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.
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 offer long term psychological therapy to refugees and asylum seekers. A referral for therapy can be made on the website
Community Cohesion and Social Engagement opportunities through participation in the arts
Revive is an independent community project providing free support, advice and advocacy for refugees and people seeking asylum across Manchester and Salford. Our holistic, long term services support people of all faiths, ethnicities and nationalities on their journey of integration in their new communities.
Revive provides a range of support including general advice that covers housing, finance, health and legal support. They also provide women’s service and domestic abuse support
Survivors Manchester provides support to survivors of sexual violence across Greater Manchester. Survivors Manchester hold a drop in service every Monday from 2pm until 6pm. Support provided can either be 1 to 1 or in a group setting.