Find Services

This page is a great source of information for job seekers as well as individuals seeking opportunities and training on the behalf of a family member or loved one.

You can browse the links and resources on this page to learn more about employment and professional development opportunities for Bury residents of all ages - as well as supplementary support, advice and education to help individuals improve their employability.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, try taking a look at the main Adult Learning, Volunteering & Employment In Bury page: https://theburydirectory.co.uk/categories/adult-learning-volunteering-employment

How to access:

Please visit the website to view the links and resources

If you wish to contact a service or organisation on The Bury Directory, please refer to their contact details on the individual pages.

We provide free advice and advocacy to migrants with no recourse to public funds.

We can help adult migrants with no recourse to public funds who also have care needs to access local authority social care.

Services include:

• We provide information and advice to help people understand their rights under the Care Act 2014 and advocacy to support people in talking to their local authorities.

• We also want to support other organisations that are already helping people with NRPF. Please follow the link below to look at our templates and guides and get in touch if you would like further advice or to discuss training: https://www.thecarerightsproject.org/advisersandprofessionals

How to access:

If you would like to discuss a specific case with us, please use this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei7GFnd7w6NfqWd-iDBRMZVsIPKcnwQ9p2bBrPWhcow7Hzog/viewform

(Or)

Email or call us on 07565109799 and leave us a message - we will aim to contact you within three working days.

As one of Trafford's six 'community hubs' we work closely with Trafford's community teams to provide grass roots support & access to services for local residents.

Amongst the support we can provide:

• A free, weekly community meal
• Food bank vouchers
• Assistance setting up online accounts or making benefit applications online, through our digital cafe.
• Top up food support through 'Free Food Friday'
• Referrals to other agencies when specialised support required.

How to access:

For more information about our services please check our website or contact the team by emailing or calling us.

The Digital Cafe runs every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12noon. People can get free support with online applications, practical support with digital technology, use laptops and pick up SIM cards. We also have free tea & coffee.

The Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) run a drop-in there from 9:30am to 3:30pm. They provide impartial advice & support on a wide range of issues including housing, utility payments, benefits, healthcare & employment.

How to access:

Attend a drop-in, no appointment needed

You can call or email us for more information

This service is not specific to Asylum Seekers or Refugees, but nevertheless they can go in for advice.

If English isn’t your first language, then why not come and join our popular and friendly English Class?

Based at The Hub Community Centre, near Sainsbury’s in Altrincham, The Hub English class provides a welcoming environment for people wanting to improve and gain confidence in their English skills, while learning more about UK culture.

Classes are free, offered as part of The Hub Community Centre’s service to the community.

Teachers are ESOL trained, delivering unaccredited courses at Elementary and Intermediate levels.

How to access:

For more information please contact Sue at englishclass@ourhub.org

Part of Inspire Middleton providing community based help and support to local people.

Services include:

• Volunteering

• Work Club

• Job search and application support

• Mentoring

• Website resource

• Interview skills

To access:

To find out more information and to access services, please drop in, call or email.

The Limes, run by the Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA), is a supported accommodation service located in Manchester. It provides temporary housing for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.

The service aims to help residents regain stability in their lives by offering not just a safe place to stay but also support to improve their situation. The Limes works with people facing various challenges, including mental health issues, substance misuse, or financial difficulties.

The Limes provides accommodation and support services to young males aged 16-25 years old. Taking an asset based approach and a focus on individual talents, it strives to support young people to flourish and thrive. Young People are provided with the opportunity to re-connect within the community, by creating their own pathway’s; building their skills, social inclusion, developing communication and realising their own aspirations.

The Limes helps people to engage into meaningful activity, whatever stage they are at on their journey to moving away from homelessness.

To access:

The Limes accepts referrals via the gateway access point for Young People which is Centrepoint. To register your interest, please make contact with Centrepoint.

How to contact Centrepoint:

Phone: 0845 466 3400

Website: https://centrepoint.org.uk/do-you-need-help/i-know-someone-who-needs-help

The Oasis centre offers support to address the needs of people in crisis situations.

