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The Family Refugee Support Project and Freedom from Torture will deliver a programme of holistic therapy for adult asylum seekers with acute complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

Both providers will take a holistic approach in their support, deliver care in an individuals’ first language or with the support of an experienced interpreter that will remain with the individual throughout their support.

Therapy will take place remotely unless the person receiving care and the therapist are geographical closely located. There will be minimal expectation for people to travel for care and where remote care is delivered this will be supported with data bundles.

Remote and face-to-face support will follow safe-space guidance to ensure that individuals are able to access support with privacy and in comfort and safety.

Referral process:

Individuals referred for therapy must have an active asylum claim at the point of referral, this can include an appeal.

Ahead of referral, referrers are asked to take all possible measures to meet an individual’s broader practical, social, housing and immediate support needs such as accommodation concerns and GP access.

To refer people to this service, please request a referral form from amy.robinson@manchester.gov.uk

The Good Funeral Guide is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to support, empower and represent the interests of dying and bereaved people living in the UK. 

We can help if you need to organise a funeral now, or if you are thinking about making plans for the future, for yourself or for someone else who is approaching the end of their life.  

We can offer information and suggestions if you are doing research on behalf of a friend or family member who has been bereaved.

Services Include: Guides for -

• Planning a funeral

• The paperwork of death

• Your legal rights and responsibilities

• Funerals for babies and children

• Grief
• Directory for local funeral directors and burial grounds

How to access:

Please visit our website. Contact us via: https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk/contact/

The Good Funeral Guide is run on a part time, voluntary basis and we can’t always be available, but if you need to contact us, please either use the form, or try sending us a message on one of our social media platforms. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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.

Solace supports refugees and asylum seekers throughout the Yorkshire and Humber region, but what we are able to provide differs in each area. All our services are underpinned by the same values and ethos, even if what we can provide or the referral criteria is limited in some areas. For information for referrals in Leeds, please follow this link. Please note that our waiting list is not always open. Please call us if you would like to find out more. 0113 824 6796

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Bolton is a partnership between Bolton Council, Believe Achieve CIC, Befriending Refugees and Asylum Seekers (BRASS), Bolton Solidarity Community Association (BSCA) and Bolton Wanderers in the Community.

Working with refugees and people seeking asylum, they will offer a holistic approach to tackle barriers to integration, stable housing, employment and good wellbeing.

The partnership will deliver:

• Structured and unstructured ESOL
• Employment support
• A programme of wellbeing activities
• One to one holistic support
• Opportunities to participate in Bolton’s cultural offer.

How to access:

To make a referral, please email rwp@bolton.gov.uk

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Bury is a partnership between Bury Council, Bury VCFA, Fair Futures, ADAB and New Life Church, which is providing tailored access to English language education, digital inclusion support, and skills development opportunities.

Through a combination of one-to-one guidance, group sessions, and community-based activities, the service helps individuals build confidence, improve wellbeing, and strengthen their connection to local communities.

How to access:

To make a referral, please fill in this form: https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/rwp/

(or)

You can download the Bury RWP referral form and email it to asylumandimmigration@bury.gov.uk

Form found here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/homelessness-and-migration/migration-and-inclusion/the-refugee-welcome-programme-work-and-skills/

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Manchester is a partnership between Manchester City Council, Mustard Tree, Breaking Barriers, Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN), Impact for All and Rainbow Haven, that will work with refugees and people seeking asylum to build ESOL, Employability and Integration skills.

The programme will offer a mixture of group and 1:1 sessions at accessible locations across the city, alongside tailored support from a RWP Support Worker who will facilitate access to the relevant services that participants may need. The programme will be holistic and person-centred in its approach, as well as being culturally appropriate and trauma-informed in its practice.

How to access:

To make a referral into the RWP at Mustard Tree, email referrals@mustardtree.org.uk or visit the Mustard Tree website: https://mustardtree.org.uk/get-help/

To make a referral into the RWP at Breaking Barriers, visit the Breaking Barriers website: https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/refugee-support/apply-for-support/employment-education-skills/

The Refugee Welcome Programme in Rochdale is a partnership between Rochdale Council, Action Together and a network of VCSE partners who are established across the locality.

The Programme is here to help people who have come to the borough of Rochdale to find safety and start a new life, and offer support with:

• Making friends and joining the community

• Finding jobs and learning new skills

• Feeling good and staying active

• Learning English and going to school

How to access:

To make a referral, please email RRWP@rochdale.gov.uk

To find out more information, visit the Rochdale Refugee Welcome Programme webpage

AFC Community Trust, Andalucia Learning Centre, Army of Kindness, Aspire in Inspire, Caring & Sharing, Kashmir Youth Project, Maverick Lab, Spotland Community Centre, Steered to Serve and the Women’s Welfare Association.

