The Refugee Welcome Programme – Work and Skills (RWP) is Greater Manchester’s partnership approach to supporting people seeking asylum and refugees to learn, settle and live well in our communities. Launched by GMCA in 2025, RWP brings together local authorities in partnership with over 60 voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver skills and employment support that is tailored to the specific needs of refugees and people seeking asylum. In doing this, the Programme also aims to address known gaps in support for these residents, test community-based approaches and produce learning on what works.
The Programme is embedded in Live Well - Greater Manchester’s shared commitment to everyday support in every neighbourhood for everyone.
Through the co-design of our programme in Oldham we have termed this Sanctuary Seekers Support. In Oldham this programme is led by Oldham Council's Get Oldham Working and Action Together, alongside a number of VCFSE delivery partners.
See below for details of each organisation, their offer and activities through the programme, and how individuals can access this support.
For further information about the programme more generally please contact sanctuaryseekersoldham@actiontogether.org.uk
Action Together
Volunteer Hub
Activities: Our Volunteering team can provide 1:1 support to those who would like to find a volunteering opportunity.
Support can be provided in-person, over the phone or via email.
Upcoming Dates:
- 11th Feb 2026 - 10:30am-1:00pm
- 25th Feb 2026 - 10:00am-12:30pm
Location: British Red Cross Hub – Oldham Baptist Church
Contact Information: Volunteer team | P: 0161 339 2345 E: volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk
Referral Method: Via phone or email.
Get Oldham Working
Activities: Offering:
- ESOL / English language support
- Digital Inclusion support
- Employment and Interview support
- Transport support
This activity requires a referral/ booking.
Date: Information pending
Location: FCHO Building, OL1 1BE
Contact Information: P: 0161770 4674 E: getoldhamworking@oldhamgov.uk
Referral Method: Via phone or email
SAWN
Activities: Conversation clubs and practical activities for Black African sanctuary-seeking women to improve English and confidence. “Chai Chats” – key worker and volunteer mentoring, helping women move from language support into volunteering.
This activity can be accessed via drop-in, no booking required.
Date: Every Tuesday 10:15am -11:15am (ongoing – Mar 2026)
Location: SAWN Unit 1, Stockfield Mill, Melbourne St, Chadderton, OL9 9ES
Contact Information: Chantal Muhindo | P: 07847490848 E: chantal@sawn.org.uk
Referral Method: Drop-in
Werneth and Freehold Community Development Project
Activities: English conversational classes, digital skills (“Learn My Way”), and a volunteer programme supporting sanctuary seekers in practical, community-based activities.
This activity requires a referral/ booking.
Date: Can be arranged in person or online (ongoing – Aug 2026)
Location: 14 Tamworth Street Werneth Oldham OL9 7QU
Contact Information: Kiran Majid | P: 0161 628 2235 E: wfcdp22@gmail.com
Referral Method: Via phone or email
Vision
Activities: Weekly digital learning and drop-in, including eVisa support and digital confidence building.
Information pending.
Local Food First CIC
Activities: English learning and personal development at Wildbrook Growing Hub (food growing, horticulture, cooking), volunteering, and trips to local businesses/gardens.
This activity requires a referral/ booking.
Date: Weekly Grow Your Roots sessions, English for horticulture started 4th December, 2 hours every Thursday to the end of May
Weekly Grow Your Roots sessions, volunteering started 5th December, 2 hours every Friday to the end of May
(ongoing – Dec 2026)
Location: Wildbrook Community Food and Growing Hub
Contact Information: Lina Valencia | P: 07919377683 E: localfoodfirst@outlook.com
Referral Method: Via Website:
SPARK
Activities: Volunteering placements for sanctuary seekers at charity shop, uniform hub, and crisis centre, building skills and confidence for further community involvement.
This activity requires a referral/ booking.
Date: Every Wednesday 10am - 2pm (ongoing - Jan 2027)
Location: Spark Oldham, 1-5 Tanhill Lane, OL82QL
Contact Information: Amy Brierley | E: admin@sparkoldham.co.uk
Referral Method: Via Email
UKEFF
Activities: ESOL course and conversation group, digital inclusion workshops, volunteer placements (retail/charity shop).
Information pending.
Stand and Be Counted
Activities: Creative workshops (Soap Box Oldham), drama-based English learning, and support for volunteering in cultural organisations.
This activity requires a referral/ booking.
Date: Every Monday 2pm - 4pm (ongoing - Jan 2027)
Location: Oldham Central Library
Contact Information: Chelsea | E: chelsea@sbctheatre.co.uk
Referral Method: Via Email
Girls with Pride and Dignity
Activities: English learning and creative wellbeing activities (cooking, art, music), delivered by refugee volunteers in partnership with local groups. Digital skills workshops for young refugees, covering digital literacy, AI, social media, and entrepreneurship, with volunteering opportunities.
This activity can be accessed via drop-in, no booking required.
Date: Information pending (ongoing – Mar 2027)
Location: Bethel Church
Contact Information: Kana Josee Bizimana | P: 07438113525 E: girlswithprideanddignity@gmail.com
Referral Method: Via phone or email
Westwood and Coldhurst Women's Association
Activities: Weekly women’s sessions: conversation classes, arts/crafts, cooking, DIY, structured volunteer programme with accredited training, and digital skills workshops.
Information pending.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the services listed above or want to speak to our team, click the link below