We have four interlinked projects focusing on different areas of support required through a period of crisis.

Re-build

Our Re-build project offers emergency provisions such as food and clothing, a cafe which is open four days a week offering hot nutritious food, and our own dedicated crisis support team who can signpost to relevant agencies and support with the root cause of the emergency such as debt or mental health difficulties.

Re-engage

Through our re-engage project we help everybody to feel like part of the community. We offer wellbeing support activities such as trips and social days, leisure activities such as board games, quizzes and workshops. In addition our community support team are on hand to help with the process of re-engagement.

Re-skill

Through our Re-skill programme, we provide a relaxed and encouraging setting to learn and practice. Clients are given the opportunity to develop the pre-requisite skills necessary for a functional lifestyle and successful employment. We introduce them to literacy, numeracy, home economics and art in a creative and non-threatening way. This one year programme includes: Urban Art; Cookery Workshop; English For Everyone; Maths Made Easy and Science workshops.

Have a dedicated community support team who can help you fill in forms, write appeals and apply for benefits. Also have emergency food and clothing packs available. Run English, Maths, Science, ESOL, Cookery and History lessons, and offer volunteering opportunities in their kitchen.

Oasis Gorton is a community organisation in Manchester that aims to support local residents by providing various services and activities. Their goal is to improve the lives of individuals and families, particularly those who may be facing difficulties such as poverty, social isolation, or unemployment.

The organisation works with a diverse group of people, including children, families, and vulnerable adults. They offer a range of services, such as food support, training and education, health and wellbeing programmes, and community events. For example, Oasis Gorton runs a food bank to help families in need and provides workshops on topics like job skills and budgeting.

Referrals to Oasis Gorton can come from local agencies, schools, or individuals seeking assistance directly. They collaborate with other community groups to ensure comprehensive support for their clients.

If you are working with another organisation and would like to refer a client to the Oasis Centre, please ask them to drop in during our opening hours.

In the case of particularly vulnerable clients, please ensure that a member of your team accompanies them on their first visit to the Oasis Centre.

Oasis Gorton has a dedicated community support team who can help you fill in forms, write appeals and apply for benefits. Also have emergency food and clothing packs available. Run English, Maths, Science, ESOL, Cookery and History lessons, and offer volunteering opportunities in their kitchen.

We’re an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. We work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing food and practical support to people left without enough money to live on. 

We also offer access a range of advice and support, including helplines and guidance on social security payments and grants that may be available to you.

To access:

In order to get help from a food bank you will need to be referred with a voucher, which can be issued by a number of local community organisations (for instance schools, GPs and advice agencies). Your local food bank can advise which agencies can help. Agencies can register with Trussell Trust for access to their e-voucher referral system.

Link to be referred for a food voucher: https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food

Help Through Hardship Helpline: 08082082138

Our friendly advisers can help you get the support you need if you’re struggling to afford essentials like food, heating and toiletries. We can advise which social security payments you’re entitled to, guide you through any claims, and help you with emergency issues.

With the Vicar’s Relief Fund, you provide emergency financial support so that people in vulnerable situations can find – and keep – a safe place to live.

Designed to prevent someone from losing their homes or to help them find a new one, these grants can transform a person’s circumstances within a matter of days. Because the inability to pay a small debt or rental deposit shouldn’t prevent someone from having a safe place to live.

That’s why VRF grants are issued quickly and efficiently via experienced support workers. Grants for preventing eviction are awarded up to a value of £350, and those for accessing accommodation are awarded up to £500. This is done via experienced support workers who work closely with those experiencing homelessness.

How to access:

Are you a support worker, looking to apply for a grant on behalf of one of the people you support?

Make an application in the grant portal: https://smitf.flexigrant.com/

For more information on how to make an application: https://frontlinenetwork.org.uk/vicars-relief-fund/vrf-help-page/

The Works is an innovative employment and training initiative transforming the life chances of local residents at the heart of our local communities in Moss Side, Ardwick and beyond. It is delivered as a partnership between The University of Manchester and The Growth Company.

