This programme aims to improve the support offer for sanctuary seekers living in Oldham by strengthening the capacity of the VCFSE sector to deliver support. The programme seeks to encourage & promote sustainable pathways to independence & meaningful involvement in their community for sanctuary seekers in Oldham.
Funded through Greater Manchester Combine Authority & working in partnership with Oldham Council, Get Oldham Working & Action Together are delivering the Sanctuary Seekers Programme which aims to improve the support offer for sanctuary seekers living in Oldham.
In response to rising asylum decisions since 2023 the programme aims to strengthen the capacity of the VCFSE sector to deliver community led, well rounded (holistic) & trauma-informed support. By trauma-informed we mean support that recognises & responds to the impact of trauma on individuals in a safe & supportive environment that avoids triggering past traumas & promotes healing.
By aligning with Oldham’s Live Well Approach[SM1] this programme seeks to develop & promote inclusive sustainable pathways to independence & meaningful involvement in their community for sanctuary seekers in Oldham.
Who will be supported through this programme:
Oldham-based residents (aged 16+) with asylum backgrounds, including:
- People granted refugee status following an asylum claim;
- People granted Humanitarian Protection following an asylum claim;
- Refugees who have arrived via Family Reunion;
- People seeking asylum, i.e. waiting for a decision on their claims, regardless of how long since their arrival in the UK;
- People who have had their asylum decisions refused or withdrawn who are in the process of making or waiting on an appeal or further submissions.
The funding criteria excludes people on resettlement pathways or other nationality-based schemes (e.g. Homes for Ukraine).
Applications funded are for activities that meet one or more of the following priorities:
- Community led English language education & community activities – providing opportunities to develop English language skills through community activities, such as, structured English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, informal conversation clubs, themed activity sessions like, cooking, gardening, crafts…
- Digital inclusion & Skills – providing opportunities for digital inclusion, such as, digital skills workshops (practical everyday activities like email, GP services, maps …), device lending/access hubs, support groups, peer learning spaces.
- Volunteering Uplift – build capacity to develop volunteering programmes with a specific focus on strengths based approaches that provide opportunities for social and community connection.
Investments awarded:
| Organisation/Group | Project name | Community led English language education & community activities | Digital inclusion & Skills | Volunteering Uplift |
| Girls with Pride and Dignity | Community Learning Circles for Refugee Women | £6,490 | £0 | £0 |
| Girls with Pride and Dignity | Empowering young refugees and bridging the digital divide | £0 | £4,600 | £0 |
| Local Food First | Grow Your Roots | £5,908 | £0 | £6,270 |
| Spark Oldham CIC | Pathway Project’ | £0 | £0 | £6,400 |
| Stand & Be Counted | Creative learning and volunteering programme (title to be reviewed with people we work with) | £6,500 | £0 | £6,500 |
| Support and Action for Women’s Network (SAWN) | SAWN Nakyewas (SAWN Volunteers in Luganda Language) | £0 | £0 | £6,500 |
| Support and Action for Women’s Network (SAWN) | Weema ( Sanctuary in Luganda and kindness in Swahili) | £6,500 | £0 | £0 |
| UKEFF (UK Education & Faith Foundation) | Sanctuary Seeker Support Hub | £6,500 | £4,800 | £6,500 |
| Vision Youth & Community | Connected Futures | £0 | £4,000 | £0 |
| Werneth & Freehold Community Development Project | Thrive Together | £6,480 | £3,920 | £6,480 |
| Westwood & Coldhurst Women's Association | Community Connect | £6,000 | £0 | £6,000 |