In this section
Support if you are new to the UK
For general information about the NHS, please read our section on ‘How to make the most of your NHS services’.
You can access free healthcare information and advice 24 hours a day by dialling 111. You can ask for an interpreter in your language by saying ‘interpreter please’. Or you can access the NHS 111 website here. https://111.nhs.uk/
This infographic provides more information on what the NHS provides and what is available for free. It can be accessed in multiple languages here. https://www.wearebevan.co.uk/self-help/accessing-nhs-care/
There are some additional services in the Manchester area specially for families that are newly arrived in the UK, including asylum seeking families and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
Local help and support
The City of Manchester has created a booklet summarising where help can be obtained. https://cdn.cityofsanctuary.org/uploads/sites/33/2020/11/Everything-you-need-to-know-Booklet-FINAL.pdf
There are many non-governmental organisations providing general support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Family and child support
| Organisation | Contact | Description |
| Greater Manchester Youth Network | support@gmyn.co.uk | They provide development programmes and drop-in activities to support young people aged 10-25 across Greater Manchester |
| All4One | Wednesdays 4:30-8:00pm Powerhouse 140 Raby St, Moss Side, Manchester M14 4SL | They bring together separated children and young people aged 13-21 seeking safety in the UK |
| Mamas and babies group | info@rainbowhaven.org.uk
Gorton, Wednesdays 1-2.30pm |
They provide a space for mothers and babies to socialise. There is also a creche for older children |
General refugee and asylum seeker support including advocacy and legal advice
| Organisation | Contact | Description |
| Kompasi | www.kompasi.org | A catalogue of support available for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants |
| Greater Together Manchester | https://www.greatertogether manchester.org/find-help |
They provide a map of different services available for support with food, energy, money and housing worries, refugee and people seeking asylum, as well as trafficking and slavery |
| Manchester Community Central | https://manchestercommunity central.org/directoryList of free support groups |
They provide a list of different support groups available |
| Refugee Council | https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk /resource-category/guides-for-refugees/ |
This website contains information on the asylum process in multiple languages |
| Freedom From Torture | Email: northwest@freedomfrom torture.orgPhone: 0161 236 5744 |
They help men, women and children who have survived physical and psychological torture |
| Refugee Action Greater Manchester Asylum Crisis Project | Email: ACM@refugee-action.org.uk
Phone (9:45am-1pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays): 07824 473 479 Website self referral form: https://www.refugee-action.org.uk/project/manchester-asylum-crisis-project/ |
They help refugees and people seeking asylum who are at risk of being homeless or require financial support |
| Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit and Greater Manchester Law Centre | www.gmiau.org and www.gmlaw.org.uk
Phone: advice line |
They provide free legal and immigration advice and support |
| Revive | Website: www.revive-uk.org /drop-in-servicesDrop in: Tuesdays 9am-4pm (last entry 2pm)St Brigid’s Parish Hall, 183 Grey Mare Lane, Beswick, Manchester M11 3DR0161223566807500662596AndWednesdays 9am-4pm (last entry 2pm)Spartan Centre, Northallerton Road, Lower Kersal, Salford M7 3TD01612235668 |
They provide social workers and immigration case workers to support refugees and people seeking asylum |
| New Step for African Community (NESTAC) | Website: https://www.nestac.org.uk/get-support
Links to their emotional support line, specialist gender-based violence hub (for women over 18 years old), men’s support group, as well as their drop in service for general advice and support Email: enquiries@nestac.org.uk Phone: 01619756009 |
They support women and girls who are refugees or seeking asylum in the North West with a particular focus on those who have experienced Gender-Based Violence. They provide emotional support, specialist help, a support group for men, and a general refugee and asylum drop in service. |
| Manchester Refugee Support Network | Website:
https://mrsn.org.uk/reopening-our-drop-in-centre/ List of services including link to book an appointment |
They provide advice and support for refugees and people seeking asylum. They also provide yoga classes on Fridays 11am-12pm and art sessions Fridays 1-4pm |