GM Migrant Storytelling Project – Call for participants

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is looking for participants to take part in a project which aims to capture positive and inspirational stories of Greater Manchester residents who have a migration background.

Through this project GMCA would like to video-record individuals speaking about their lives, communities and connection to Greater Manchester and showcase examples of activities and projects that bring different communities together. GMCA are interested in capturing stories of how people have made their home in Greater Manchester and want to show how, despite the inequalities and challenges that many migrants face, there is joy and resilience within Greater Manchester’s migrant communities.

By sharing these stories, GMCA intend to spread a hopeful message, increase empathy for our neighbours, and celebrate the diversity and contribution of all residents to Greater Manchester.

What would taking part involve?
Following an initial call to talk through the process, GMCA would visit you at a location of your choosing to make the video. Where an interpreter is needed, GMCA will work with you and partner organisations to find one. GMCA will ask you a few (pre-agreed) questions and film your responses and what you want to share with them. GMCA estimate that this would take no more than half a day, and participants will be compensated for their time.

GMCA aim to capture up to five different stories, and the videos of all participants will be edited into a short film or films. The film will be launched at in-person event in Autumn 2025 and shared through GMCA networks and communication channels. It will be used to shape and inform wider strategic work on migration and supporting the inclusion of Greater Manchester’s migrant residents.

Participant selection process
GMCA are looking for individuals who have a migration background and are interested in sharing their story with us. Project participants will need to be comfortable sharing their story with the public and to be filmed on camera and will be asked to sign a consent form.

GMCA aim to highlight the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Greater Manchester residents and will therefore select participants to provide diversity in terms of:

• Place of residence
• Nationality background and migration background (forced and voluntary)
• Length of time in Greater Manchester / UK
• Age (18+ only)
• Gender

How to get involved
To express your interest in taking part complete this form by 28th April 2025

Shortlisted participants will be contacted within the first couple of weeks in May, with filming expected to take place between May-June 2025.