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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.

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

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.

We have launched a dedicated Migrant Women Housing and Support Advice Service for pregnant women and new mothers across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire East region.

We can provide advice on a range of issues including:

• Housing and support for asylum seekers including who qualifies and how to apply
• Advice on what to do if there are delays in receiving Home Office support
• Advice for women who have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
• Advice on maternity provisions, maternity grants and other payments for migrant and asylum seeking women
• Advice for women who are survivors of trafficking and domestic abuse
• Advice on adding a new dependent to a person’s Home Office support
• Advice for pregnant women who are living in unsuitable Home Office accommodation or in hotels
• Advice about NHS charges for maternity care and children’s care

The service provides free and confidential advice on entitlements to housing and support for migrant and asylum seeking women in Greater Manchester and Cheshire East.

How to access:

Email, call or text 07928 242 870 for advice (or) you can complete this online contact form: https://maternityaction.org.uk/migrant-women-housing-and-support-form/

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.

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.

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.

At our heart, MRSN provide practical help to refugees “moving-on” from the asylum system and to support their onward social and economic independence for life in the Liverpool region and beyond.  Our service is person centred to meet client needs throughout their integration journey, underpinned by our health and wellbeing work. 

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 can offer employability support when resources allow.  We also offer community support to refugee diaspora communities.

How to access
To make a referral please contact info@mrsnliverpool.org.uk

MRSN accept self-referrals directly from clients; referrals from third-party referrers and from a wide range of organisations who work in the refugee and asylum sector across the Liverpool city region (and occasionally beyond).
When making a referral we need to know what help the client needs along with their contact information and language needs.

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.

For many years our congregation was part of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) - an American-based lgbt denomination, but we are now one of the two worshipping congregations of Wilbraham St Ninian's United Reformed Church.

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.

You can get in touch via the website.

Micro Rainbow’s vision is to create a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) people are free from discrimination, persecution and have equal opportunities in life, including in accessing employment, training, education, financial services, healthcare, housing, places of faith, and public services.

We do this by:

- Providing safe housing to LGBTQI asylum seekers 

- Facilitating access to employment, volunteering, training and education for LGBTQI refugees through our moving on programme

- Providing social inclusion activities to reduce the extreme isolation faced by LGBTQI people

- Advocacy – up to 6 tailored sessions with Outreach Officers to meet need and requirements, providing legal workshops and signposting and collaborating with relevant organisations 

How to access

Helpline for LGBTQI migrants - 0800 3585851

First time callers from Monday to Friday from 2pm – 5pm

Others from Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm

Helpline for LGBTQI refugees from Afghanistan - 0800 3585852

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 2pm – 5pm.

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

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 - visitors to 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.

The telephone number provided is for AVID. MIDST do not have a direct telephone number.

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.

Mind in Salford is an independent, user focused charity providing vital services to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and mental health of local people.

Service includes:

• Welfare Rights & Debt Advice: We provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice for adults in Salford who are registered with a Salford GP and who have a mental health condition.
• Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA) to eligible clients in Salford (including Care Act Carers Advocacy)
• Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) in Meadowbrook, Woodlands and Prestwich Hospitals and associated services
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) in Salford.
• Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy (ICA) in Salford.

How to access:

Call our info-line or head to the website.

Together we are stronger. We believe that no one should face mental health problems alone, which is why in addition to working with national Mind we are also one of five local Minds that work across Greater Manchester.

Service includes:

• Information & Signposting Helpline: Whether you are experiencing mental health difficulties yourself, or are looking for information to support a family member, friend or neighbour, you can contact our helpline.

• Carers Support Service: For carers of adults who are diagnosed with a mental health problem, autism or who are experiencing emotional distress. If you provide emotional and/or practical mental health support to a relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help, you may be able to receive support as a Carer.

• Carers Drop-in: For more information and to sign up, please get in touch via phone or email

• Singing for Fun: our singing group enables users to build confidence, have fun and gain access to valuable information and services. Hot and cold drinks and biscuits are provided during the session.

• Thursday at One Art Group: The group encourages services users to express themselves using their creativity to turn their hand at a number of different forms of art

How to access:

If you would like to get involved in any of our groups please email or call us.

You can phone us and speak directly to a staff member, during the opening hours . Please be aware that our phone lines are not monitored outside of our opening hours.

Drop in Job club

Our core service, the Mother Companion project, provides migrated Mamas with nurturing, one-to-one support. We form a team of 2-3 Mother Companions around each parent. Mother Companions are all experienced birth workers who volunteer to offer continuity of care throughout the antenatal, birth, and postnatal period. Please visit our website for information on how to refer and FAQs.