Services include:

• Employment and training initiative

• CSCS courses

• Links with construction companies

• Paid work experience

• Courses / Training

To access:

Please email janet.wong@gceducationandskills.ac.uk or bree.adshead@procure-plus.com for more information.

Volunteering opportunities in Trafford and across Greater Manchester.

For more information about specific opportunities please use the search engine on the website. This will provide you with a list of roles, the relevant contact information and an overview of the role requirements.

Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST) provides housing advice and assistance via telephone and email during our normal operating hours. If you become homeless outside of these hours, your call will automatically divert to HOST’s out of hours service.

The HOST reception at Sale Waterside is only open to those with appointments. If you need a face to face appointment, contact us to arrange.

Are you ready to improve your English skills and build confidence in speaking and listening? Register before the end of November 2024 to secure your place in a free, funded ESOL course, specially designed for BNO visa holders from Hong Kong in Greater Manchester.

How to access:

Apply using the links at the bottom of this webpage: https://traintotefl.com/bno-esol/

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

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

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

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

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

How to access:

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

We are a Muslim organisation committed to supporting those in need. We offer support to newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees, as well as those who have been here for some time.

Our main work centres around food poverty and crisis support to anyone who refers into our service or is referred to us.

Our aim is to work with individuals taking them from being dependent to independence, and navigate the systems which are unfamiliar to them.

We have a Food Aid Hub which provides culturally appropriate food parcels. We can also assist with Clothing Household items and financial support through vouchers. Our support staff also assist with benefit applications and signposting services where our staff are unable to help.

We can help facilitate registering those who are affected by homelessness with the local council teams.

To access:

In order to refer yourself, complete this form: https://www.ukeff.org/help/

In order to refer a client, complete this form: https://www.ukeff.org/referrals/

This is a service for people with qualifications gained overseas who would like to compare their qualifications to the UK education system.

Services Include:

Statement of Comparability-

• A general purpose statement of qualification comparability which compares overseas qualifications to the UK education system, comparing them to UK qualifications and framework levels.

• This allows persons with qualifications completed outside of the UK to evidence the comparable level of these in the UK education frameworks.

• This service costs £49.50 plus the price of your chosen delivery option. The time-frame to complete your order is 15 working days from when we receive all necessary documents for each submitted qualification and full payment.

How to access:

Self referral. Need to create an online account via https://ecctis.com/signup.aspx

If you have an urgent query about your application or UK ENIC account, you can call us on +44 (0)330 912 0030. Please make sure you have your unique Enquiry ID ready so that we can assist you as quickly as possible.

UK International Lawyers has an established and experienced team for providing Immigration & Asylum advice. From the initial application to representation, we aim to ensure a smooth transition in acquiring residence and citizenship to the UK.

We also have specialist Human Right Lawyers who can help you with breach of all aspect of Human Rights and represent you at the highest level.

UK International Lawyers Ltd is contracted with the Legal Aid Agency to carry out legal aid work in asylum and immigration law

Services include:

• British Nationality & Ancestry

• Human Rights Cases

• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

• Refusals and Appeals

• Family Migration

• Fresh Asylum Claims

• Family Reunion

• Deportation and Removal

How to access:

Please call or email us or submit your enquiry (with your contact details) via our online form and we will contact you within 24 hours: http://www.ukinternationallawyers.co.uk/contact-us/

Victoria Park Fellowship is a community organisation based in Manchester that focuses on supporting individuals and families through various services and activities. Their primary aim is to enhance the well-being of the local community, particularly those who may be vulnerable or in need.

The fellowship works with diverse groups, including families, young people, and individuals facing challenges such as social isolation or mental health issues.

Services included:

• Counselling
• Youth programmes
• Community events/ activities, including workshops and social events.

Referrals to Victoria Park Fellowship can come from local schools, social services, or individuals seeking support. They collaborate with other community organisations to ensure a comprehensive approach to assistance.

Overall, Victoria Park Fellowship aims to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive, develop skills, and feel connected to their community, improving their overall quality of life.