The Salford Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Salford City Council, Salford Loaves and fishes and and a network of new and emerging migrant led third sector partners across the locality.

The Programme seeks to offer refugees and people seeking asylum a range of support through a more extensive and targeted learning café offer.

Learning Cafes are a well-established programme of informal learning opportunities in Salford aimed at providing a safe space for residents to practice their English, learn something new and meet people from outside their immediate household or community.

The main aim of the programme will be to achieve better skills and work outcomes for refugee and asylum seekers living in Salford through targeted interventions to improve English language, wellbeing and employability.

How to access:

To make a referral, please visit Salford RWP webpage.

Alternatively, you can contact the Skills and Work team directly by emailing us

The Stockport Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Stockport Council, Sector 3, and a range of other VCSE organisations across the locality.

The Programme is expanding the formal and informal ESOL provision that already exists across the borough, as well as providing an expanded wellbeing and community inclusion offer that targets the specific needs of refugees and people seeking asylum.

How to access:

To make a referral, please email workandskills@stockport.gov.uk

The Trafford Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Trafford Council and Trafford Community Collective.

The Programme is a community-led initiative for people seeking asylum or with refugee status, providing support and access to:

• Learning English
• Digital skills and inclusion
• Wellbeing sessions
• Community connection
• Job advice.

The programme works in five Community Hubs in Trafford: Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Old Trafford and Partington.

How to access:

To make a referral, please email refugees@traffordcollective.org.uk

To find out more information, please visit the Trafford Community Collective website

The Wigan Refugee Welcome Programme is a partnership between Wigan Borough Council, Rebuild with Hope, and a network of other VCSE organisations across the locality.

All partners will deliver a mix of provision, targeted at:

• English language classes
• Employability sessions
• Digital skills sessions
• Wellbeing and recreational activities
• Parenting sessions
• Peer-support
• Volunteering and much more.

How to access:

To make a referral, please complete the online Wigan RWP referral form found here:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UvoQHRewVU6_DNO7jilkwp1h07sAVWpCpqv_sKFiMbRUNjEwQlFZMzI4VjRXQ1dROVNaVlcxT1RFVi4u&route=shorturl

Fitya, EPiC Hope, Ekhaya, SWAP, Rotary Club - Astley, Rotary Club - Wigan, Wigan Mosque, Radio M29, Friends First, Astley Cycle Club, All Ears, Sudanese Community

‘Ask’ runs every Monday from 12:00-16:00, providing a safe space for refugees & people seeking asylum to gain access to information, advice & activities.

During the session, a team of staff & volunteers are available to provide casework and information on health and housing.  

How to access:

To find out more please call or email us

The Sudanese Community of Bolton is a voluntary organisation. Its main aim is to help vulnerable people from black ethnic backgrounds and refugees from Sudan.

Our main aim is to aid refugees and those seeking asylum in their transition into a new life in a different country. We do this by offering information, advice and guidance, as well as helping members with social, cultural, psychological and communication issues.

We also offer educational and recreational programs. Members of the community can use the recreational facilities at our centre such as our table tennis and pool tables, and a community football team, as well as connect with others of similar backgrounds.

The Community hosts Eid prayers and gatherings at both Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

Also we host Quran lessons for kids with plans to re-open our weekend supplementary school. The Community also hosts trips for its members.

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.

The clinic is part of the University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice. Under the supervision of an in-house legal team of qualified lawyers, final year Law students have direct, practical experience of advising or representing clients. The Law Clinic specialises in advising clients who are stateless or at risk of statelessness to make applications to the Home Office for leave to remain in the UK.

What we do:

• We have national expertise in Statelessness based applications – with full representation for applications for permission to stay and to register as British citizens on the grounds of statelessness.

• We advise and assist people with children who want to register as British, and can help with fee waiver applications.

• We can advise and assist refugees who want to naturalise as British Citizens.

• We can help with renewal of leave to remain on a discretionary or human rights basis.

• We can assist with SET(P) applications for refugees seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain.

• We can support individuals with Refugee status or Humanitarian Protection to obtain travel documents.

How to access:

Please email clinic@liverpool.ac.uk if you would like assistance. You MUST include:

- the name of the person who needs help, and
- age and relationship of family members needing help
- where they live
- what income they have
- what their current immigration status is
- any deadlines
- what they want help with
- their contact details

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.

Trafford College delivers part-time ESOL courses in the daytime and evening at their Stretford campus. Lessons are usually once or twice a week.

They offer courses to learners from Pre-entry up to Level 2. Learners work towards a recognised ESOL qualifications in all skills – Speaking & Listening, Reading, and Writing.

They also offer part-time Maths and IT courses for ESOL learners.

