Find Services

Lifeshare delivers non-judgemental, open access and free services to anyone experiencing homelessness or economic hardship. We are the sole provider of morning weekend provisions in the city centre.

The Weekend Respite Breakfast Project runs 52 weekends a year; on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7-9am.

This service includes:

• Homeless residents attending the Respite Project can access a hot breakfast (usually a full English) three mornings a week.

• In addition to the hot breakfast, guests can obtain takeaway meals and access cereal and our fresh fruit bar, as well as help themselves to additional food collected from Fair Share and Tesco.

• Guests also have access to showers (with towels and toiletries provided)

• Access to the free clothes store, which is operated in a person-centred and dignity-preserving manner.

• Guests can also access additional services either through referrals or through sector services that "pop in."

This weekend service is delivered by a rotating team of volunteers (a minimum of 45 volunteers per weekend) who strive to provide respite care in a co-production model, involving collaboration between volunteers and those experiencing homelessness.

How to access:

Drop-in

Lifeshare delivers non-judgemental, open access and free services to anyone experiencing homelessness or economic hardship. We are the sole provider of morning weekend provisions in the city centre.

The Weekly Emergency Drop-in Food Bank runs on Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5pm.

How to access:

Drop-in

People are advised to ring: 07832166085 to check there is someone in the office at this time, as occasionally the office will be shut due to staff leave.

Lincoln Greeners is a weekly gardening group open to people of all backgrounds and abilities, supporting mental wellbeing through nature and connection. We grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers in the Roxby Community Garden, a peaceful green space tucked away in Lincoln Green.

Sessions are hands-on, welcoming, and a great way to learn new skills, grow your own food, and meet new people. The atmosphere is calm and low-pressure, allowing everyone to work at their own pace.

Everyone is welcome - whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned grower, or simply curious to try something new.

All tools are provided. Refreshments and bus tickets are available, and language is never a barrier.

Sign up required (although we can help people fill out sign up forms at their first session if needed). No creche available but children can attend with a parent/guardian during school holidays.

Lingua.GM facilitators help individuals to engage through various training sessions, community events, advice, education programmes, community group activities, cultural celebrations.

Services include:

• Connect 5: The Connect 5 Course is delivered in different languages by our qualified trainers as a 2-day face to face or on-line as 3 half-day sessions.

Focuses on training staff to enable them to support their patients or clients to live well mentally, to better manage their mental health, increase their resilience and ultimately improve wellbeing.

• Living Life to the Full: Free face to face/online courses covering- Low mood, stress and resilience, build confidence, feel happier, stay calm and tackle upsetting thinking

• Working with interpreters: This is a one-day training course on that aims to reinforce good communication skills and help clients' staff to communicate, using an interpreter, across cultures and languages.

• Life skills sessions

• Financial Wellbeing- We have various methods for people to access this help, through Webinars, online 1-1 Financial Clinics and face to face sessions.

• Cultural Competency Training

• Drop-in Sessions

How to access:

Please contact us by filling out the contact form via https://linguagm.com/?page_id=21

Community Interpreter/Translation Services:

We provide interpreting services to Health and social care services, GP practices, schools, home office, solicitors, immigration advisers, housing associations and many others. We have flexible booking arrangements that respond to both routine and unexpected situations.

Our interpreters understand your responsibilities and are completely impartial.
We enable clear, constructive communication.

How to access:

Please contact us by filling out the contact form via https://linguagm.com/?page_id=334

If you require a referral then please download the Translation Services Form - https://linguagm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Lingua.GM-Interperting.Translation-service-referral-form.docx and email it back to us at info@linguagm.com

We offer a range of Bi-lingual Mental Health Support Services for anyone who is experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship breakdown, worries, anxieties, sadness, loneliness or feeling unwell.

Services include:

• Talking Therapy
• Bilingual 1:1 Support

• Psychotherapy Services

• Group Support

• Recovery Support group
• Employee Assistant Programmes

How to access:

Please contact us by filling out the contact form via https://linguagm.com/?page_id=768

If you require a referral then please download the Counselling Service Referral Form - https://linguagm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Lingua.GM-Counselling-service-referral-form.docx and email it back to us at info@linguagm.com

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: Issues grants of up to £300. These are generally awarded for (or) towards essential household items and specialist equipment not available from statutory agencies.