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

Moveable Feast caters for various occasion, such as such as conferences, AGMs, team meetings, weddings, or any other special event. Moveable feast works with amazing people who have been made destitute by the UK's asylum system. Our chefs are asylum seekers who come from all around the world. All profit we make goes into providing vital assistance to asylum seekers through our other services. Moveable Feast offers BHN members and refugees to connect with UK citizens, improve skills for integration and employment, and feel less lonely and become a part of the community.

We offer groups to help people understand how trauma affects them. We teach people skills to manage their symptoms and help them feel better. For example, to sleep better, to feel more relaxed and to have fewer flashbacks. We accept referrals from Vitaminds: 0333 200 1893 or www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk. You can ask your support worker or GP for help with the referral. Care Coordinators at AWP can also refer you directly.

Mustard Tree is a charity fighting poverty and homelessness in Greater Manchester. We offer support services, including food distribution, training programs, and employment support, to help people rebuild their lives.

We also offer financial support, and run activities such as art music, ESOL and drama groups.

This includes information sessions every morning around housing and homelessness support. Migrant Help are visiting Mustard Tree every Wednesday and offering support for e-visa changes.

How to access:

Drop-in or submit a referral form on the website to register for services like Food Club and hear more about clubs, classes and the Freedom Project (life-skills and employability training placements).

For self referrals and client referrals, please complete a referral form via: https://mustardtree.org.uk/get-help/ and email to referrals@mustardtree.org.uk, or call 0161 228 7331.

Mustard tree runs a community shop in Ancoats, offering access to low cost food through the food club, clothing and household essentials such as furniture, white goods and pots and pans.

Here, people seeking asylum can get free clothing up to a value of £15 a month.

How to access:

For more information, please call or email

Mustard tree runs a community shop in Eccles, offering access to low cost food through the food club, clothing and household essentials such as furniture, white goods and pots and pans.

Here, people seeking asylum can get free clothing up to a value of £15 a month.

How to access:

For more information, please call or email

Mustard tree runs a community shop in Little Hulton, offering access to low cost food through the food club, clothing and household essentials such as furniture, white goods and pots and pans.

Here, people seeking asylum can get free clothing up to a value of £15 a month.

How to access:

For more information, please call or email

Mustard Tree’s Freedom Project is a life skills and work readiness program aimed at helping people who’ve had more barriers than usual to moving on in life and achieving independence: barriers such as homelessness, mental health issues, addiction recovery or a criminal record.

The overall goal of the project is to equip participants with the sort of skills and experience that will improve their likelihood of future employment and (arguably more importantly) give them a sense of belonging to a community.

With that in mind, participants work within Mustard Tree and learn about the key areas of our operation, from customer services and office admin, to catering and waste recycling.

How to access:

Head Office Open days every 3 weeks. No need to register and public transport travel costs reimbursed.

Find out about our next open day: Call 0161 228 7331 or email freedom@mustardtree.org.uk.

The National Bereavement Service provides practical and emotional assistance after a death. If you or a loved one is experiencing loss, you can access free support today.

We are a not-for-profit organisation, and our services are completely free of charge, whether you contact us by phone, email or web-chat.

Services include:

• Quick Guides

• Practical Help: Pre-death Planning, Legal Support, Probate Support, Estate Planning, Finding a Suitable Funeral Director, Will Writing Services, Covering Funeral Costs

• Emotional Help: Grief, Specific Relationships, Supporting Others, Sharing the News, Getting Help & Counselling, Managing Grief, Traumatic Bereavement

• Workplace & Training: Bereavement Training for Professionals, Grief & Employment Support for Employers, Individual Bereavement Training

How to access:

Please call us on 0800 0246 121, email us at info@thenbs.org or complete the contact form via: https://thenbs.org/contact-us

Food bank at New Life Church, Tameside.

How to access

Drop ins welcome for our food bank. Information on activities we are running is available on our facebook page.

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

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

NHS Bury Talking Therapies is for people over the age of 16 years, who are registered with a GP in Bury.

We offer support and treatment if you're experiencing symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, low mood, stress, worry or anxiety, feelings of low self worth or panic attacks.

We can also help you to cope with the effects of a long-term health problem or chronic pain, post natal depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, eating difficulties and post traumatic stress reactions.

Our service is delivered by a range of professionals including therapists and counsellors, who will find a level of treatment that is right for you.

We also provide specialist support for those experiencing post-natal depression and for those with long term health conditions.

How to access:

Complete this self-referral form: https://www.iaptportal.co.uk/ServiceUser/SelfReferralForm.aspx?sd=41996d9a-373d-4aa9-925f-806ddcece1ea

Alternatively, you can speak to your GP or other health or care professional.

