Working Together for Sanctuary: A Cross-Sector Network for Greater Manchester

Facilitated by Manchester Community Central, the network brings together organisations and statutory colleagues with an interest in working together to support people seeking asylum, refugees and migrant communities in Greater Manchester. Members meet online every two weeks and receive regular email updates about local and national developments in the space. 

Members are able to share the work they are doing, have discussions about how and where support is being offered, coordinate responses to policy developments or emergency situations, and share knowledge and learnings with the aim of making Greater Manchester a safer and more welcoming place for everyone. 

"It's really interesting to have so many brilliant organisations in one space...it has been really good to make that connection with other people dealing with similar issues and having lots of knowledge and experience together". - quote from a member of the Network.

In response to the Southport riots in summer 2024, the Network convened an emergency meeting to connect members with key statutory partners, including Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Migrant Help and Serco. The meeting created a vital space for two-way communication, enabling statutory agencies to share timely information while engaging directly with frontline voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

As a VCSE-led network with strong sector relationships, they are well placed to respond quickly and flexibly to emerging situations and bring organisations together at short notice. As a result, VCSE organisations can access and exchange information, learn from one another, and provide peer support, helping to strengthen their response and support offer, and better support the communities they serve when it matters most.

The Network uses Manchester Community Central’s communications channels to amplify the voices of people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary and the organisations that support them. Through these member stories, blogs and case studies, the Network highlights the valuable work being carried out across the sector and the positive impact it has.

The Network also marks key awareness campaigns, including Refugee Week, Pride Month and Volunteers’ Week. They hosted an event for Refugee Week in 2024, bringing organisations together to facilitate connections between services which then strengthens the support provided to communities by sharing knowledge, experience and resources. During Pride Month 2026, the Network shared a series of blogs from LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum, helping to raise awareness of the unique barriers and experiences faced by this community. These activities have helped enhance the support available to people seeking sanctuary and foster a more connected and informed sector.

This work reflects the ambitions of the GM VCFSE Manifesto 2024-2028, particularly its commitment to amplifying community voices, strengthening collaboration across sectors, and creating inclusive and equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

By connecting organisations, influencing systems, and championing the experiences of people seeking sanctuary, the GM Sanctuary Seekers Network demonstrates the vital role of the VCFSE sector in providing much needed support and advocacy, and building a more welcoming, resilient and compassionate Greater Manchester.

If you'd like to reach out to the network, get in touch with emily.mckinnell@macc.org.uk for more information, or visit here.