How to access:

Send us a general enquiry or request more course information by using our online form: https://trafford.tscg.ac.uk/contact-us/

Our dedicated teams can answer any question you have about our courses, our campuses or our facilities, and they’ll be able to connect you with the appropriate department or person if you need more specific information on any of our services and programmes.

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.

TFSW have an established reputation and many years’ experience providing training across the refugee and asylum seeker sector in the South West. We have a national programme of training which is available online for both teams and individuals. All funds raised from our training support our free counselling and psychotherapy for traumatised refugees. Training sessions are all available in person or online, bespoke for your team or to join as part of our nationally available online programme. Please scroll down to the bottom of the 'training' page to access the bespoke training form.

Himilo is a training provider, delivering vocational training courses, careers advice, business support and employment opportunities. We deliver high-quality courses and programmes designed to prepare students to meet the current market skill requirements. All of our training courses and education programs start with assessing the learners to make sure they are put on the correct career path. Our continuous support is here to help you gain the necessary skills to progress into the career you want.

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/

Bristol City of Sanctuary manages the transport fund on behalf of the sector. Requests for bus tickets must be made through other organisations and not directly to Bristol City of Sanctuary. The Bristol City of Sanctuary Transport Fund is a community initiative to fund transport, such as bus or train tickets, for people seeking sanctuary in our city, who would otherwise not be able to access vital services and appointments. We are very grateful to First Bus who are match funding a generous proportion of your donations, and grateful to the various asylum seeker support organisations who distribute the tickets.

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 organise termly trips and fun activities so the young people we support can practise their English in a relaxed environment and visit local attractions.

Anyone is welcome and no musical experience necessary. You are invited to join our friendly music rehearsals on Tuesdays at 2:30pm-4pm at Saint Ambrose Whitehall, 7 Stretford Ave, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AN.

We can contribute towards your bus tickets.

Buses from Centre: 6 or 7 to Gordon Road

42, 43, 44 or 45 to Blackswarth Road Or

local train to Lawrence Hill Station and walk 10 minutes up Whitehall Road.

Our Welcome Centre is an open and safe space for asylum seekers and refugees to make connections and build community. All our varied activities that we hold during our Welcome Centre help our members to establish belonging in their new home in Bristol. We provide practical signposting support to our members who present us with their challenges or concerns. We want to ensure our members have access to the right information and support services to help them as they navigate the complex asylum and immigration systems. Social Space every Tuesday from 11am to 2pm: We have board games, art, laptops and a football table available to our members. A hot halal meal is served at 1pm. Our doors close at 2pm.

We are an 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, in addition to those struggling to make ends meet, the unemployed, homeless and those fleeing domestic abuse.

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.

Service includes:

• 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.

How to access our service:

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/

Hull & East Yorkshire Ukrainian Community (HEYUC), provide a welcoming and supportive space for displaced Ukrainians while fostering cultural exchange and integration with the local community. We focus on preserving Ukrainian heritage, offering social support, and facilitating a smoother adaptation to life in the UK. 

Saturday Schedule at Welcome House. Term time only! 

Adults:
10:30 – 12:30 – English Language Class (Beginner/Intermediate level) 

10:30 – 11:30 – 10-Minute Anti-Stress Head & Neck Massage (drop-in) 

13:00 – 14:30 – Community Sessions (1–2 times a month): Expert talks, crafts, tea, and conversation.

Children: 

10:00 – 11:30 – Ukrainian Language School 

11:00 – 12:00 – Art Activities: Drawing and painting, embroidery (Vyshyvanka), clay modelling, cooking experience

12:00 – 12:30 – Lunch for children 

12:30 – 13:00 – Free Play and Social Time 

Teenagers: 

12:00 – 13:00 – Guitar Class

The clinic's main legal focus is on advising and preparing fresh claims for asylum and it aims to complement the work of law firms and other service providers in London.

Referral Criteria:

• Accept referrals for ARE clients who may have a potential fresh claim for asylum. A service user must have made a previous asylum claim and must now be appeal rights exhausted.

• The referrer must complete a subject access request for the service user, and provide us with as many documents as possible at the initial referral stage. Operates on a referral-only basis from partner organisations. We regret that we cannot accept direct referrals from the public or from other organisations at this time.

Not able to take on cases where:

• The claim is on behalf of a family group

• The service user has recently (within the last 6 months) submitted a fresh claim or had judicial review proceedings

• The service user does not have the capacity to give instructions

• The case involves criminality

• The service user is currently detained

• There is an urgent deadline.

How to access:

Referrals must come through from one of our partners organisations. For Greater Manchester these partners are Refugee Action and the Refugee Council. Please contact them for further details.

Self-referral is not available for this service.

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.

We have helpful video resources for asylum seekers and refugees in eight languages. Albanian, Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani, Pashto, Tigrinya, Urdu and English.