Stork Support is our core service, giving free and low cost vital baby and household essentials to the most vulnerable families such as those fleeing DV, living in temporary accommodation, living on extremely low incomes and those with poor mental health.

We make sure parents don’t have to choose between clothing and feeding their children and paying their bills, by giving them peace of mind with the provision of baby essentials, exactly when they need them. 

We now operate collection hubs for most of our clients, where families can access wraparound support when they go to collect their items (nappies, wipes, toiletries and vouchers for baby food such as first stage infant formula). 

How to access:

We take referrals from professionals in the NHS and local authorities such as Midwives, Health Visitors, Outreach workers, Early Help teams, Social workers and other charity professionals.

To make a referral: https://visitfromthestork.co.uk/stork-support-make-a-referral/

Stork Support is our core service, giving free and low cost vital baby and household essentials to the most vulnerable families such as those fleeing DV, living in temporary accommodation, living on extremely low incomes and those with poor mental health.

We make sure parents don’t have to choose between clothing and feeding their children and paying their bills, by giving them peace of mind with the provision of baby essentials, exactly when they need them. 

We now operate collection hubs for most of our clients, where families can access wraparound support when they go to collect their items (nappies, wipes, toiletries and vouchers for baby food such as first stage infant formula). 

Our Gorton Hub is at Gorton Sacred Heart Family Hub, with the collection day on a Friday morning between 9.30-11am. Covering all M18 postcodes, the hub is run by the Outreach team. The Outreach Team can offer wraparound support such as referrals to specialist services and sessions on at their centre, as well as forms etc.

How to access:

We take referrals from professionals in the NHS and local authorities such as Midwives, Health Visitors, Outreach workers, Early Help teams, Social workers and other charity professionals.

To make a referral: https://visitfromthestork.co.uk/stork-support-make-a-referral/

Stork Support is our core service, giving free and low cost vital baby and household essentials to the most vulnerable families such as those fleeing DV, living in temporary accommodation, living on extremely low incomes and those with poor mental health.

We make sure parents don’t have to choose between clothing and feeding their children and paying their bills, by giving them peace of mind with the provision of baby essentials, exactly when they need them. 

We now operate collection hubs for most of our clients, where families can access wraparound support when they go to collect their items (nappies, wipes, toiletries and vouchers for baby food such as first stage infant formula). 

Our Harpurhey hub is run at Harpurhey Sure Start centre at North City family and Fitness centre. We have a Visit from the Stork volunteer there on a Friday morning from 10-12 who is able to offer basic support as well as signposting to the Outreach team who work from the centre.

How to access:

We take referrals from professionals in the NHS and local authorities such as Midwives, Health Visitors, Outreach workers, Early Help teams, Social workers and other charity professionals.

To make a referral: https://visitfromthestork.co.uk/stork-support-make-a-referral/

Stork Support is our core service, giving free and low cost vital baby and household essentials to the most vulnerable families such as those fleeing DV, living in temporary accommodation, living on extremely low incomes and those with poor mental health.

We make sure parents don’t have to choose between clothing and feeding their children and paying their bills, by giving them peace of mind with the provision of baby essentials, exactly when they need them. 

We now operate collection hubs for most of our clients, where families can access wraparound support when they go to collect their items (nappies, wipes, toiletries and vouchers for baby food such as first stage infant formula). 

Our Salford hub is operated by ourselves; our collection day is a Thursday morning during our coffee morning session 10.30-12.30. We offer wraparound support such as filling in forms, signposting to other organisations and food support as well as being able to provide other items such as discounted or free equipment, toys or clothes if we have them in stock.

How to access:

We take referrals from professionals in the NHS and local authorities such as Midwives, Health Visitors, Outreach workers, Early Help teams, Social workers and other charity professionals.

To make a referral: https://visitfromthestork.co.uk/stork-support-make-a-referral/

Boost your knowledge, confidence and skills through a short employability course with Stork Boost! Stork Boost is a short 5 week course aimed at helping parents make a change.

