Blackpool FC Community Trust is a forward-thinking charity, based at Bloomfield Road Stadium. We work with residents as young as 2 years old up to adults in the later stages of life and provide a diverse range of programmes to increase social inclusion opportunities; improve physical fitness, health and education; and lessen involvement in anti-social behaviour.
Exodus is CAN’s refugee arts programme. Exciting programmes of new writing, original theatre, music, film, workshops and live performance platform the voices, experiences and artistic work of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants living in Greater Manchester, and support well-being agendas for people taking part.
We have a range of employment, education and community services for Chinese men and women and other ethnic minority groups, including Somali, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian and many European nationalities. The Society aims to challenge all forms of discrimination and social exclusion through the provision of diverse and reactive services, delivered by a team of qualified social workers, nurses and other professionals.
Apart from providing health and social care to the Chinese community, we have children’s projects, youth projects, women and parenting projects, adult learning, mental health projects and elderly projects. Day care services for older people are also available as well as a luncheon club and meals-on-wheels. We also provide ESOL support, welfare advice, legal advice and cultural awareness talks.
Breaks and activities for all carers including young carers, elderly and those with mental health issues living in Manchester. Activities include Mandarin classes, pamper sessions, carers corner, outdoor activities, singing class, home visits, hospital visits and interpreting service.
We also hold ESOL classes at The Welcome Centre (18-32 Brentfield Ave, Cheetham Hill M8 0TW) for pre-entry to entry 2 level.
Classes run:
- Mondays 10am -12pm & 12.30pm – 2.30pm
- Tuesdays 10am -12pm & 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Come and meet with others. There is an opportunity to buy cheap food, clothes and toiletries. This drop-in runs informal English sessions.
Come and meet with others. There is an opportunity to buy cheap food, clothes and toiletries.
We also provide a free lunch.
Come and meet with others. There is an opportunity to buy cheap food, clothes and toiletries. Table tennis and pool available.
We offer:
- Advocacy and advice across a broad area and Immigration advice (OISC1) and support, including student placements.
- Alleviation of destitution through the provision of food, clothing and housing. A Complex Needs Social Worker assists asylum seekers with needs additional to destitution.
- Working with the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, we provide Family Reunion Visa Applications and Further Submissions assistance.
- 80 places for English classes across the week
- Access to 2nd hand clothing, shoes, kitchen-ware and other donated items, daily except Wednesday.
- Encouragement to asylum seekers and refugees to become volunteers and to engage with their new community.
- Social events to encourage integration and friendship – Refugee Week, Christmas, trips and visits to other venues, cycle programmes and hill walks and several football initiatives.
- Well-being projects: bicycle repair, gardening and allotments, cooking demonstrations with other local groups. A Women’s group and a Choir run on Thursdays. Action Asylum projects actively place Asylum Seekers in volunteering roles with non-asylum organisations including beach/park cleans, tree planting, creative writing projects, indoor climbing and arts projects. We now work in 5 other cities with this programme.
- Input from other agencies including the NHS Community Inclusion Team giving access to GPs and dentists. Access to other healthcare: Covid Vaccination, Sight Tests, Blood Pressure and AF Testing can be sourced through the centre. The Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, Merseyside Refugee Support Network deliver advice from our building.
- Information and Research opportunities include working with Liverpool University on a Mental Health feasibility study and surveys for the NHS.
- The Asylum Information Roadshow, School Presentations and Social Work Training. These are wide ranging presentations to schools, voluntary sector groups, universities, local authorities, seminars and conferences.
A safe space where asylum seekers can meet, engage in social activities with each other as well as local, vetted people and so build a network of supportive relationships.
A free healthy lunch
SHARe Knowsley is a small local grassroots, charitable organisation that supports asylum seekers and refugees homed in Knowsley, giving practical, emotional and social support. Advice and support to help service users access local services and to familiarise newcomers with their local area. This often leads to further support outside of the drop-in, especially when people receive a decision about their asylum claim.
Opportunity to purchase food basics including fresh produce, other essential items such as toiletries, second hand clothing and household goods etc at a nominal cost.
Emergency payments of £10 per person to those whose benefits have been stopped as well as free food parcels etc.
Celebrations/social activities throughout the year outside the usual drop-in. We celebrate a range of festivals and during the Summer, we offer trips out as well as barbecues and fun days.