing homelessness.'

Project CLEAR provides support for asylum seekers with multiple complex needs, which make it particularly difficult to navigate the asylum system and access other support. CLEAR clients typically have experience of more than one of the following: severe mental and/or physical health issues, disabilities, complex immigration history, experience of the criminal justice system, long term rough sleeping, survivors of domestic abuse.

This service is access via an internal referral from BRR advice service.

Coffee4Craig is open every single evening. The drop-in offers respite from the streets, hot food, showers, clean clothing, toiletries, haircuts, conversation with staff and volunteers, snacks, hot drinks, water refill point, medical support, emergency crisis intervention and advice. ​Coffee4Craig does not directly offer accommodation but we do support the Homeless Partnership and MCC to offer an out of hours service for referrals and allocations into accommodation when the temperature drops below zero.

How to access

Attend a drop in

Cornerstone (run by Caritas Diocese of Salford) provides a day centre (inc. a soup kitchen) with the dual aim to help homeless people and prevent homelessness. They aim to enable people to improve their wellbeing through providing services which meet immediate basic needs (inc. access to showers), promote mental health and wellbeing, enable people to access health and other support services and to take up education, training, volunteering opportunities and employment.

How to access

Attend drop in

Funding of up to £500 for people in crisis where all other avenues have been explored.

ABC has a small pot of money for people who meet the criteria below and this can be applied up to a maximum of £500. Once the application has been made it will be considered by our crisis fund team and the referral partner will be notified of the outcome. At this point ABC may take the steps needed or we may ask the referrer to do so. Please make sure you give as much detail as possible and manage expectations as we predict that there will be a large number of referrals.

Examples of successful applications include:

• Shoes for street homeless person £35 
• Prescription glasses £98 
• Train ticket to medical appointment £24 
• Contribution to legal fees £500 
• Bike trailer for family with 2 children with disabilities £200 
• Leg braces for service user with arthritic knees £12 

How to access

Referral only. Referral partners: BRASP.

To access the ABC Crisis Fund these criteria must be met: 

• The person must be a refugee, asylum seeker/refused asylum seeker/deemed inadmissible 
• In crisis and in need of emergency support 
• Are unable to access this support elsewhere 
• Without this support their mental/physical health or asylum claim will be adversely impacted 

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

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

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

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

Fridays: Women’s Multicultural Art & culture activities.

How to access

Wednesday drop in or call us for more information about activities

If you have no income and no other way of getting any, together with other partners in Bristol we may be able to provide you with assistance for a short period of time.

A mutual support group made up of local people, asylum seekers and refugees living in the Bury area. We provide general guidance and support for asylum seekers, and a rolling programme of support groups and social opportunities including Women's Groups, Parent Support Group.

How to access

Email us about how to access activities and locations

At Early Essentials we give out newborn baby starter packs that are packed into a Moses basket to pregnant women who are deemed to be in need.

How to access

Through referral from midwife, health visitors, outreach workers, charities or equivalent. Please use this form https://earlyessentials.org.uk/refer '

Emmeline’s Pantry provides a foodbank, clothes, toiletries and baby items to women in need and their families This is open to all women across Manchester who, for a donation, can access the service either weekly or monthly depending on need. This is accessed by referral only.

How to access

Referral only through this online form https://emmelinespantry.com/referral-criteria/

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

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.

We are a supported housing scheme for single homeless people, situated close to both Manchester City Centre and Salford Shopping City.

Our accommodation is varied but consists primarily of single rooms with cooking facilities, all within a 2-mile radius of the office. Our service users do not need to have a Salford connection to access our services, although priority will be given to those that do.

How to access

Referral only from select referral agencies. Once the referral has been submitted, you will be invited for an interview usually the next week, to assess eligibility. We will then reach out to you when appropriate housing becomes available. Referral form found online at https://www.gcs-support.co.uk/referral-agenies

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 GM Migrant Destitution Fund (MDF) provides cash grants for people forced into destitution by their immigration status. Denied access to any kind of safety net, and, in many cases, not allowed to work, these are some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

As long as the government goes on using destitution as a weapon of immigration control, we are committed to provide cash grants to support people to meet basic needs and promote wellbeing.

By providing cash, with no strings attached, we seek to restore a degree of dignity.

You can apply for up to £80 per month per adult and £50 for any child in the household.

There is no limit on how many times people can access the fund, as we recognise that escaping destitution can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

We operate a 'fund-plus' model. Beyond our grants programme, we also:

• Signpost where possible for additional support and pathways out of destitution

• Develop partnership working between frontline organisations across GM

• Advocate for change to build towards a society where no one is made destitute because of where they come from.

How to apply:

You can apply to the fund through one of our referral partners. You cannot apply directly to the fund. If you are already connected with one of those organisations, ask someone there to refer you to the fund.