If you want to rediscover your identity after having children, boost your confidence, skills and knowledge and meet new friends, come and explore the possibilities of managing benefits, work and parenthood with us! 

The course includes personalised, 1:1 support from our course leader Claire.

Course Overview:

• Building confidence and breaking down barriers to work
• Managing benefits (UC) and personal finances

• CV and interview skills
• Job searching and applications
• Next steps - working with partner organisations and arranging 1:1 support

How to access:

To make a referral: https://visitfromthestork.co.uk/stork-support-make-a-referral/

Get Volunteering is a national directory which helps users to find volunteering opportunities. You can chose a search based on your skills, your location or area of interest.

How to access:

You can 'register your interest' in an opportunity, which will redirect you to the Community Support Action Volunteer (CVS) website to express your interest to the relevant organisation.

WTB Solicitors are a legal service based in the UK that helps people with various legal issues. Their immigration solicitors handle complex immigration applications and appeals.

WTB Solicitors provide free asylum advice to eligible applicants of legal aid.

Services include:

• Asylum

• Human Rights Claims

• Nationality, naturalisation and registration as a British citizen

• Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children and other family dependants

• Appeals & Judicial Review

• Further Leave and Indefinite Leave to remain (settlement) applications

How to access:

Will accept self-referrals. By email to enquiries@wtbsolicitors.com / longsight@wtbsolicitors.com / Salim.kuraishe@wtbsolicitors.com

Wai Yin Society is a community organisation based in Manchester that supports Chinese and other ethnic minority communities. Their aim is to improve the lives of individuals and families through various services, focusing on integration, education, and social support.

The society works with a diverse group of people, including immigrants, refugees, and long-term residents, particularly from the Chinese community.

Referrals to Wai Yin Society can come from local agencies, schools, or individuals seeking assistance. They also collaborate with other organisations to enhance their services and reach more people in need.

Services include:

• Education, Training and Employment Support

• Women and Parenting Project

• Youth Services

• Older People Services

• Mental Health Support

• Crisis Support Services

• Food Bank Services

• Macmillan Cancer Support

• General Advice- We accept telephone bookings

• Volunteering Services

• Hate Crime Reporting

Police Drop-in: The Greater Manchester Police in partnership with the Wai Yin Society to set up a regular Call in Centre for the Chinese community.

This service is set to help members of the Chinese community to find out more about policing issues in their area, to voice their concerns to police officers, or even to report a crime. A Cantonese and Mandarin translator will be present to assist with any language difficulties.

The service will be held on the first Tuesday of every month between 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Wai Yin Society.

Offers a range of employment, education and community services, including English courses

• Courses / training

• Self employment/business support

• Job search and application support

• Website resource

How to access:

All our courses are for the community, free to access and a mixture of face-to-face and online.

Learners can register by scanning the QR code on the website, or by following the link https://www.waiyin.org.uk/register and completing the form.

The charity was established in 2009 to support French speaking asylum seekers and refugees living in the Greater Manchester especially in Salford. The charity now has a wider remit of helping the local community in Salford and surrounding areas such as Cheetwood, Cheetham Hill.

We support people who are in the transition points of their lives: Asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and second generation of British citizens. Most of our activities aim to alleviate isolation and depression, including emotional wellbeing, social, physical and recreational activities.
It currently operates a variety of projects including, drop in sessions to provide general information, advice and advocacy services, volunteering programme, mentoring, Homework club and after schools’ club.

We also provide social and recreational activities for older members of the community. The problems we deal with include: unemployment, homelessness or vulnerable housed, mental health, discrimination, social and economic deprivation, loneliness and isolation.

Our helpline (07427672139) offers practical support over the phone or online to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. It’s a confidential service for those aged 12 and over and opens from 6 am to 10pm 7 day a week.

Call if you want someone to talk to. We love to listen and we will help you through this difficult time. our volunteers speak French, Lingala and Portuguese.

We host monthly in-person gatherings in both London and Manchester, usually on the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month.

These events create space for young people to build friendships and community. Our gatherings emphasise storytelling, connecting participants through shared experiences and reinforcing why we campaign for change.

