Support Organisations: Manchester
Signposting our refugee friends to support organisations
At HostNation, we don’t ask you to provide professional support. Instead, our scheme offers friendship and all its benefits; helping a refugee feel more at home in the city, having somebody to talk to and have fun with. You can also help your refugee friend with their English skills.
However, if your refugee friend needs more specialist or integration support, this signposting guide provides a range of Greater Manchester organisations that you could help to connect them with.
​
Greater Manchester now offers migrants a destitution fund should they find themselves homeless. It is £80 a month and more information from the City Council can be found: https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/homelessness/the-refugee-welcome-programme and here https://www.migrantdestitution.co.uk
Refugee advice and support
Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN)
Help refugees and asylum seekers get support, immigration and general advice, food parcels and necessities for those suffering hardship. Range of asylum seeker and refugee advice services including immigration advice through their drop in centres - https://mrsn.org.uk/reopening-our-drop-in-centre/Football for adult refugees on Sundays. Elder refugee support to tackle loneliness.
Based mainly in Moss Side.
Refugee Action
http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/refugee-action-greater-manchester/
Give advice and guidance to those struggling to navigate the asylum system. Help those with refugee status to settle into their new homes and communities – everything from helping children into schools, to support on booking doctors appointments, and ensuring they get a hot meal when they arrive. They support people who suffer violent attacks or other hate crimes, to ensure they know their rights and get the help they need.
WAST: Women Aslum Seekers Together
https://www.wastmanchester.com
Support women who are seeking asylum in the UK. Run a weekly drop in/ support group sharing information and connecting women with specialists such as domestic abuse agencies, local food banks, legal aid, immigration advice etc. across Great Manchester. Has an active campaign group, a food bank, a choir, a basic English Language class and more.
British Red Cross Refugee Support Services
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-help-as-a-refugee
Offer emergency help, one-to-one support and casework, special services for children and families, and help reuniting families. In Greater Manchester email GMRS@redcross.org.uk
Greater Together Manchester
https://www.greatertogethermanchester.org/
Church of England organisation which helps in areas including homelessness, loneliness and isolation, mental health and wellbeing, and supporting displaced people. They have places of welcome across Greater Manchester, community led food projects, and training for grassroots community leaders. Good for those whose faith is important.
Revive
Refugee and asylum seeker support organisation which offers a wide range of services, including asylum support, emergency support, benefits advice, immigration advice, transition support to those granted refugee status, ESOL classes, wellbeing and employability support including IT courses, activities and volunteer opportunities.
Runs Drop in services in Beswick (Tues 11.30-4) and Salford (Weds 11-4).
​
Brass Bolton
Organisation offering immigration support, housing advice, ESOL classes and wellbeing / health support
Citizens Advice Bureau
https://www.citizensadvicemanchester.org.uk/
Free confidential advice for all, online, freephone, whatsapp.
Migrant Help
https://www.migranthelpuk.org/
Website and helpline offering advice for asylum seekers and refugees
​
​
Legal support
Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
Offers free legal advice, support and representation to people seeking asylum, refugees, children and vulnerable adults. Appointments only.
Greater Manchester Law Centre
Free legal advice for the community. Based In Levenshulme.
Immigration Law Practitioners Association
Up to date information on immigration law. Good site for general briefing but do not advise on individual cases. Provide search engine for finding local immigration legal advisors.
Asylum Support and Advice network (ASAN)
https://www.asaproject.org/about/asylum-support-advice-network
ASAN share advice about legal rights to food and shelter for asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and forced migrants.
They also have a google group which allows members to share info and ask questions.
​
Financial information & support
Turn to us
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/a-migrant
A website offering information on financial support available for refugees and asylum seekers
Getting a bank account with a residence permit or leave to remain can be challenging but it’s a struggle to do anything without one. There are a few banks trying to make it easier for refugees – HSBC and online banks Monese and Monzo. Take a look at this article: https://sonacircle.com/financial-inclusion-for-refugees/?mc_cid=240c16e571&mc_eid=28e6f4164c
Hope for the Young
https://hopefortheyoung.org.uk/
Hope for the Young provide financial and mentoring support to alleviate hardship amongst young refugees and asylum seekers.