NHS Oldham Talking Therapies is for people over the age of 16 years, who are registered with a GP in Oldham.

We offer support and treatment if you're experiencing low mood, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, and sleep difficulties.

We can help you deal with the effects of a long-term health condition, chronic pain, or post natal depression, We also offer couples therapy if you are struggling in your relationships, and psychosexual therapy for any intimacy difficulties.

Everyone who wishes to access the service will be invited to seminars to introduce the service and explain what we can offer, as well as learning strategies and techniques to use while waiting for treatment.

How to access:

Complete this self-referral form: https://www.iaptportal.co.uk/ServiceUser/SelfReferralForm.aspx?sd=d1691d22-8524-41cd-9a8e-405d6b2b035e

NHS Stockport Talking Therapies is for people over the age of 16 years, who are registered with a GP in Stockport.

We can help you to improve your emotional wellbeing in a safe, compassionate space, if you’re experiencing problems such as:

• low mood or depression

• anxiety disorders

• stress

• panic attacks

• sleep problems

• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• phobias

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• We can also help you to manage the emotional impact of a long-term physical health problem, or chronic pain.

How to access:

Complete this self-referral form: https://www.iaptportal.co.uk/ServiceUser/SelfReferralForm.aspx?sd=0bcede30-1519-4d6b-a140-2a65658ae67b

If our service is right for your needs, we will offer you an assessment to see how our team of therapists and counsellors can help you to manage these feelings and symptoms.

Following your assessment, you may be offered our workshops, groups and online cognitive behavioural therapy. If these aren’t suitable for you we can also discuss one-to-one treatment options

NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies is for people over the age of 16 years, who are registered with a GP in Tameside or Glossop.

We offer a safe place and time to talk to someone who won’t judge you.

You might want to make sense of things or understand yourself better, resolve complicated feelings or recognise unhelpful patterns on how you act or feel.

We can help with:

• Depression and low mood

• Anxiety and worry

• Panic

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Pre and post natal difficulties

• Social anxiety

• Phobias

• Long term health conditions

How to access:

You can access the NHS Talking Therapies service by completing this self referral form: https://www.iaptportal.co.uk/ServiceUser/SelfReferralForm.aspx?sd=cf125c66-c9bb-4b5a-b642-963d989045ff

Nightstop Greater Manchester and Cheshire East places young people aged 16-25 in the homes of volunteer hosts.

We are an emergency accommodation service delivered by Depaul UK and covers Greater Manchester and Cheshire East.

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

How to access:

If you are a young person in need of somewhere safe to stay tonight call us between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

We support with asylum applications, e-visa, travel documents, citizenship, indefinite leave, Domestic Violence and other. We also provide employment, welfare and benefits support, digital training and all assisted digital support, ESOL classes, arts and crafts and many other classes and course, pre employment accredited courses, Cohesion events- work from 12 venues across north Manchester.

How to access:

Give us a call

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

Drop-in Job Club

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

We run two classes simultaneously: a beginners and an intermediate class. All lessons are delivered by warm and friendly staff who are keen to help you learn.

Classes run every Wednesday from 10am-12pm at Oldham Bethel Church. We usually begin with tea and coffee in order to get to know one another better. This means you learn English in a classroom setting as well as having the opportunity to put your speaking skills into practice by talking with native English-speakers.

On the first Saturday of the month we run a food club. Membership is £3 for the year and then £2 each session for a varied bag of food

How to access:

Drop in

Get Oldham Working is a Council service that aims to help people find work and training opportunities.

Services include:

• Help if you are long-term unemployed or have limited recent work experience.

• Personal learning mentors to assist you with improving your job prospects

• Help with writing CVs and making job applications

• Help with getting a better job that makes the most of your skills

• Information about local jobs and training opportunities, including jobs fairs and other recruitment events

• A register you can join if you are seeking work.

How to access:

Complete the registration form on our website: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/forms/form/325/en/get_oldham_working_registration_form

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

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

How to access:

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

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

We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system.

Visiting a Foodbank: To access

Our foodbank works with a number of different agencies, such as Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors. To find out more about the agencies that hold our vouchers and how you can get help, please contact us.

When you visit or call a referral agency they will take some basic details from you to complete the voucher.

Once you have been issued a voucher, you will receive 7 days of emergency food delivered to your address from Oldham Foodbank, or can redeem your voucher at Shaw & Crompton Churches Together.

Locations:

1) Shaw & Crompton Churches Together (OL2 8QY)
2) Oldham Foodbank (OL1 4ER) - no collection from this centre, only delivery*

Contact us:

Please complete this form to get in touch: https://oldham.foodbank.org.uk/contact-us/

Please phone the Crisis Hub on 0161 770 7007, or your case/key/social worker (if you have one) - who can assist with issuing a voucher for a food parcel.

