Cafe Laziz is a St Helens based project that supports sanctuary seekers by providing a safe space for people from different backgrounds to connect. We offer ESOL lessons, shared cooking and meals and support for individuals whilst they go through the system. By hosting a weekly community cafe on Thursdays, market stalls and community events, we use food to break down barriers between the local community and asylum seekers and refugees, fostering understanding and connection. Additionally we train volunteers in food hygiene, language skills and customer service, preparing them for work and helping them to build skills for their future. Through these efforts, Cafe Laziz creates a welcoming, supportive family for those fleeing persecution and hardship.
For ESOL, we run five week introductory courses on Tuesdays 10-1pm at Chain Lane. We only do five weeks as we are trying to reach as many people as possible and specifically those who have not been here long enough to be entitled to accredited ESOL at St Helens College or Adult Community Learning. These classes are for pre-entry to entry 2 level.
We run the cafe on Thursdays which is open to the public between 12-2pm but we are there from 10am for sanctuary seekers looking for friendship – we have tea and coffee and games.
Big Help Project offers support with housing, accessing health services, employment support and domestic abuse support. Additionally, they can support with debt issues, welfare issues and also offer a food provision.
Global Link provide a range of support for housing, accessing health services, employment, legal and domestic abuse services. Additionally, they provide community cohesion training, workshops, events and advocacy work.
Rainbow Haven is a community hub based in East Manchester, providing community drop-in sessions that offers support and activities for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. When we are open (Tuesday-Thursday) you can join classes and activities (including English classes and referrals to support to find work), have a hot drink and a lunchtime meal, and meet up with other people.
We can also give you information about all our other activities, including: English classes, maths classes, arts and crafts, choir, gardening, computer club, and Mama and Baby Group. Our advice drop-in (Tuesday and Thursdays only) can offer support with destitution, housing and benefits advice and more.
ESOL classes (registration needed)
Beginner/Entry 1, Tuesdays 10-12
Complete beginner/Pre-Entry, Wednesdays 10-12
Intermediate/Entry 2-3, Thursdays 10-12
Drop-in:
Conversation class, all levels, Tuesdays 1-3
Writing practice, beginners, Thursdays 10-12
All sessions are rolling and take place during Manchester term-time.
We provide practical support and advice, as well as a space for sharing food, culture, language and friendship – providing a warm welcome to everyone who comes to us for help. We respect and value people of all backgrounds and faiths and are working to promote diversity within our community. There is so much we can learn from each other and we believe that Burnley is enriched by our mutual respect and understanding.
New Neighbours Together provide advice and advocacy on various needs.
- Registering to GP practices and help with healthcare support
- Teach ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes
- Request and sort donated goods
- Organise social activities
- Welcome and provide social space to our new neighbours.
- Monday 12- 2pm
- Tuesday 12.45- 2pm
- Thursday 10am- 11.30am
Visible Outcomes provides general support and training opportunities
Warm Hut UK provide general advice, support with accessing healthcare, women’s services and employment support. They host a weekly drop in. Please contact for further details.
Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN) provides support to refugee & asylum seekers across Manchester. They can offer support with general advice, legal support and accessing health services. Their general advice drop-in service runs on Mondays at 9am. You can also book a specific appointment on the website.