•Extended Assistance: We also provide ongoing financial assistance. Beneficiaries will receive quarterly newsletters, birthday and Christmas cards as well as a personal visit from the Secretary once a year where possible.

• 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 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.

Grant application forms can be found here: https://lhh.org.uk/apply-for-assistance/

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.

Do you have a long-term health condition? Perhaps you have a heart condition, diabetes, or arthritis. When dealing with long-term health conditions it’s not uncommon to feel anxious, low or depressed. Vita’s unique course can provide you with the help needed to understand and manage these feelings. This 7-week group facilitates reflection and discussion around the impact of your physical condition. It provides information and support to: Learn how to pace yourself and prevent unhelpful ‘boom & bust’ patterns. Learn how to manage stress, anxiety and low mood.

We support the homeless, isolated and vulnerable in Salford and the surrounding area. Homeless maybe rough sleeping, sofa surfing, in unstable accommodation, at risk of homelessness or struggling to keep your home for any reason.

We serve free hot meals with indoor and outdoor seating available.

Support staff: We can help with advice and referrals in to Housing, support with food, finances, health, accommodation and benefits or we can get you in touch with lots of other services that can help you.

Access to Salford Foodbank, advice, guidance and support appointments and access to the Homeless GP Service.

How to access:

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

MAES has classes from Pre-entry to Level 1 in various locations across the city. The adult learning centres with ESOL courses include Longsight Library and Learning Centre

There is an opportunity to get qualifications on some courses. Courses are either two or three sessions per week

How to access:

There are lots of different ESOL courses in Manchester. To join any of them you need to do an assessment with the Manchester ESOL Advice Service.

To apply for an ESOL course, please complete this form: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Apply_for_ESOL_Manchester_24_25/

We will use the details you've provided to contact you about an assessment for an ESOL course in Manchester

Leeds Refugee Forum’s bilingual advocacy services help refugees, asylum seekers and anyone from the local community access services and engage with different organisations.

Our community advocates make sure our clients’ voices are heard and that their rights are upheld.

We have volunteers who speak many languages including Arabic, Farsi, Turkish, Tigrinya, French and Azerbaijani. We also have translators available to support in a variety of other languages.

We advocate for our clients on a wide range of issues. We can help with:

• Completing forms

• Contacting organisations such as energy and mobile phone suppliers, insurance companies, etc.

• Accessing health services, including registering with a GP

• Accessing education services, including primary or secondary schools, or registering with a college or university

For more information please look at the link.

Volunteer led support sessions for primary school students from school years 1 to 6. These sessions alternate between maths and English each week. Sessions act as an opportunity for students to revise while also giving them the chance to work on their assigned homework in a supportive environment. The club lasts for an hour and a half, with the first hour is focussed on studying and the last half hour is more focussed on students expressing themselves creatively.

Term time only.

Our Men’s Wellbeing Group is thriving and growing in momentum. The multicultural group provides support to men from all over the world who live in Leeds. We give service users the chance to enjoy a variety of games and activities, trips and events, wellbeing exercises and volunteering opportunities.

The Men’s Wellbeing Group allows men to practise and develop their English language skills, make new friends, learn and share knowledge.

Our Ukrainian Wellbeing Group at LRF is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of gender, to come together and enjoy creative and relaxing activities. From handmade crafts and DIY projects to gardening and seasonal decorations, there’s always something fun and meaningful to do. We focus on connection, creativity, and community, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just want to unwind and chat, you’re very welcome to join us!

Our Women’s Wellbeing Group provides vital support to women from a range of backgrounds. We encourage service users to join our art therapy workshops, which bring women together to create handmade items.

The Women’s Wellbeing Group allows women to practise and develop their English language skills, make new friends, learn and share knowledge. The women who attend build trust knowing they have a safe space to go where they are never alone; they always have people around to support them.

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.

Weekly Wellbeing Group for New Families:

• We support young people with special needs and disabilities who come to the Bredbury Hotel 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

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

• Educational and Vocational Workshops- including Free ESOL classes

• Parenting classes and Children's activities

• 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.

• 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-

How to access:

Drop-ins are welcome.

MAMAhub is a community drop-in group for pregnant people and Mamas from migrant backgrounds, with babies 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.


