Aims/Priorities: The Refugee Welcome Grant Programme is designed to strengthen and expand the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) within Ashton, and across Tameside, with a specific focus on supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The programme aims to improve access to informal, community-based conversational English classes while also creating clear and supported pathways into more formal education opportunities, such as college courses and vocational training.
We seek applicants who can deliver core activities within Ashton, alongside outreach or pop-up sessions in underserved areas within Tameside, which have been identified as having limited access to ESOL and other essential services for asylum seekers and refugees.
Who can apply? You must be:
- A voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) group locally rooted or actively working in the borough of Tameside; and
- are a member of Action Together CIO (you can register for free to become a member here); and
- are formally constituted; and
- have at least three people on your board or committee who are not related; and have a bank account in your organisation’s name requiring at least two unrelated signatories
- An active member of Tameside’s Asylum Seeker and Refugee Network
Grant Amount: Organisations can apply for up to £35,300 over for the full 18 months programme. Funding will be allocated in two phases:
Year 1 October 2025 – March 2026 (6 months): £11,800
Year 2 April 2026 – March 2027 (12 months): £23,500*
*Year 2 will be allocated subject to successful delivery outcomes in year 1
Application Process:
Please read the application guidance notes thoroughly before completing an application
Refugee Welcome Programme Grant Guidance Notes.docx (201.14 KB) Grant Application Guidance-Reading the Guidance Notes-October 2024.pdf (239.11 KB) Grant Application Guidance-Getting started with Funding Applications-October 2024.pdf (2 MB)Please ensure all boxes of the application form are completed
Refugee Welcome Programme Application Form.docx (144.03 KB)- If you have any queries about the application form or application process, please contact Saman Nisar on 0161 339 2345.
- Decisions will be made by a panel with representation from Tameside Refugee and Asylum Seeker Network; VCFSE representative, Tameside College, Tameside Council Work and Skills team, and Action Together.
- All applications must be sent to funding@actiontogether.org.uk and you will receive the decision via email.
Deadline: Monday 29 September 2025
Contact Information: Email | funding@actiontogether.org.uk Phone | 0161 339 2345