How to access:

Event details are posted on our social media and Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/we-belong-45758924873

Our Legal Advice Clinic provides free legal advice from experienced solicitors to young people aged 16-25 who:

• Have lived in the UK since childhood and need to regularise their immigration status

• Have questions about their current immigration status

• Hold Limited Leave to Remain and are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of continuous limited leave

How to access:

Sessions are typically held weekly, with specific dates announced monthly through our newsletter and social media (@webelong19).

Appointments can be booked through our online form:  https://lpwwngy65ir.typeform.com/to/YXah6KeV?typeform-source=www.webelong.org.uk

WeBelong offers several ways to get involved:

• Structured Volunteer Programmes supporting our projects

• Work Experience Placements across our campaigns and projects

• Core Group membership for those with lived experience of the UK immigration system who want to participate in organisational decision-making

How to access:

For volunteering enquiries, please email info@webelong.org.uk, and our Youth Development Lead will contact you.

West African Development (WAD) provides Pre-Entry ESOL classes, introducing basic entry level to learning English, building confidence skills and developing understanding in reading, writing and speaking needed for life in the UK.

They also offer budgeting and Life in the UK courses. In addition, WAD also provides volunteering opportunities, housing support, help with form filling, referrals to further advice and guidance, digital skills support, and opportunities to take part in their African heritage workshops and programmes.

From the requests from our community member to be involve in other activities and the positive idea of some members who experienced stress and finding difficulties leaving kids and young people with no activities during a school holiday. The majority of our community memberships are facing the same problem due to financial hardship parent cannot afford taking children away during the holiday time and also working parent during the school holiday find it difficult to leave children alone with no activities.

West African Development (WAD) organize a special holiday activities program and provide children and youth with activities like: Arts and Craft, Hair weaving, Drumming and Dancing, Sport and Football and Trips.

West African Development (WAD) together with the Worker’s Education Association offers an accredited Community Interpreter’s course which recognize and accredit bi-lingual skills, increasing basic skill levels in the Community and giving people confidence to progress to further study and employment.

WAD also providing a translation service to support people who have English as a second language.

This service will enable more people to successfully complete training courses and increasing their chances in life.

WHAG offers the Cheshire West and Chester safe accommodation service, this is split across communal refuge, dispersed refuge and community support.

Services include:

• Safe accommodation

• Dispersed safe accommodation & complex needs service

• Domestic abuse group programmes

• Wellbeing Hub

Additional Information:

This accommodation in short term temporary accommodation.

Clients stay in their safe accommodation for up to 14 weeks. During that time, support workers will work with clients to look at what changes they want to make in their life, and draw up an action plan to help achieve these.

Clients and their families are supported during their stay ultimately into their own home where if they remain within CWAC they have a further 12 week resettlement support.

As well as support specific to domestic abuse clients can expect support around, housing, health and wellbeing, budgeting, benefits, parenting and education and return to work if desired.

How to access:

To make a referral fill in a CWAC referral form (via: https://whag.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CWAC-Referral-Form-Jan-22.doc) and email it to: cwacrefuge@whag.info (or) cwacdispersed@whag.info (or) cwaccomplexneeds@whag.info

Priority will be given to those referrals with a CWAC connection.

WHAG provides support for women and young parents with their children who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness, men, women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Services Include:

Female homelessness support-

• Short-term accommodation (female only), Community Outreach Support, Group Programmes

Rose Court is female only accommodation project comprised of 16 flats with staff on site 24 hours a day. This includes Support Workers and waking night Concierge staff. We offer a range of support for women for up to 12 months.

Young parents service-

• Supported accommodation, Dispersed accommodation & Community Outreach Support

Gabriel Court is a 24 hour Supported Accommodation Project and support service with 12 independent flats, for young parents’ (male and female) aged between 16-25. We support those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, who are either pregnant or have a young baby under12 months at referral. The maximum length of stay is up to 12 months

ABEN- A bed for every night -

• We currently have 6 dispersed ABEN properties via a contract with Rochdale Borough Council. A Support Worker provides assistance to those in our ABEN service to secure long-term permanent accommodation, including any other support.