If you are not already connected with one of these organisations, write to us at info@migrantdestitution.co.uk, telling us where in Greater Manchester you are living, and we will signpost you to the most suitable organisation that can help you apply to the fund.

Advice and support for people who are homeless and/or have no recourse to public funds. Advise on asylum support, NRPF change of condition applications and late EUSS applications.

How to access

Appointment only - will accept self-referrals https://gmiau.org/contact/immigration-referral-form/

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.

We also offer night shelters as part of the A Bed Every Night Initiative.

How to access

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

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.

The Home of Justice Network provides support for individuals who have experienced issues related to the criminal justice system, particularly those who are migrants or refugees.

Their mission is to ensure that everyone has access to fair legal assistance and support. The network works with a diverse range of people, including victims of crime, witnesses, and those facing legal challenges. They offer services such as legal advice, advocacy, and workshops on rights and responsibilities within the justice system. For example, they may help individuals understand court procedures or provide guidance on making a complaint.

How to access

Phone or email to book an appointment on 07751168888 or homeof.justicenetwork@mail.com

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

Bristol Hospitality Network sources accommodation for asylum seekers whose claims have been refused. We manage a host network of households who offer a spare room and we run a 10 bed men's house in East Bristol. We have hosted over 200 asylum seekers since 2009, providing safety and security for people to rebuild their lives in the UK. We do not accommodate people who are entitled to Home Office support or who have their Leave to Remain. We accept referrals from Bristol Refugee Rights, Red Cross, Borderlands, people can also self refer by coming to our drop-in on Mondays in Easton.

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


How to access

Will accept self-referrals. For agency referrals - Referral form downloadable at bottom of this page: https://www.imagenet.org.uk/client-services/

Clothing prices can be found here: https://www.pregnancyhelpline.co.uk/userfiles/file/Baby%20Products%20%20Equipment%20Clothing.pdf

Infinity Initiatives supports individuals facing barriers to employment, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their mission is to empower people by providing skills training and employment opportunities to help them achieve financial independence.

Support for migrants includes family and perinatal support, a migrant destitution fund, open kitchen, community cafe and ESOL classes

How to access

To ask questions or to make a referral email support@infinity-initatives.org or drop in during opening hours.

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.

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.

LifeShare is a charity in the UK that supports vulnerable people, especially those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They work with various groups, including young people, adults, and families. Their services aim to improve people's lives by providing practical help, advice, and support. For example, they provide food, clothing, and shelter options. They also help people find long-term accommodation and access health services.

We offer a crisis service for vulnerable and marginalized young people aged 16-25 in Manchester, particularly those who are homeless (or at risk of becoming so) and those at risk of being sexually exploited.

We also offer a Weekend Breakfast every week which provides hot breakfast to those in need. Lifeshare formed the Manchester Digital Collective to tackle digital exclusion.

How to access

Our weekend breakfast is drop in. Crisis Service & Digital Inclusion: referral via telephone, email, website, or drop in to our office during opening hours

LHH (Linking Help with Hope) helps those who are living on a very low income, receiving the appropriate welfare benefits and who have exhausted all other funding sources including statutory funding, occupational, local and specialist charities.

Financial assistance may be provided under the following three categories:

One-off grants LHH issues grants of up to £250. These are generally awarded for or towards essential household items and specialist equipment not available from statutory agencies.

Extended Assistance Extended Assistance beneficiaries will also receive quarterly newsletters, birthday and Christmas cards as well as a personal visit from the Secretary once a year where possible. We may (at our discretion depending on funding availability) contribute towards special occasions such as birthdays or seasonal events and breaks away from home.

Carers’ breaks Depending on available funds, one-off payments are made for carer’s breaks. We understand the role of a carer is both onerous and tiring.

How to access

Application for assistance to LHH must be made through a third party sponsor from a professional agency (e.g. representative from social services, health service, housing association, tenancy support agency, CAB or another charity. eligible for help, applicant must have settled status in UK and be suffering from an illness or disability (or caring for someone with an illness/disability)

Grant application forms can be found here https://lhh.org.uk/apply-for-assistance/
We will only accept application forms that have been filled in and submitted by a third-party sponsor from a recognised agency. The sponsor must be prepared to vouch for the application and take responsibility for the distribution of funds, if awarded, in the manner agreed by LHH.

Salford Loaves and Fishes is a charity that helps people who are homeless or facing hardship in Salford, UK. They provide essential services such as hot meals, food parcels, and support for basic needs. The charity works with a range of individuals, including those living on the streets, people in temporary accommodation, and those struggling with poverty.

In addition to providing food and shelter, the charity offers support for finding accommodation, job training, and health services. For example, they have a dedicated team that helps individuals improve their skills and access work opportunities. They also provide support for mental health and wellbeing, helping clients connect with counselling services.

