Manchester City of Sanctuary offer a varied and dynamic programme of activities to refugees and asylum seekers that are engaging, fun and promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Their mission is to make Manchester a welcoming place for these individuals. The North West has the second highest number of asylum seekers of any UK region with 16 per 10,000 people. Volunteering is known to be beneficial for both individuals and the wider community. Whilst some refugees and asylum seekers already volunteer in the UK, many are unaware of the wide range of volunteer opportunities available and face barriers to participation.
Last year, Manchester City of Sanctuary launched their Volunteer Placement Project which had the following aims:
1. To create an effective pathway for sustainable, long-term volunteer placements in Greater Manchester
2. To locate volunteer opportunities in each Greater Manchester borough
3. To provide opportunities for connection in the local community that are mutually beneficial for volunteers, host organisations and the wider public.
Thanks to the project, eight people have successfully started regular volunteering placements in Manchester. They built strong new and existing partnerships with each organisation: Barlow Moor Community Association, Oxfam Emporium, People’s History Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery. Additionally, working with Auxilium Social Enterprise gave sanctuary seekers, who have previous experience in the healthcare sector, the opportunity to volunteer at hospitals in Greater Manchester.
One volunteer says ”It has improved my confidence and speaking“. Another describes how it aided their future employment searches as ”it is a good opportunity to have a UK experience in my CV which will help me in my future work“.
Volunteers already in placements are continuing. However the project is currently on pause for new people whilst Manchester City of Sanctuary source further funding.
