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

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

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

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

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

How to access:

Drop in service during hours listed.

Our designated Safeguarding Lead is Severine Kipili.

We have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers qualified within mental health, who are always on hand to help.

Women and Family Support is available anytime during opening hours – just call, email, text or drop in to Bora Shabaa from 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday.

Hull Sisters offers group support sessions to help women to feel supported as they hear from others who have been through a similar experience. Led by a female tutor, these are safe spaces for the women to talk as little or as much as they feel comfortable. It is a space to share stories and experience, finding solidarity in order to release anger, distress and tension and move on from difficult experiences.

Different groups are created according to need and experience.

Examples of group support session discussions include rape, domestic violence, racism, discrimination, and societal pressures.

Join our weekly women’s craft club in partnership with Bristol Refugee Festival. All women are welcome to come along, have a cup of tea and get crafty. Children under 12 are also welcome to join in. All materials are provided – including supplies for knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, jewellery making and more. If you want to bring your own crafty project or share what you’re up to, please do! Every Friday, all year long. Just drop in, it’s free.

Arnolfini, Level 2, Reading Room.

Our women's group is a welcoming and inclusive space where women come together for peer support, wellbeing sessions, along with creative activities, and occasional English support to help build confidence in communication.

Helen, the yoga teacher, offers a relaxing space where women from different backgrounds can unwind through movement, breathing and meditation. To join, just turn up or email ahead to check capacity.

At Bristol Mind, we understand the barriers that some refugees and asylum seekers face in accessing talking therapies. The counselling service aims to provide a safe and confidential space where refugees experiencing mental and emotional distress can come to talk about their feelings. The service aims to provide person-centred, solution-focused counselling, signpost information and provide a safe space. It supports refugee women to manage their mental health and wellbeing, empower them to have greater access to wider communities and build connections. Referring to the service To make a referral for yourself or someone else, please email Tokunbo@bristolmind.org.uk and ask for a registration form for the Women’s Refugee Counselling service. If needed, please ask your caseworker to help you apply.

Our mission is to welcome women from different backgrounds who are living within Bristol. We celebrate equality and diversity to create a place of trust where women feel safe and comfortable. Women are welcome to bring their pre-school aged children. We aim to learn from each other to develop a better understanding of different cultures and through this we encourage community cohesion and mutual respect. Our weekly refugee wellbeing group includes workshops and activities, such as women’s health and wellbeing discussions, arts and crafts, baking and recipe sharing. We encourage members of the group to take an active part in what the group provides for each other, sharing skills and experiences from around the world, enriching our understanding of each other as well as providing support.

Wonderfully Made Woman is a charity that supports women who have experienced trauma, abuse, or mental health challenges. Their main aim is to empower these women by providing a safe space for healing, personal growth, and connection.

The organisation works primarily with women from diverse backgrounds, including those facing domestic violence, mental health issues, or social isolation. They offer various services, including workshops, support groups, and one-to-one mentoring. For example, women can attend workshops on self-esteem and confidence-building, or join support groups where they can share their experiences and receive encouragement from others.

Referrals to Wonderfully Made Woman can come from local agencies, social services, or individuals seeking help directly. They also collaborate with other organisations to ensure comprehensive support for their clients.

In addition to personal development, the charity hosts community events that promote well-being and connection among women. These events create opportunities for social interaction and help to foster a sense of belonging.

Overall, Wonderfully Made Woman aims to empower women by providing the resources and support they need to overcome challenges and build a brighter future, helping them to feel valued and confident in their lives.

To access:

Register to participate in drop-in sessions via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScij-Yu3-9dnbUGlYEnE80QovkNw1veEkGg8dlF7WR_tT6g9A/viewform

Contact Help Line- 07354471340

Wood Street Mission helps support families living on a low income in Manchester and Salford, with practical support and services.

We can help families with children’s clothes, toys, bedding, baby equipment and toiletries through our Family Basics service, from our base here in Manchester City Centre. Families can come along to our Book Clubs, to pick up books to take home and have a fun morning together each school holiday.

Our SmartStart project can help with school uniform and other school kit, and at Christmas we can help with gifts for the children.

To access:

Families need to be referred to Wood Street by a professional who knows their circumstances well. Read their Family Referral Guidelines: https://www.woodstreetmission.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Referral-and-Assessment-Guidance-2024.docx .

Then fill in their Family Referral Form: https://www.woodstreetmission.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Referral-and-Assesssment-Form-2024.docx .

Send the form by email to referrals@woodstreetmission.org.uk

We offer free courses for refugees and displaced people, both online and in the classroom.

From offering ESOL courses for refugees to family learning that improves well-being. Talk to us about what classes we can offer to meet the needs of the people you are supporting.    

Some of the courses that we’ve delivered for refugee organisations include:   

•ESOL courses to build language skills   

• Life in the UK   

• Arts, craft and music classes for wellbeing   

• Family fitness and cookery classes   

• Supporting children’s education in the UK   

• Mental health and stress awareness   

• Working in the UK and employability courses   

• Level 1 Award in Workers' Rights and Labour Exploitation  

We deliver friendly, accessible and enjoyable courses for adults from all walks of life. You can access our courses online or in your local hub. Our provision spans the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester taking place in 91 community centres and spaces.