Antenatal, Baby, Birth

The symptoms of depression we experience such as tiredness, lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities can lead to malaise and inactivity. This inactivity keeps depression going and can even make it worse. Little things get overlooked and we soon stop doing simple everyday tasks. This leads to people feeling overwhelmed or insurmountable. Our low mood course supports you to overcome depression by stopping and reversing this inertia. By changing what you do, you can change the way you feel. This 6-week group course helps you understand depression and its causes. We focus mainly on the link between what you do and how you feel. Vita’s Managing Low Mood course teaches basic skills in how to improve your mood and get your life back on track.

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

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

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

How to access:

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

If you are working towards finding a job that’s right for you why not try Volition. Volition is a friendly and informal 10 week programme that combines volunteering with job search skills. We’re based right in the heart of Manchester and Salford, and you choose which location is best for you.

Services include:

• Volunteering:

We have opportunities available with our bee hives at the Cathedrals, gardening, welcoming, reception, facilities, admin, events, care-taking, social media and hospitality support. 

• Employment Support:

We can help with employment searches, applications and updating CVs. We can provide a reference after your fifth week with us.

How to access:

You can get in touch yourself or ask your work coach or a trusted friend to do it for you. We have lots of start dates throughout the year. We are not a mandatory service and engaging with us won’t affect any benefits you receive.

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 us. Available times Monday 13:00 – 18:00.

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 Volunteer Inspire Programme (MCRVIP) can help you find volunteering opportunities to suit your skills and interests.

Anyone can take part, you don't need any qualifications to begin volunteering. If you do have any qualifications or experience already, or if you have an up-to-date DBS, please let us know when you register.

Some specialised volunteering opportunities require some qualifications or experience and you can search for those that suit you best

How to access:

Getting involved couldn't be simpler; you can create your very own volunteer profile and once registered you get access to a wide range of exciting opportunities.

Register via: https://mcrvip.com/index?newRegistration=true

Search for Opportunities via: https://mcrvip.com/index-classic

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/

Are you 16 – 18 years old? Do you speak English as a second language? If you said yes, then this course is for you!

You don't have to pay for this course if you're 16-18 years old.

This course will help you:

• Improve your English – reading, writing and speaking

• Practice English in subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Art

• Learn useful skills in Maths, technology and communication

Work Experience is a vital part of the course and you will be supported in finding a work placement relevant to your study.

How to access:

Use our online form to complete your application. Remember: you can start now, and save it for completing later: https://www.tmc.ac.uk/courses/16-18-esoleal-study-programme/ ('apply now')

Are you 16 – 18 years old? Do you speak English as a second language? If you said yes, then this course is for you!

You don't have to pay for this course if you're 16-18 years old.

This course will help you:

• Improve your English – reading, writing and speaking

• Practice English in subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Art

• Learn useful skills in Maths, technology and communication

Work Experience is a vital part of the course and you will be supported in finding a work placement relevant to your study.

How to access:

Use our online form to complete your application. Remember: you can start now, and save it for completing later: https://www.tmc.ac.uk/courses/16-18-esoleal-study-programme/ ('apply now')

Are you 16 – 18 years old? Do you speak English as a second language? If you said yes, then this course is for you!

You don't have to pay for this course if you're 16-18 years old.

This course will help you:

• Improve your English – reading, writing and speaking

• Practice English in subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Art

• Learn useful skills in Maths, technology and communication

Work Experience is a vital part of the course and you will be supported in finding a work placement relevant to your study.

How to access:

Use our online form to complete your application. Remember: you can start now, and save it for completing later: https://www.tmc.ac.uk/courses/16-18-esoleal-study-programme/ ('apply now')

Are you 16 – 18 years old? Do you speak English as a second language? If you said yes, then this course is for you!

You don't have to pay for this course if you're 16-18 years old.

This course will help you:

• Improve your English – reading, writing and speaking

• Practice English in subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Art

• Learn useful skills in Maths, technology and communication

Work Experience is a vital part of the course and you will be supported in finding a work placement relevant to your study.

How to access:

Use our online form to complete your application. Remember: you can start now, and save it for completing later: https://www.tmc.ac.uk/courses/16-18-esoleal-study-programme/ ('apply now')

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)

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.

