Manchester Refugee Support Network
Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN) is a registered charity which has been running for 23 years. Its core purpose is to “help build strong and independent refugee community organisations to bring about a positive and lasting change in the lives of refugees and those seeking sanctuary, and help refugees experience a happy and successful integration into their new home country”. It is a membership organisation, supporting and working with more than 40 local refugee community organisations. MRSN frequently organises events and projects aimed at promoting and celebrating refugee cultures, and improving the mental and physical wellbeing of refugees themselves.
The charity also offers an advice service, with drop-in advice sessions on three days each week, and by appointment on the other two days. It supports around 550 clients a year. The advice worker and volunteers provide one-to-one holistic support, often in partnership with a range of organisations, to help clients navigate complex and bureaucratic systems, and to get the help they need.
The Foundation has offered funding of £9,935 towards the salary of the advice worker two days per week so that the advice provision can continue. Outcomes of the charity overall are that members will have increased confidence and employment options through building up their skills and learning; that they will be better informed through advice provision; and that generally, relations with local communities will be improved.