To access:

Contact us on our helpline, or take a look at our website to fill in your booking form and find providers in your area.

We work closely with voluntary and community organisations that help refugees to give people the best start in this country.

We offer free courses for refugees and displaced people, both online and in the classroom.   

From offering ESOL courses for refugees to family learning that improves well-being. Talk to us about what classes we can offer to meet the needs of the people you are supporting.    

We offer courses to help people develop the language skills and qualifications to work in the UK.

Some of the courses that we’ve delivered for refugee organisations include:   

• ESOL courses to build language skills   

• Life in the UK   

• Arts, craft and music classes for wellbeing   

• Family fitness and cookery classes   

• Supporting children’s education in the UK   

• Mental health and stress awareness   

• Working in the UK and employability courses   

• Level 1 Award in Workers' Rights and Labour Exploitation  

How to access:

You can access our courses online or in your local hub.

Our provision spans the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester taking place in 91 community centres and spaces.

Courses range from Pre-entry to Level 2, where learners can achieve City and Guilds qualifications in ESOL, maths and English.

Their information, advice and guidance service is an important part of all courses to help students find further learning and progression opportunities. The majority of classes are delivered online via Zoom, but some are held in person.

ESOL classes are free for those who claim income related benefits or for those who have low wages.

How to access:

To find a course and sign up, please use this search tool on their website: https://www.wea.org.uk/courses/esol

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

Services Include:

• Offers a range of items, including suits, dresses, shoes, and accessories, to help clients present themselves confidently during job interviews

• They also provide styling advice to ensure that each person finds suitable clothing for their specific needs.

• In addition to providing clothing, GM Working Wardrobe aims to empower clients by offering workshops on job skills, such as CV writing and interview preparation.

How to access:

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

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

Working.Wardrobe@groundwork.org.uk or 07483402505

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

We are a charity dedicated to helping migrants and disadvantaged Britons access employment justice and improve their social mobility.

We do this with:

• Free legal advice that changes lives by supporting people to recover unpaid wages, fight workplace discrimination, and secure their immigration status.

• Information and tools that empower people to understand and assert their rights.

• Campaigns that challenge the systemic causes of injustice in the long-term with research, parliamentary advocacy, and strategic litigation.

How to access:

Our advice is free and confidential. If your employer is mistreating you, or if you need help to understand or secure your immigration status, fill out this form: https://www.workrightscentre.org/get-help/

A member of our team will contact you and book a consultation.

If you prefer to speak to someone, please call or email us.

At our drop in centre, we regularly provide well-being workshops and activities such as arts and crafts. We also invite professional agencies in order to provide specialist advice and support.

Our services are available to registered members* only and take place in our weekly Tuesdays, term-time only drop-in centre. All pre-school children are welcome.

*Women and female-identifying only.

Vita’s 5 week group course for worry assists by helping you better understand worry and anxiety. We provide the latest techniques to help you manage your worry and reduce your anxiety.

For WCHG tenants / members

Services include:

• One-to-One Support Over The Phone

• Email Alerts - Regular notifications with jobs, training and advice, including exclusive job opportunities for members only.

• Interview Coaching/ Skills

• Virtual Job Club - To assist with CVs, application forms, cover letters, job hunting, computer access or training and any other practical needs.

• Work experience placements (for school and college students)

• Finding an apprenticeship

• Experiencing a Workplace Safari at WCHG, which is a whistle-stop tour of our offices to showcase the breadth of roles available, followed by a workshop

How to access:

If you'd like to register for support and opportunity bulletins, please complete our Real Opportunities form and a member of the team will contact you. You can also email us:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C3IZ9XFA7EiFomJ2Ht3szRwRxA8opdlKnHfmUY_gQA1UM0k2T005VFRISzNNVEswREpaSTUxNk43SS4u

About us

Yaran Northwest CIC is a professional, community-led mental health organisation supporting Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities across Greater Manchester. Established in 2014, Yaran specialises in culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services, with particular expertise in supporting Middle Eastern and South Asian communities – including Iranian, Afghan, Arab, Kurdish, Turkish, and Urdu-speaking residents.

Our mission is to reduce health inequalities, break down barriers to accessing support, and empower people to build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. All our bilingual therapists are UK-qualified and members of professional bodies, including the BACP.

Services we provide:

Psychological therapies

• One-to-one and group counselling/psychotherapy (trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, bilingual).

• Support for refugees, asylum seekers, new migrants, families, couples, and individuals with mild to severe mental health challenges.

• Delivered in Farsi, Dari, Urdu, Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish, and English.

Advocacy and integration support

• Help with navigating health and social services, housing, education, and employment pathways.

• Confidence-building, digital inclusion, and guidance in seeking jobs or self-employment.