​
Healthcare & relevant information
An introduction to the NHS for Migrants
https://wearebevan.co.uk/help-for-new-migrants/
Greater Manchester urgent primary care hub
https://www.gtdhealthcare.co.uk/cityhealthcentre
Urgent healthcare in Manchester City Centre (Boots) – no need to be registered
Greater Manchester Urgent Community Dental Care
https://www.gtdhealthcare.co.uk/patient-services/dental
​
Skills, training, employability support
Breaking Barriers
https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/
Enables refugees (with the right to work) in London, Birmingham and Manchester to acquire the knowledge, confidence and experience they need to secure stable and fulfilling jobs. Usually through local authority referrals but they will also take on additional refugees who fit their criteria. Offers bespoke, intensive and flexible employment support to assist individuals to integrate in the UK and create fulfilling lives.
Rainbow Haven
https://www.rainbowhaven.org.uk/
A place of welcome, support and opportunity for displaced people in Manchester and Salford. Provide community drop in sessions (Tues and Thurs from 9.30am) and support for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. Health and wellbeing support, skills and employment, family support including a ‘mama and baby’ group weekly. Based in Gorton.
Mustard Tree
The Mustard Tree is a charity providing food and face to face support to people who are on a very low income or homeless. They run The Freedom Project, a training opportunity where people can learn new skills, find work and overcome barriers, focus is on employability, gaining skills, suitable accommodation and addressing money worries. They run lots of courses, clubs and classes, including ESOL English classes, art classes, computer confidence and job clubs. They offer help with furniture, household items and food.
Based in Ancoats Manchester.
Refugees & Mentors
Supports refugees and vulnerable migrants to improve their employment prospects and get jobs. Offers a mentoring programme, courses and workshops including pre-employment training, English classes, job applications and CV help. Also runs the Rainbow Haven Work Club, employment related information, guidance and support for refugees, vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers. Based at Longsight Business Park, help people all over Greater Manchester.
​
Rethink Rebuild Society
A Manchester based charity that works to improve the lifes of refugees and asylum seekers, in particular but not exclusively Syrians. Drop in sessions and phone advice around education, housing and employment. Education and training are also provided in computer skills, entrepreneurship, and volunteering opportunities, mainly in English.
Digital access and technology support
​
Greater Manchester Get Online
Includes information on cheaper broadband and phone tariffs and digital skills support
Good Things Foundation
https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/
A national organisation tackling digital exclusion. Their website has information and a map of the many Digital Inclusion Hubs across Greater Manchester, offering free digital support, databanks providing free mobile data, and digital training.
Restart
https://therestartproject.org/where-to-donate-your-computer/
Offers locations where a computer can be donated to reuse with a digitally excluded person or child. Check details to see if computers and digital technology can be accessed. Nationwide, including Manchester
​
Housing, Homelessness and Destitution support
The Boaz Trust
Manchester based charity providing shared accommodation and 1-1 s support for people who have become homeless after claiming asylum.
Shelter
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help/local_services/manchester
Homeless charity offering advice, guidance and legal aid. Helpline and two branches in Manchester.
Barnabus
Christian organisation which supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Manchester
https://www.barnabus.org/drop-in-timetable - includes breakfast sessions, medical support and wellbeing sessions.
Booth Centre
https://www.boothcentre.org.uk/
https://www.boothcentre.org.uk/restricted-eligibility-support-service.html
Through the Restricted Eligibilty Support Service, Manchester’s Booth Centre offers person-led support, advice and signposting for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness as a result of their immigration status.
Coffee for Craig
https://www.coffee4craig.org/get-help
This Manchester homeless charity operates 365 days a year, offering assistance from 6pm to 8pm on weekdays and 5pm to 7pm on weekends. Our services include advice, support, hot meals, and respite from the streets.
Infinity Initiatives
https://infinityinitiatives.com/migrant-supportion
Centre in Ashton, Tameside offers migrant destitution support, open kitchen and family support.
Refugees at Home
Refugees at Home connects people with a spare room to refugees and asylum seekers in need of somewhere to stay. They recruit and support volunteer hosts who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand. They match each guest and host, to assess and prepare them ready for hosting, to advise on hosting arrangements and accommodation, and to provide ongoing support to hosts throughout each stay. They are currently looking for hosts in Greater Manchester.