Food and welfare packs, advice and signposting, access to homeless GP consultation, Dental Services, Health Improvement Team, Drug & Alcohol Support / Discussion Group, hot food & drinks. Also hold reading groups / literacy support, and also one to one support. Also provide access to Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

How to access

Drop in service during hours listed. Can phone to explain a client's complex needs if necessary.

Since 2009, our voluntary lawyer provides expert legal and welfare advice every Monday at MCC for vulnerable Chinese community who have English Language barrier. Our voluntary lawyer is expert in this field, providing independent and confidential advice to those in need with the aim to advise and promote self-confidence and independence.

ESOL English is available to our members every Mon-Thurs provided by WEA.

How to access

To make an appointment with an Information and Advice Service Lawyer, please call 0161 275 9885. Available times Monday 13:00 – 18:00.

Manchester City Council provides services for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They offer support to people of all ages, including families, young adults, and vulnerable individuals.

The service helps people find emergency accommodation, such as hostels or temporary housing, and provides advice on housing options. For example, they assist with applying for housing benefits and understanding rights as tenants.

How to access

Our Customer Service Centre and Homelessness Reception are open on an appointment-only basis. Please call us on 0161 234 4692 between 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday for help and support.

For help when the office is closed, phone: 0161 234 5001.

Our General Advice service offers support with:

Universal credit and other benefits such as JSA/ESA and Child Benefit | Council tax Asylum support | National insurance numbers | HC2 certificate | Manchester Move issues | Private landlord issues | Opening a bank account | Registering for a GP | Driver’s license and traffic offences | Registering for college or ESOL | IA applications

The Refugee Integration Service (Wednesday 9:30am – 4:30pm, drop-in): RIS is a holistic provision for people who in the last 9 months have been granted Humanitarian Protection, Refugee Leave or other Leave to Remain status. You can get support and guidance around what steps to take now that you have been given the right to reside in the UK.

How to access

Appointments can be booked on our website

Monday, 10am - 4pm | Drop-in Refugee General Advice @St James Church, M14 4TH

Tuesday and Thursday at 1.30pm - 4pm | RIS & Home Search Club Drop in (advice for recent Manchester refugees) @141 Princess Road M14 4RE

Thursday at 10am | Drop-in/appointment Refugee General Advice (advice with housing, taxes, universal credit) @129 Princess Road M14 4RB

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.

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.

If you have recently been granted leave to remain, we can provide advice and support around rights and entitlements in the move on period, including help with applying for benefits, exploring housing options, information about and support to access healthcare, education and employment, and additional services such as applying for travel documents.

Nightstop Greater Manchester and Cheshire East places young people aged 16-25 in the homes of volunteer hosts. Nightstop Greater Manchester and Cheshire East is an emergency accommodation service delivered by Depaul UK and covers Greater Manchester and Cheshire East.

Nightstop hosts provide a private room, a warm meal and somewhere safe to stay for the night, whilst Nightstop helps to find a permanent solution to a young person’s homelessness.

How to access

If you are a young person in need of somewhere safe to stay tonight Call 01615073414 (Greater Manchester) or 07740080715 (Cheshire East) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday

Email nightstop.gm@depaulcharity.org.uk

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

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

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

How to access

Drop in

The Oldham Homelessness service helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They provide support to individuals and families in need, ensuring they have a safe place to live. The service works with various organisations, including charities, local councils, and housing providers, to find solutions for those in crisis.

In addition, the service offers information about housing options and rights. They also run prevention programmes to help people stay in their homes, such as mediation services for those facing disputes with landlords. Overall, the aim of the Oldham Homelessness service is to prevent homelessness and support people in finding stable and secure housing in the community.

How to access

Contact by phone, email or complete and online referral platform: https://gm-ca.org/referral/FormPage.aspx

The Housing Options service will contact the applicant within 48 hours to offer them advice and, if required, an appointment to come and see a Housing Advisor.

The Destitution Food Project

This is held every Thursday afternoons, (for customers 12:30 – 2:30pm. This is open to all refugees but they must bring documentary evidence that their UKBA support has been stopped. We aim to offer a choice of food to the value of about £10.

We work in conjunction with British Red Cross, Oldham Baptist Church, other local faith groups and individuals. The Red Cross usually provide the cost of a bus day ticket to cover travel costs, money for toiletries. Provide basic advice on a wide range of matters including health issues, how to liaise with Dallas Court, tracing relatives, getting access to the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture and contacting the Identity and Passport Service to seek further help. A mental health support worker from NHS Oldham attends We are able to offer clothes and small household items to everyone, but we are dependent on people donating goods.

The Legal Fund The legal fund/ advice desk look through the paper work connected with appeals and signpost people to organisations that might be able to provide appropriate support. Sometimes expenses may be paid for travel to Liverpool UKBA, or to a solicitor whose office is outside Greater Manchester.