Rochdale Safe accommodation -

WHAG provides the Rochdale Safe Accommodation service, which offers communal safe accommodation, resettlement, and support.

Referrals to the safe accommodation service can be addressed via the Rochdale Homeless Team Domestic Abuse Pathway – 0300 3038548.

How to access:

For more information please visit our website.

WHAG offers the Wigan Domestic abuse service, which offers communal safe accommodation, resettlement, and support.

Services include:

• Our Wigan safe accommodation is delivered across two different locations, furnished, and decorated to a high-quality standard. The accommodation is made up of self-contained flats each one has a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and a small kitchen/dining area.

• During their time within the service, individuals will receive person centred specialist support from trained Domestic abuse workers. Together in collaboration they will agree SMART support plans, focusing on key goals and empowering targets throughout their journey.

• We offer several programmes of support including accredited Domestic abuse training programmes, accessible to those within safe accommodation and to members of the local community.

• WHAG staff are on hand 24 hours a day to provide both practical and emotional support.

• We offer counselling to adults and play therapy for the children, within our services.

How to access:

Referrals can be made by any agencies supporting any individual of family experiencing domestic abuse; self-referrals are also accepted and if additional support is required to complete, please contact the service directly to arrange.

These referrals can be made by completing the referral from: https://whag.info/our-projects/wigan-domestic-abuse/ and emailing it to WiganDAS@whag.info.

At Wigan Council we support volunteers to contribute to the work we do as well as help community organisations to recruit volunteers across the borough.

You'll find a range of volunteering opportunities on the Wigan Borough Volunteering Hub, where you can:

• Register and apply for volunteer roles

• Submit and advertise a volunteer opportunity if you're a community group

Wigan Council provides a wide range of housing services to support residents in finding and maintaining safe, secure accommodation. Their primary aim is to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their homes. The council works with various groups, including families, young people, and vulnerable individuals.

Services include:

• Advice on housing options and finding council or housing association homes

• Support for those facing eviction

Assist people renting privately, and offer advice on buying a home

• They also support individuals at risk of homelessness and those needing supported or older people's housing.

Referrals to Wigan's housing services can come from local agencies, social services, or individuals seeking help directly. The council collaborates with other organisations to ensure comprehensive support for those in need.

Additionally, Wigan Council runs prevention programmes to help people avoid homelessness. This includes financial advice, mediation services, and workshops on budgeting and tenancy rights.

MAES has classes from Pre-entry to Level 1 in various locations across the city. The adult learning centres with ESOL courses include Withington Adult 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

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.

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.

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.

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

Yaran Northwest supports members of the Middle Eastern and, in particular, the Iranian community in Manchester with a wide range of psychological needs and social disadvantage who wish to integrate and strengthen their confidence and self esteem.

Services include:

• Psychological service: One-to-one and group counselling/psychotherapy for middle eastern, in particular Farsi speaking residents, across Greater Manchester including new immigrants, families and couples who need urgent help and support in health and well-being

• Advocacy service: Assists people from Middle Eastern background and covers improving their confidence, developing their basic skills in learning English, understanding the world of work, and guidance in seeking jobs and self employment.

• Peer support Groups, workshops, community based programmes and professionally led self-help groups for those in the community experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues alongside a spectrum of life issues too.

• Rolling programme of classes and activities including Life in the UK and ESOL.

How to access:

To make a referral please complete the referral form at the bottom of this page: https://www.yarannorthwest.com/?page_id=895

Please check our website, or call or email us for more information

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

Centre Locations-

Newton heath: Yes, 115 Briscoe Lane, Newton Heath, Manchester, M40 2TP

Collyhurst: Yes, 35-39 Southchurch Parade, Collyhurst, Manchester, M40 7GE

The Avenue Library- Blackley: 9 Victoria Avenue, Blackley, Manchester, M9 6HW

North City Library- Harpurhey: 931 Rochdale Road, Manchester, M9 8AE


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.

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/