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

Here are some of what we undertake:

• Awareness raising of migrants and asylum seekers’ issues
• Workshops (appeals, legal, campaigning etc.)
• Language help/lessons
• Socials (cooking etc.)
• Anti-deportation mobilisation and detention support
• Film showings/talks/infosessions

How to access:

Contact us directly by email or telephone, or through our online contact form: https://manchestermigrantsolidarity.org/contact-us/contact-form-2/

MRSN run a programme of activities, groups and classes. Programmes include:

Shared Routes Our skills training program for people from migrant backgrounds.
Health and Well-being project Adult refugees can gather at Albert Park, Salford on Sundays, 9am-11am to play football together.
GREAT (Greater Manchester Refugees and Asylum Seekers Together) is our expert by experience forum.
Community Development This project works with refugee communities to help them organise and work together to improve the quality of community life.

ESOL, Arts and Crafts Fridays 1pm - 4pm (Asylum Hotel)

Yoga Class Friday 11am - 12pm (fortnightly) (Asylum Hotel)

How to access

Self referral via phone or email. Get specific referral emails and opening times on the website. We operate across multiple sites.

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

Our Immigration advice services provides advice and advocacy in immigration and nationality matters. We help individuals, as well as families, to obtain refugee status, leave to remain, settlement and British citizenship. We can advise on more complex asylum issues, and if we can’t help we can refer you to an organisation that can help you or we will provide you with a list of qualified legal representatives/solicitors.

Our Immigration Advice Service offers help with: Home office reference number | Lost BRP card | Naturalisation | UKVCAS appointments | Change address with home office | Leave in Line applications | British passport applications | Indefinite leave to remain applications.

Our Travel Document service can support with: Applying for a travel document or Certificate of travel Changing your delivery address for your travel document.

Our Asylum Support service can offer help with: How to claim asylum | Navigating the asylum process | Applying for asylum support including accommodation | Asylum Support appeal | Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change | Finding legal representation/ Find a solicitor. | Accessing healthcare | Accessing education | Obtain an ARC card | Apply for the Right to Work while waiting for your asylum claim | Support during the post-decision period | Other asylum and post-asylum claim related matters

How to access

Appointments can be booked on our website

Monday, 10am - 4pm | Drop-in Asylum Support Service @129 Princess Road, M14 4RB

Tuesday 10am – 4pm | Appointment only Immigration support @129 Princess Road, M14 4RB

Wednesday at 10am - 4pm | Immigration Advice and travel documents drop in @St James Church, M14 4TH

Friday, 10am - 4pm | Appointment only Asylum Support Service @141 Princess Road, M14 4RE

Friday 10am - 12pm (fortnightly) | Asylum support @Asylum Hotel

Volunteers play a vitally important role across all hospital sites at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). They help to support our patients and visitors, day in and day out at our reception areas and within wards and departments.

Who can apply?

We encourage anyone aged 16 onwards to join our volunteering community at MFT, which covers: Oxford Road Campus (ORC), Wythenshawe Hospital (WTWA), North Manchester General Hospital.

How do I apply?

Please apply to the site you would like to volunteer at-

1) Oxford Road Campus:
Contact via services@mft.nhs.uk or 0161 276 5190

https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=e6681261-11e1-439a-bfde-0069f9affc42&ApplicationFormNumber=2

2) Wythenshawe/Trafford/Withington/Altrincham:

Contact via Volunteeringcentre@mft.nhs.uk or 0161 291 2939

https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=c063d473-026f-4c8c-83b9-5c352c388869&ApplicationFormNumber=2

3) North Manchester General Hospital:

Contact via nmgh@mft.nhs.uk or 0161 604 5892

https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=373ef84b-0f76-4dd6-b9f8-ba67492b4fab&ApplicationFormNumber=2

Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Greater Manchester, focused on community gardening and urban food projects.

We design, build, and manage food growing projects and community gardens, like Platt Fields Market Garden, to promote sustainable urban agriculture.

We offer volunteering opportunities, community events, and corporate team-building activities, all aimed at improving food systems and community well-being.

How to access:

Drop us an email or sign up as a volunteer on our site.

We provide information, support and training to Manchester residents who want to volunteer and to organisations that work with or involve volunteers.

View current volunteer opportunities and apply for them via: https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/volunteer-centre-manchester/view-opportunities

You can tailor the search to your tastes to find the perfect role for you. Filter by your areas of interest, location, and times available. There is no way you won't find something you love!

Volunteer Drop-in:

We have a new drop-in set up, free for anyone looking to volunteer. Come by to have tea, biscuits and a chat with members of the volunteer centre team and learn about volunteering. We want to learn about you to find out what kind of volunteering would be best. The team will then sign you up on the spot to volunteering we think will suit you.