Hosting can be anything from a few nights to a few months. Please do contact them with any questions, or apply to host: info@refugeesathome.org, https://refugeesathome.org/get-involved/id-like-to-host/
Salford Loaves and Fishes
https://www.salfordloavesandfishes.org.uk/
Support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Drop in centre, housing advice, free hot meals, foodbank, homeless GP service, wellbeing activities, digital support etc
Stockport Loaves and Fishes
https://www.stockportloavesandfishes.org/
Advocacy, support and advice for the homeless and refugees in Stockport
​
FoodBanks
​
Greater Manchester Combined Authority lists foodbanks across their range of boroughs:
https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/helping-hand/food/
270 Food Aid providers across Greater Manchester are listed here through Greater Together Manchester :
https://www.greatertogethermanchester.org/food-find-support
Revive
Revive in Salford and Beswick (see above) also offer foodbanks to refugees and asylum seekers
Support with household costs and/or furniture and household goods
​
Cost of Living support
A list of Household Support which is available within local authorities. Each local authority is different
https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council
Manchester City Council: Help with basic furniture and household goods
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits_and_support/6301/get_basic_items_of_furniture
Salford Assists – Salford Council support for cost of living and emergency household needs
https://www.salford.gov.uk/advice-and-support/salford-assist/
​
Find free stuff including furniture and household goods
​
Freecycle
https://www.freecycle.org/town/ManchesterUK
Re-use Network
https://reuse-network.org.uk/find-items
Olio App
https://olioapp.com/en/our-vision/
The Big Life Group
https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/service/?sl=Manchester&sr=-1&pn=1
Part of the Big Life Group, the Wesley Community Furniture centre in Hulme offers low cost pre loved furniture and household goods to those on a low budget.
Bikes4Refugees (via Refugee Aid Chorlton, CareUK)
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bikesforrefugees
Free bikes available for our refugee and asylum seeker friends. A small local charity Refugee Aid (Chorlton) has offered HostNation refugee friends a bicycle, free of charge. The bikes are women's models (there is a long waiting list for men's bikes) and there are currently six available on a first-come first-served basis. They also have quite a few bikes for young children (primary age and below),. Adult bikes come with lock, helmet and lights and can be delivered to your friend's address within Greater Manchester.
(Please note the bikes are not available for those in hotels as they can't always be stored and are taken away).
If your refugee friend is interested in getting a bike, then please contact kim@hostnation.org.uk and she can liaise with the charity to get things sorted.
Bikes can also be donated for refugees.
​
LGBTQ support
​
Rainbow Migration
https://www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/
Rainbow Migration supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people through the asylum and immigration system.
Provide practical and emotional support to improve self-esteem and confidence, reduce isolation, and help access health services and housing. They give specialist legal information and advice to LGBTQI+ people who are seeking asylum or making partnership applications to live in the UK with their partners. They have partnerships with several law firms to whom they can refer asylum seekers for quality legal representation.
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/howwecanhelp
Services and activities include: a range of support groups; face-to-face counselling; a helpline, email and pop-in service; a befriending scheme; a sexual health programme, a substance-misuse project; organisational training; a range of guides and resources; a national website; advice surgeries; LGBT infrastructure support; various research projects and policy campaigning. Based Chester Road, M15.
African Rainbow Family
https://africanrainbowfamily.org/
Based at the Monastery in Gorton, Manchester.
African Rainbow Family (ARF) is a registered grassroots charity that supports people seeking asylum and/or refugees who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) and are people of African and/or BAME heritage.
​
Places to go for community support, activities & wellbeing
Many of the organisations mentioned above offer wellbeing and health activities.
Additionally :
Migrant Support
https://www.migrantsupport.org.uk/
ESOL and Physical Activity, Wellbeing activities and Digital inclusion projects.
Manchester City Centre.
Manchester City of Sanctuary
https://manchester.cityofsanctuary.org/
A non-religious organisation wanting to create a more inclusive welcoming city. MCofS connect sanctuary seekers to volunteering opportunities in the local community.
​
Manchester Mind
https://www.manchestermind.org/
Mental health support including advice and information on debt, housing and benefits to those with mental health needs. Mind also offers free wellbeing workshops, allotment gardening sessions and other support. Mind also has branches in Rochdale, Salford and Stockport.
​
Big Life Group
https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/
Support sessions across Greater Manchester including Anxiety and Depression support groups, NHS Talking Therapies (including self-referrals), wellbeing sessions.