How to access

Drop in

We take old bikes, clean them up and then our volunteers and groups of young people fix them, gaining AQA qualifications in the process. The newly-refurbished bikes are then donated to local families, used in conjunction with the Transport for Greater Manchester or sold with all profits being churned directly back into the Positive Cycles project to buy better equipment and parts.

The workshop is also used by the Oldham Youth Justice Service as part of the unpaid community work of young offenders. The young people are involved in cleaning and fixing donated bikes and making sure they are roadworthy and ready to be resold. In doing this they gain valuable experience and qualifications. We also offer AQA-accredited Bike Maintenance courses to individuals and groups.

How to access

If you would like to donate an old bike, or purchase a refurbished bike, please get in touch.

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

How to access

Access by drop-in, referrals, self referrals. IAPT Mental health support is by appointment only.

We are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community and provide emergency clothing support and more to those who need it the most. The REEL Rack, provided clothing & essential items to those who need a helping hand during a difficult time.

How to access

Contact us via email

Our Asylum Crisis Project works with asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and those seeking to claim asylum, who are based in Greater Manchester, to understand their entitlements to accommodation and support, to access that support and to challenge barriers to that support, through advocacy, appeals and legal challenge.

Asylum Crisis also seeks to ensure that the support provided is suitable and adequate for the needs of our clients. Asylum Crisis strives to ensure our clients are aware of and able to access a range of services including legal advice, health and social care, education, community groups, charitable support social and well-being opportunities.

How to access

Please contact by phone, email or webform: https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/project/asylum-crisis-project-2/ to refer yourself or others.

No drop-in available

Refugee Aid (Chorlton) is a charity based in South Manchester. We are all volunteers and work with partner organisations to provide a range of practical items for asylum seekers and refugees across Greater Manchester.

We deliver to the client directly. We do not have any other direct contact with them, you own the relationship with them. What we can provide for your clients Good quality (sometimes new) upcycled items for adults, children and babies covering:
* Clothes, shoes, new underwear and socks
* New toiletries
* Small toys, games, DVDs, craft materials and stationery for school/college aged pupils
* Baby equipment e.g. pram, buggy, stroller, Moses basket filled with clothes, toys, sling and new born nappies, bath
* Bikes, with lock & helmet, and scooters. We also provide mechanical help for clients who have a bike that we have provided. Sorry but we cannot provide:
* School uniforms
* Car seats or nappies (other than new born as part of the Moses basket)
* Food
* Household items
* Furniture

How to access

Referral only from registered partner agencies. Currently Rainbow Haven and Refugee Action are registered referral partners.

Refugees at Home is a UK charity which connects those with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum who are in need of somewhere to stay.

We recruit and support volunteer hosts who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand.  Our role is to carefully match each guest and host, to assess and prepare them ready for hosting, to advise on hosting arrangements and accommodation, and to provide ongoing support to hosts throughout each stay.

Who we can help:

We may be able to arrange for short-term, temporary accommodation with one of our volunteer hosts if you-

• Have refugee status

• Have leave to remain

• Are actively engaged in the asylum process (OR)

• Are hoping to come to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme

How to access:

Referral via website - https://refugeesathome.org/help-and-information/referrer-application-guide/

You can also apply directly to us if you have refugee status in the UK. Please read our Guest application guide and fill in the application at the end of the guidance via: https://refugeesathome.org/help-and-information/self-referred-guests/

On a Tuesday, there is a OISC accredited Immigration advice drop-in which can include addressing issues such as:
• fee waiver for destitute/failed asylum seekers
• family reunion-new arrivals support
• discretional routes
• settlement protection.

Revive also offers (by appointment 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

How to access

Drop-in or agency referral.

Waiting list for family reunion support is currently 2 months, through the organisation referral form - https://www.revive-uk.org/drop-in-services/

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

Revive run a variety of activities at their drop in including

• Run non-accredited ESOL classes (Present at hub and register to access.)
• Employability/IT support
• Volunteering programme
• Social club (football, cycling, snooker, table tennis)
• Destitution support: food parcels and other essentials

How to access

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

Rochdale Borough Council provides advice and assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They work with local organisations and services to prevent homelessness and help individuals access safe accommodation.

To Access:

Please phone, email or complete their online referral form: https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/housing/report-someone-risk-homeless

Salford Assist is a Salford City Council scheme that can offer short term support to people who are in a crisis, emergency or major disaster situation. These situations can mean that you are unable to meet the basic needs of yourself or your family.

Salford Assist doesn’t offer cash payments, but would consider your immediate needs and try to help with essential items such as:

• a referral for baby milk, nappies or food for your baby and your family

• essential furniture items, for example a bed, or white goods

• shopping vouchers

• help with emergency supply of gas or electric where there is no heating in the household