The Migrant Access Project (MAP) is a council led initiative that works to to bridge the gap between services and communities by equipping new and emerging communities across the city with the knowledge, skills, networks, and experience to cascade key messages with their communities in first languages.

The project achieves this by facilitating bespoke training, with help from key service partners, to share information about a range of support. The training is themed according to key priorities; work and money, health and wellbeing, education and language, advocacy and advice, community safety and belonging, and housing and environment. In addition to MAP training, the project shares opportunities for attendees to exercise their voice and influence on key services within the city through consultations.

The project aims:

To increase newer communities understanding of life in Leeds and access to services.

To improve local neighbourhoods and strengthen community relations.

To connect communities and services to build capacity and improve partnership working.

To increase community voice and influence (community engagement, service development, social cohesion approaches and civic participation).

An 8 week training programme (2.5 hours each week) is regularly delivered through the project to train new Migrant Community Networkers.

For more information on how to get involved, email: migrantaccessproject@leeds.gov.uk

Schedule of Drop-in

Tuesday 16th September 2025 10-12pm

Technorth, 9 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3NB Training Room 7

Tuesday 30th September 2025 10-12pm

Reginald Centre room 1 263 Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS7 3EX

Tuesday 14th October 2025 10-12pm

Technorth, 9 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3NB Training Room 7

Tuesday 28th October 2025 10-12pm

Reginald Centre room 1 263 Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS7 3EX

Tuesday 11th November 2025 10-12pm

Technorth, 9 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3NB Training Room 7

Tuesday 25th November 2025 10-12pm

Reginald Centre room 1 263 Chapeltown Rd, Leeds LS7 3EX

Tuesday 16th December 2025 10-12pm

Technorth, 9 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3NB Training Room

The Maternity Rights Advice Line offers free telephone and email advice on rights at work, maternity pay and benefits for pregnant women and new parents.

We do not charge for emails or phone calls, no matter how many times you contact us.

Examples of the questions our advisers can help you with:

• Maternity pay questions

• Money for parents and babies

• Redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave

How to access:

If you live or work in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire East area and need advice on your rights at work, please contact us via our email advice contact form: https://maternityaction.org.uk/manchester-maternity-rights-form/

We will aim to respond to emails within 5-10 working days.

MCR Solicitors is a multi-service law firm in Manchester, UK. Whilst we are based in Manchester, you do not need to be based here to seek legal advice. 

Our team of immigration solicitors in Manchester specialised in all immigration matters, including visa applications, British citizenship and Settlement (ILR).

Services include:

• Family Visas UK (Apply, Extend or Switch)

• Work Visas UK (Apply, Extend or Switch)

• Business & Investment Visas UK

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to Settle in the UK

• British Citizenship (Naturalisation or Registration)

• Visitor Visas UK (Short-Term Stay)

• Student Visas UK (Study in the UK)

• Other Immigration Applications


How to access:

Complete our enquiry form for a callback via: https://www.mcrsolicitors.co.uk/contact#enq

(or)

Call us on 0161 466 1280 for legal advice and assistance with your UK visa application. Our team of immigration solicitors in Manchester is ready to you.

Our drop-in provides a safe and welcoming environment. We provide a hot meal cooked by a different volunteer or beneficiary each week; fresh and dried food parcels and a nearly new shop; confidential help and advice; Language Cafe and conversation; computer and internet use; fun activities, holistic therapies and children’s arts and crafts.

Are you a mum going through the asylum process or living as a refugee in the UK?

Me & Ma is a community project made for you — for mums who may have struggled with their mental health during or after pregnancy.

We know how tough it can be. You might feel low, anxious, lonely, or unsure where to turn for help. That’s why we’ve created a safe, welcoming space online — to support you, share stories, and remind you that you’re not alone.

Through Instagram and TikTok, we share:

• Mental health tips from doctors and psychologists

• Stories and podcasts from other mums with similar journeys

• Fun and creative content like our Food Bank Cooking Challenge

• Simple guides to what mental health support looks like in the UK

We also want to hear from you. Later this year, we’re holding makeup and wellbeing workshop to understand what support you need and how we can make services better for you.

Follow us:

Instagram: @_me.and.ma

TikTok: @me_and_ma25

You are not alone. This is a space for support, understanding, and community — just for mums like you.