Peer support & community programmes

• Professionally led self-help groups, workshops, and community-based programmes addressing issues such as anxiety, isolation, domestic challenges, and recovery.

• Psychoeducation groups focusing on well-being, resilience, and coping strategies.

Learning & activities

• Rolling programme of classes: ESOL, Life in the UK, digital skills, art and dance therapy, and wellbeing circles.

• Creative and cultural projects that celebrate heritage and strengthen community belonging.

How to access:

You can self-refer or be referred by a professional. Complete our referral form here: https://www.yarannorthwest.com/?page_id=895

Or contact us directly by phone or email.

Yes Manchester is a charity that supports individuals and groups in Manchester, helping them start and grow their own businesses.

Service includes:

• Offers free access to more than 50 internet enabled workstations where customers can apply for work, develop skills and receive coaching and mentoring in the use of digital equipment from their volunteer ‘Digital Champions’.

• They offer a bespoke assessment tool which helps customers to understand why getting back to work is difficult and then work with them to develop an action plan to address the issues identified.

• Help customers to build CVs, search for jobs and complete applications, as well as referring them to long-standing partners to get help with debt, health, relationship issues.

How to access:

In order to self-refer or to refer a client please use this form: https://yesmanchester-forms.caseworkerconnectonline.org/

Contact the team via phone or email for more information or to book an appointment.

Yes Manchester is a charity that supports individuals and groups in Manchester, helping them start and grow their own businesses.

Service includes:

• Offers free access to more than 50 internet enabled workstations where customers can apply for work, develop skills and receive coaching and mentoring in the use of digital equipment from their volunteer ‘Digital Champions’.

• They offer a bespoke assessment tool which helps customers to understand why getting back to work is difficult and then work with them to develop an action plan to address the issues identified.

• Help customers to build CVs, search for jobs and complete applications, as well as referring them to long-standing partners to get help with debt, health, relationship issues.

How to access:

In order to self-refer or to refer a client please use this form: https://yesmanchester-forms.caseworkerconnectonline.org/

Contact the team via phone or email for more information or to book an appointment.

Yes Manchester is a charity that supports individuals and groups in Manchester, helping them start and grow their own businesses.

Services Include:

• Offers free access to more than 50 internet enabled workstations where customers can apply for work, develop skills and receive coaching and mentoring in the use of digital equipment from their volunteer ‘Digital Champions’.

• They offer a bespoke assessment tool which helps customers to understand why getting back to work is difficult and then work with them to develop an action plan to address the issues identified.

• Help customers to build CVs, search for jobs and complete applications, as well as referring them to long-standing partners to get help with debt, health, relationship issues.

How to access:

In order to self-refer or to refer a client please use this form: https://yesmanchester-forms.caseworkerconnectonline.org/

Contact the team via phone or email for more information or to book an appointment.

Yes Manchester is a charity that supports individuals and groups in Manchester, helping them start and grow their own businesses.

Service includes:

• Offers free access to more than 50 internet enabled workstations where customers can apply for work, develop skills and receive coaching and mentoring in the use of digital equipment from their volunteer ‘Digital Champions’.

• They offer a bespoke assessment tool which helps customers to understand why getting back to work is difficult and then work with them to develop an action plan to address the issues identified.

• Help customers to build CVs, search for jobs and complete applications, as well as referring them to long-standing partners to get help with debt, health, relationship issues.

How to access:

In order to self-refer or to refer a client please use this form: https://yesmanchester-forms.caseworkerconnectonline.org/

Contact the team via phone or email for more information or to book an appointment.

Did you know you can support asylum seekers improve their mental health by using our video resources.  Topics include stress, sleep, and many more.  You can complete the form using this link https://forms.office.com/e/48CUYhBbF5

We will then be able to send a personalised response with details of the videos that meet your needs.

You can also check out the full range of videos here. https://www.solace-uk.org.uk/training/helpful-resources-for-refugees-and-people-seeking-safety

This service is available nationwide.

The library is run by Z-arts in partnership with Manchester City Council Libraries.

Z-arts Children’s Library is a place where children and families can read, imagine, connect, create and have fun.

The library is home to lots of books that celebrate diversity, with dedicated sections for preschool, primary and secondary school children.

Plus, Z-cafe is just downstairs, the perfect place to grab a cuppa or bite to eat.

How to access:

For more information please call us.

Families that learn together, grow together. We are very excited to continue our Family Art Stars sessions every Saturday!

Come down, muck in and make some art as a family, spending quality time and learning new techniques. No skill is required, just enthusiasm!

Limited capacity, booking in advance is essential. Adults MUST accompany children, which means adults need to book a place for themselves too!

This session is led by Janine or Andy:

How to access:

Book Here- https://www.z-arts.org/events/family-art-stars/#show-times

Please drop your child/children off at the classroom door, you will need to have your e-ticket barcode ready to be scanned to register your child/children to the session. These e-tickets are sent via e-mail when you book onto a class.

Free for Bright Sparks Members

For more information about Bright Sparks membership view here: https://www.z-arts.org/bright-sparks-membership/