After arriving in the UK, it’s not uncommon for refugees to experience extreme emotions and unusual bodily sensations. They may feel overwhelmed or confused at times and they might be feeling or behaving differently to normal.

We have 6 psychoeducational videos to help make sense of some of these things. Following on from these videos are some exercises which are designed to help manage the effects of stress and trauma. When we are able to calm our mind and bodies down, we can feel more comfortable, manage our feelings better, think more clearly and take the steps we need to shape our lives in the direction we want to go.

https://www.solace-uk.org.uk/training/helpful-resources-for-refugees-and-people-seeking-safety

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 Moston hub is in partnership with the Outreach team at Moston Sure Start centre on Adrian Street. The outreach team meet and greet our clients on a Thursday morning from 9.30-12.30 and can offer tailored wraparound support, as well as other sessions such as Stay and Play at their 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/

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.

Are you...

• Struggling to manage on Universal Credit?

• Wanting to work but don’t know where to start?

• Concerned about how to manage childcare when working?

Do you want to learn more about…

• Accessing childcare funding and understanding the options available to you? 

• How to actually job search and write a CV?

• How to talk about your transferable skills on application forms?

• Present yourself to employers in an interview

How to access:

Complete the Stork Boost referral form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPrlp0PDaSAPShpnXx_kxMesQYthBA0OdSn9T0R2x1QC2MkA/viewform

Our work relies on our volunteers!

We love their commitment, expertise and energy to welcome and support refugees and asylum seekers. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds including professionals, retired people, students, refugees and asylum seekers.

We have volunteering opportunities for mentoring, english classes, marketing and fundraising as well as roles at our welcome centre.

How to access

Complete the form on our website.

Bristol Refugee Festival has a range of well-supported volunteering opportunities that help us with our events and activities. These include event crew, evaluation, comms & social media.

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We also have an Ambassador programme specifically for those with lived experience of the asylum process or forced migration, to support our work and gain further skills.

Our Ambassadors provide a voice for their community, actively take part in our events and workshops and advise on our programming. We are keen for them to offer their skills and knowledge, but we also offer them training and development to gain further skills in areas such as event planning, evaluation practices, media communications, public speaking.

At Aid Box Community we have a range of well-supported volunteering opportunities that help us support our services. Volunteering opportunities include a weekly shift in our Free Shop, helping at our groups, becoming a connection friend, and supporting fundraising opportunities and events. 

We have a large volunteer team with a mix of BRR members and local people volunteering. We aim for half of our volunteer team to be BRR members, asylum seekers and refugees who use our services. We offer tailored training and support to member volunteers including support into employment. Speak to any member of staff at the drop in or get in touch by email.

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.

We connect refugees and asylum seekers into local communities, while promoting regular exercise, benefitting both physical and mental wellbeing. Walk With Me provides opportunities to practise spoken English, meet someone new, and to explore the neighbourhood or new spaces.

We are currently running group walks twice a month for asylum seekers.

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.

Our service offers support to Male survivors of sexual trauma; rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.

We work with men (including those with trans identities/ non binary identities- assigned male or female at birth, we are inclusive and would gladly support anyone who feels like their experience pertains to our work) offering 1-to-1 therapy and also group and community activities towards their healing from sexual trauma.

We also support friends and family (of any gender) of Male identified (including trans and non-binary) survivors.

Services Include:

• An in-house ISVA service (independent sexual violence advisor) who support clients from reporting offences to the police all the way through criminal investigations and court processes.

• Run a drop in every Monday, for survivors to meet, chill and get familiar with our service/ space.

• Offer 1-to-1 therapy to secondary beneficiaries, so those who are supporting men who are getting support for their trauma within our service (ie: partners, family members etc).

How to access:

Referrals to our service can be made via: https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/online-referral-form/

Referrals can also be made by calling our office on 0161 236 2182.

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.

The Welcome Centre is now open in Weston Super Mare. Come and see us at 12 Waterloo Street, Weston Super Mare, BS23 1LG Currently open: Mondays 3:30pm – 5pm – Kids’ club (Year 1 – Year 7) Tuesdays 11am – 3pm – Free shop, lunch, tea and coffee, WiFi, signposting Wednesdays 3pm- 6pm – Ukrainian Hub (alternate Wednesdays, see below for dates) Fridays 11am – 3pm – Free shop, lunch, tea and coffee, WiFi, signposting Saturdays 10am – 12 noon – Kids’ club, activities and help for children age 5-11 years old and their parents and carers.

Our drop-in Welcome Centre offers a safe place for refugees and asylum seekers to meet and provides weekly community meals, signposting support and more.

Mondays 10-12: Register as a member, get advice, signposting support, tea and coffee available.

Social Space every Tuesday from 11am to 2pm: We have board games, art, laptops and a football table available to our members. A hot halal meal is served at 1pm. Our doors close at 2pm.

How to access

Drop in.