The service addresses multiple forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) within Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, particularly African and Arab speaking communities. This includes asylum seekers, trafficked women, refugees, and those with no recourse to public funds. The service gives women a safe space to discuss issues that affect them and support each other. We have specialist support available for members who are survivors or are currently experiencing violence against women and girls.

WEDNESDAY 13:00-15:00pm

Hull Help For Refugees MEN's clothes stall 13:00-15:00

Our mentoring project pairs up refugees and asylum seekers with volunteers over a 6-month period to provide one-to-one emotional and practical support.

We offer casework and advocacy support to help clients with benefit applications,  support with applications for statutory housing services, emergency financial and destitution support. Once out of crisis we offer employability support. We also offer support to Refugee Diaspora communities.

Services Include:

• Crisis interventions – access to emergency welfare and food support

• Welfare benefits such as Universal Credit

• Housing support, guidance and advocacy

• Following family reunion – benefits, and housing support, guidance and advocacy

• Help open a bank account

• Managing utilities

• Writing letters and advocacy

• Health awareness and accessibility

• Healthy eating/cooking on a budget

• Confidence building and pre-employability support

• Employability support – develop and understand a CV; job search skills; Security Industry Authority (SIA) applications

• Volunteering opportunities and employment skills

How to access:

Casework drop-in: Monday to Thursday from 9.30-12.00

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.

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.

Providing safe temporary housing for LGBTQI asylum seekers in the UK. Our houses provide a safe and temporary shelter for all LGBTQI asylum seekers. They are located in the London area, in the North West and in the West Midlands.

We also provide moving on services as well as various social inclusion programmes.

How to access:

Please call our helpline or email us for more information.

Our phoneline is open for first time callers from Monday to Friday from 2pm – 5pm

If you are not a first-time caller, please call our phoneline from Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm and select the relevant options to get in touch with a member of staff.

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

After piloting and testing activities for over ten years, we have shaped an LGBTQI-refugee centred moving on programme.

This consists of one-to-one support to those who have recently become refugees in order to: • Obtain National Insurance numbers • Register with Universal Credit • Open bank accounts

Service includes:

Employability: Micro Rainbow works with various partners, including the third and private sector, to -

• Provide one to one support over a period of six to twelve months to prepare and review a moving on plan (e.g. to find employment)

• Organise workshops around CV writing and interview skills

• Facilitate job opportunities

Fellowship programme: This programme is exclusively for LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees. It is designed to ensure visibility and leadership of people with lived experience within Micro Rainbow and the wider society.

For more information on this programme, please click here: https://microrainbow.org/fellowship/

How to access:

Please call our helpline or email us for more information.

Our phoneline is open for first time callers from Monday to Friday from 2pm – 5pm

If you are not a first-time caller, please call our phoneline from Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm and select the relevant options to get in touch with a member of staff.

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

We are immigration law specialists who can offer you sound and easily understood advice and give you the guidance that you need.

Whether you're trying to sort a work permit or you need details on immigration, we will help you complete the relevant paperwork as well as making sure you are aware of any legal ramifications.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to cover some of your costs by claiming legal aid.

Services include:

• Human rights cases

•Asylum services

•Settlement

•Fresh representations

•Domestic violence

•Immigration advice

How to access:

Please call us at 020 884 31172 or 07988 100 480 or email us for more information

Manchester Immigration Detainee Support Scheme - we visit 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.

Are you seeking asylum or experiencing immigration issues and living with HIV? Claiming asylum or going through the immigration system can be challenging and emotional. It can be especially hard if you are also living with HIV. This specialist service offers you a safe, confidential and supportive space. We offer ongoing emotional and practical support. We have good links with legal professionals and other refugee and asylum support services. We can also offer some financial support at times of destitution and hardship. We know that the immigration system can be difficult but you do have a right to support. We are here to help.

Migrant Help provides independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK move through and understand the asylum process.

We can advise you in your language on issues such as:

• How to claim asylum

• Navigating the asylum process

• Applying for asylum support including accommodation

• Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change

• Finding legal representation

• Accessing healthcare

• Support during the post-decision period - read about the support available after positive decision here, and negative decision here

• Other asylum and post-asylum claim related matters

• We can signpost you to other helpful services in your area by telephone or in person, just talk to your adviser for more information. 

You should also contact us regarding:

• Maintenance issues – to report problems with your asylum accommodation. We will liaise with the accommodation provider on your behalf to address these.