Our service is confidential, non-judgemental and for people of all ages, genders, and orientations.

We provide free and confidential sexual health services. This includes information and advice on all types of contraception, STI testing and treatment.

We offer most forms of contraception and screening for sexually transmitted infections, particularly if you have no symptoms and need a check up. If you have symptoms get in touch with us for an appointment at one of our hubs, or call into one of our sit and wait sessions.

How to access:

Drop-in (or) book an appointment through our website (or) call us

We are an Adult Education provider (19 years and older) and offer English as a Second Language to residents across the borough in order to help learners to improve their English language.

Services include:

Oldham Lifelong Learning Service offer a range of vocational and non-vocational provision at Pre Entry, Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3 and Level 1.

Learners can work towards the Ascentis Award in ESOL Speaking & Listening, Award in ESOL Reading and Award in ESOL Writing across the academic year.

Courses are either one or two classes per week. Courses are four mornings or four afternoons per week. The provision is offered to Pre Entry, Entry 1 and Entry 2 learners who are actively looking for work.

How to access:

You can access this service via GM ESOL website or Job Centre coach.

All applications are processed 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.

Job Centre Plus learners can be referred for an initial assessment via their work coach by contacting Margaret Manning on 0161 770 1531.

We are an Adult Education provider (19 years and older) and offer English as a Second Language to residents across the borough in order to help learners to improve their English language.

Fully accredited IAA (formerly ESOL) qualification from Entry 1 to Level 1 in speaking, listening, reading and writing. You can learn and practice skills needed for work.

Some courses offer an award in Employability.

How to access:

You can access this service via GM ESOL website or Job Centre coach.

All applications are processed 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.

Job Centre Plus learners can be referred for an initial assessment via their work coach by contacting Margaret Manning on 0161 770 1531.

We are an Adult Education provider (19 years and older) and offer English as a Second Language to residents across the borough in order to help learners to improve their English language.

Fully accredited IAA (formerly ESOL) qualification from Entry 1 to Level 1 in speaking, listening, reading and writing. You can learn and practice skills needed for work.

Some courses offer an award in Employability.

How to access:

You can access this service via GM ESOL website or Job Centre coach.

All applications are processed 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.

Job Centre Plus learners can be referred for an initial assessment via their work coach by contacting Margaret Manning on 0161 770 1531.

Action Together CIO is the infrastructure organisation for the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside.

We connect people with what’s happening in their community, develop community ideas into action, strengthen local organisations, and provide strategic influence for the charity and voluntary sector. 

Membership of Action Together is free and open to any VCFSE organisation in Oldham, Rochdale, or Tameside.

Whether you’re a newly formed or a long established voluntary, community or faith group or social enterprise sector in Oldham, Rochdale or Tameside, you’re invited to formally join Action Together CIO.

How to access:

Search for volunteering opportunities via: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteering

Register to volunteer here: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer

The Destitution Food Project

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

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

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

How to access

Drop in

A beginner Conversation Club which will help you to speak English, meet new people and get to know Manchester.

How to access

To join an Talk English course, complete an assessment on gmesol.org or e-mail communitylearning@manchester.gov.uk

One World Unity Bridge aims to empower communities and foster unity by taking positive actions that uplift, support, and encourage refugees and migrant families.

Services include:

• Refugee & Migrant Help: Offers personalised asylum support and advice to refugees and asylum seekers, providing them with the guidance and care they need during the challenging asylum process. Connecting individuals with legal aid, housing, healthcare, and more, ensuring they receive the support they need.

• Career Coaching service: Led by a professional expert, this service offers personalised guidance to help you become more employable and career-ready. From CV writing to interview prep.

• Stories Unite! : A flagship programme, which offers refugees a chance to share their stories, express vulnerability, and find healing through connection.

• Foodbank and Clothes Bank: Supports individuals and families in need

• OneWorld Active! : Brings youth, women and families together to stay active and healthy. The program encourages everyone to join the gym, take swimming lessons, and participate in exercise sessions.

How to access:

Please email or phone for more information.

Free, one-hour appointments available to book for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. To check for availability and to book, please follow this link: https://www.oneworldunitybridge.org/booking-calendar/book-appointment-tue-wed-thur-2?referral=service_list_widget

Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is ideal if you don’t have time or want to travel. Our sessions are accessible via smartphone, tablet or home computer, any time of day or night. This treatment option is designed to work around your schedule. What’s more, service reviews prove this option is just as effective as face-to-face treatments. What can online therapy treat? Depression Low mood due to a physical condition (such as diabetes or pain) Excessive worry or anxiety Panic attacks Sleep problems Stress Phobia(s)