Pennine Care Trust Talking Therapies
https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/talkingtherapies
Available in Stockport, Bury, Oldham, Tameside and Glossop. Rochdale
Growing Together Levenshulme
https://www.facebook.com/GrowingTogetherLevenshulme
A therapeutic space and support network, otherwise known as ‘the garden’, is a set of allotment plots in South Manchester offering weekly therapeutic horticulture sessions to refugees and people seeking asylum. All of this community organisation’s participant-led activities are focused on improving mental wellbeing and physical health, as well as building confidence, skills and a sense of community.
Garden Needs
Garden Needs is a centre in Salford which runs a regular mental health and horticulture project. It is also a hub for green wellbeing projects and intervention in parks and green spaces across Greater Manchester. For Salford Residents. But Manchester residents can be signposted to other projects.
Oasis Centre Gorton
Community centre offering all types of support, from crisis support to wellbeing activities, English and IT training, volunteer and work programmes. Drop ins Monday to Thursday 9.30-2pm.
Levenshulme Inspire Centre
https://www.lev-inspire.org.uk/
Community centre with drop in support, health and wellbeing, EsoL, volunteering, foodcycle low cost community meals, family activities, skills and work support, Citizens advice drop ins.
​
Music in Action
Music and Singing with Torture Survivors
Every Thursday, Z Arts Hulme
Mustard Tree
Creative Writing Club Weds 12-1pm
Art Club Every Friday 12-1pm
Art Drop Friday 1-3pm
​
Warm Hut
Warm Hut is a Refugee Support organisation supporting the African Community in Salford and Manchester. Their mission is that African people gain a better insight into living abroad, have a positive attitude towards life in the UK, maximise their well-being, and feel empowered and enabled to contribute to the host country. They have projects including ICT and English Conversation Club, The Gents (for men), Golden Age (for older people) and a Homework Club for children and young people. They are based in Salford.
HOME Manchester
£1 tickets for cinema and theatre at HOME Arts Centre for our befrienders and their refugee friends.
https://homemcr.org/get-creative/communities/
HostNation has been offered a generous £1 Inspire ticket offer we have with HOME Arts Centre for film and theatre tickets. These are tickets for communities in Manchester. Must be booked in advance and subject to availability
Here are the booking instructions :
Please check what you want to see.
Contact Tiffany Bowman on email tiffany.bowman@homemcr.org and copy in creativedevelopment@homemcr.org to book your tickets, stating date and time, and please give some advance notice.
If you haven't received an email back and the time of the performance is getting close, please contact the HOME Box Office on 0161 200 1500 and explain that you are trying to book Inspire tickets and that HostNation has an arrangement with us.
You can also go into the HOME café bar and use their free wifi and get free water.
House of Books and Friends
https://houseofbooksandfriends.com/
The lovely House of Books and Friends café and bookshop in Manchester is part of the Pay it Forward scheme. Befrienders can donate a future coffee for someone or our refugee friends can go in and request a Pay it Forward coffee (tokens are at the bench where they order).
​
RHS Bridgewater
Free entry for self-guided wellbeing visits
The wellbeing team at the garden have offered free entry for befrienders and their refugee friends to get into the garden (normal price would be £13.35 per adult). Please book at least 7 days in advance by emailing kim@hostnation.org.uk or contact Kim on 077252 69069. Kim needs to know when you want to go (day /time, and how many in your party).
Someone at the Garden will meet you on arrival and book you in free of charge.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater
​
​
ESOL (English lessons)
ESOL English Classes
Some of the organisations above organise ESOL classes, including Revive, WAST (for women asylum seekers).
Caritas - Manchester Office, St. Aidan’s Centre
https://www.caritasshrewsbury.org.uk/
St Aidan’s Centre is in Wythenshaw, Northern Moor. They run a weekly ESOL class Tues 12-2 and Well Woman Group, for female refugees and asylum seekers to talk, cook together and learn English (Thurs 10-12).
Caritas Salford
Supports with refugee education, and community sponsorship of refugees (housing, funding and settlement support).
Mustard Tree : ESOL Beginners or Intermediate level Tues /Weds. On Zoom.
And English Conversation Club Weds 10-11am.
Also:
There is also a comprehensive list of English (ESOL) classes listed on the Manchester City of Sanctuary’s website here :
https://manchester.cityofsanctuary.org/english-classes-in-greater-manchester/
​