• Request for assistance – if you feel there is a risk to your/your family’s health and wellbeing. This can be to report suspected child neglect, domestic violence, sexual harassment or exploitation, anti-social behaviour, destitution or homelessness or suspected extremism or radicalisation.

• Asylum payment issues – in case your card is lost or stolen, you forget your PIN, receive incorrect payment or don’t receive your payment. We will liaise with the payment provider on your behalf.

How to access:

24/7 support through our helpline and webchat on our website.

If you are a third party organisation and wish to contact Migrant Help on behalf of an asylum seeker, please include a signed consent form. Include your details as well, in case we need to contact you for further information. 

Please note that queries relating to eligibility, change of circumstances or outstanding applications for support will require support from our Eligibility Advice and Guidance Line (EAGL), which operates Monday-Friday 8am-8pm.

Rochdale Council are pleased to announce that we have Migrant Help phone line, built in to our free phone number service, in our Rochdale Central Library phone lines. People seeking sanctuary can use any of the free phones, and press '30' and it takes them directly to the Migrant Help Helpline, where they say what language and an interpreter is usually available.

Migrant Help is one of the leading providers of specialist support and accommodation services for adult victims in the UK. We have dedicated casework teams assisting victims in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

Services include:

• Providing safe accommodation

• Facilitating access to health services and counselling

• Emotional wellbeing

• Providing financial and practical assistance

• Assistance with accessing compensation

• Liaising with law enforcement

• Re-connecting with family

• Assistance with acquiring new identification documents

• Integration into the community or a safe and supported repatriation if requested

How to access:

If you suspect that you or someone you have come across may be an adult victim of modern slavery and in need of help, please contact The Salvation Army’s confidential and anonymous referral helpline on 0800 808 3733 – available 365 days a year, 24/7 with interpretation services where needed.

If you or someone you know is a potential victim of exploitation, please email nrm@migranthelpuk.org for further information.

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

They also provide advice and practical support on accessing services including housing, access to health and welfare services.

Services include:

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

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

How to access:

Main ESOL contact: sandra@migrantsupport.org.uk

Volunteer coordinator: sophie@migrantsupport.org.uk

The ‘Belonging through walking, talking and playing’ (BTWTP) is an inclusive project with 3 main elements which will help our potential beneficiaries to engage with physical activity, learning and increase their feeling of belonging in Manchester.

All of our activities are tied to language learning.

Walk and talk: Combination of ESOL / Culture and history sessions and walks. This activity is focused on engaging with Manchester and engaging with the English language on foot.

How to access:

Contact us in person or via email info@migrantsupport.org.uk for more information

The Digital Inclusion project aims to help vulnerable migrants and refugees to get closer to employment and further education.

Beneficiaries come from across Greater Manchester to join online sessions and face-to-face at our central Manchester classrooms.

This project is targeted at learners with very low levels of English (hard-to-reach target groups) and individuals with poor digital skills.

Teachers and volunteers provide intensive individual support to help learners increase their levels of confidence and be able to move forward in the digital space.

How to access:

For more information please drop-in or email us

If you are interested in joining one of our courses and you are from Hong Kong and are resident of the Manchester area, please get in touch with us.

Classes vary from informal ESOL classes to Ascentis-accredited courses, according to your level. Teachers will help you improve your communication skills and prepare you for exams.

How to access:

Please fill out the self-referral form in the link below, and we'll contact you as soon as possible to set up an appointment, assess your ESOL level, and discuss the other projects or activities you can get involved in within our organisation.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrZH0-SBJUWcy80yyTMZvWgwYQwiRIRNwsfTd9QdMEIPkY2g/viewform

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 info-line.

• 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
  

Rochdale Mind is a mental health charity that provides support to people in the Rochdale area. They focus on helping individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Their aim is to improve mental wellbeing and promote recovery.

A confidential counselling service provides one to one counselling sessions to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem and improve relationships.

The Wellbeing Co-ordinator for New and Emerging Communities supports a range of different communities and population groups, including: Asylum Seekers and Refugees who are provided with advice and guidance to access a range of legal, housing, health and wellbeing services.

How to access:

The first step in accessing any of the help available at Rochdale and District Mind is to complete a referral form and to meet a Wellbeing Coordinator to discuss your issues.

You and your Wellbeing Coordinator will then build up an individual action plan to tackle your issues.