Useful Contacts

If you need additional help and support finding a place to live, the following organisations can offer advice, guidance and accommodation in some instances.

Young People's Support Foundation - 0161 228 7654

Get emergency advice and support if you’re 16-25 and experiencing homelessness and housing difficulties, with access centers at Wythenshawe and Manchester City Centre.

Shelter England - 0808 800 4444

Shelter provides a free housing information and advice helpline, alongside information and support on homelessness.

St Vincent's Housing Association - 0345 606 6565

SVHA provides a selection of affordable housing and sheltered accommodation in Manchester and Old Trafford.

Manchester Student Homes – 0161 275 7680

Get all the information and advice you need about student accommodation and housing in Manchester.

Lifeshare Ltd - 0161 235 0744

Lifeshare is a voluntary organisation established to help meet the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Manchester and Salford, offering practical assistance, support and information.

If you’re facing a specific challenge in your life or need support that’s relevant to your religion, faith, cultural beliefs, or lifestyle, the following charities and support organisations may be able to help.

African & Caribbean Mental Health Service - 0161 226 9562
You’ll find a range of services for people of African Caribbean heritage aged over 16, in Manchester.

Freedom charity - 0845 607 0133
For those who need support and advice around the topic of forced marriage. Text '4freedom' to 88802

Lesbian Community Project - 0161 273 7128.
Here you’ll get advice, information and social networking opportunities for Lesbian and Bisexual women. 49-51 Sidney Street, Manchester, M1 7HB.

The Lesbian Gay Foundation 0845 33030
This organisation provides a variety of services to the LGBT community of Manchester, including a helpline, counselling service and wellbeing Clinic to improve the mental wellbeing of the LGBT community.

Manchester Bangladeshi Women's Organisation - 0161 257 3867.
MBWO provide a range of services, social and mental health support from their base in Longsight.

Manchester Mind 0161 769 5732.
Mnchester Mind offer a range of services for people aged 16 and over who live in Manchester and have mental health needs including a café, food projects, volunteering and advice on welfare, benefits, housing and debt.

The Men's Room - info@mroom.co.uk for general enquiries
Established to help young men under 30 experiencing issues with sexual exploitation, those involved in sex work, or other problems such as homelessness, criminal justice, drugs or alcohol, with one to one, drop in, outreach and arts based projects. For one to one support call Denise on 07582 243701

Mood Swings - 0161 832 3736.
Get free, confidential information, advice and support for people with mood disorders, their families and friends.

Pakistani Resource Centre - 0161 434 7800.
PRC provide counselling, emotional and practical support to Asian individuals experiencing mental ill health, their carers and families.

People First Housing - 0161 235 6900.
People First offer supported housing services in Manchester primarily for people from black and minority ethnic communities with issues such as dementia or mental health problems. Services include support with housing, independent living, liaison, budgeting, health & cultural issues.

Richmond Fellowship - 0161 248 5354.
The Richmond Fellowship provide short term housing support for women aged 18-65 with mental health problems who need accommodation. They prioritise survivors of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse or women at risk, and can accommodate women with children.

Relationship and Couples Counselling - 07532285697.
In partnership with Relate and The Gaddum Centre.

Self Help - 0161 226 3871.
This organisation offers a wide range of services for people with mental health problems like depression, anxiety and panic.

The Fed - 0161 772 4800.
This is a drop in for people in the Jewish community in Greater Manchester who are experiencing mental or emotional difficulties, providing individual support, social opportunities and activities.

The Wai Yin-Kwan Wai - 0161 833 0377.
This is a Chinese Mental Health Project that offer support to people with a range of mental health difficulties, including one to one support, advice and a drop in.

YARAN - 07413 396 573.
YARAN provides individual counselling, couples, and family therapy with Refugee & Asylum seekers groups, seminars and workshops for the Iranian community.

Your GP or social worker can refer you to specialist services if you require them, but you can also seek help and support directly from the following charities specific for young people.

42nd Street 0161 228 7321 (Monday - Friday 9.30am-5.00pm).
For young people (aged 13 – 25) living in Manchester, Salford and Trafford. They provide a range of support services to young people under stress.

Emerge 16/17 Community Mental Health Team 0161 226 7457.
They offer a mental health service only for 16 and 17 year olds.

YASP (Young Adults Services & Projects part of Manchester Mind) 0161 221 3054.
Based in Levenshulme, they offer a range of services for young people living or homeless in Manchester aged 15 to 25, who find themselves under stress. Services include counselling, mentoring, befriending, volunteering and an internet cafe.

When you speak to Careers & Welfare, the advisor will assess the best way to support you. This may mean we make a referral to a support angencies. We will not do this without your permission. Some of the places we may refer are:

Advice Services for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (Manchester Refugee Support Network)
Manchester Refugee Support Network operates an independent community advice service, giving advice and information to refugees and asylum seekers and their families. Visit the website to find out where sessions are being held.
https://manchester.fsd.org.uk
0161 202 8914

Advicenow
Advicenow is an independent, not-for-profit website providing accurate, up-to-date information on rights and legal issues. Our information service brings together the best information on the law and rights from over 200 UK websites.
http://www.advicenow.org.uk

Asylum Support Housing Advice
ASHA is a non-profit voluntary organisation that helps asylum seekers whose applications have been refused and whose status renders them homeless and destitute.
https://sites.google.com/site/ashamanchester/
0161 227 85550161 227 8555Fax: 0161 227 8585

Boaz Trust: Support for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The Boaz Trust offers accommodation for destitute refused asylum seekers and homeless refugees in Greater Manchester. They also offer support with Basic Living Essentials, pastoral care, legal advice as well as running recreational and educational activities. Visit the website for further details.
http://boaztrust.org.uk
0161 202 1056

Booth Centre
The Booth Centre is a drop-in, advice and activities center for homeless people with a history of rough sleeping. Services include: Open Door Drop-ins Volunteering opportunities. Activities include Art, Music, sessions for people over 50 and outdoor activities. Help to move on to education, training and employment.
https://manchester.fsd.org.uk
0161 835 2499

City Centre Project
Emergency advice and support to 16-25 yrs. experiencing homelessness and housing difficulties. Access centers at Wythenshawe and Manchester city center. Range of services including breakfast drop in, showers, laundry, advice, resettlement - generic 16-25 and young unaccompanied refugees, supported housing, tenancy training, support services.
info@ypsf.co.uk
0161 228 7655

42nd Street
42nd Street provides a support service to young people aged 13 to 25 who are experiencing stress and mental health problems. Young people can access individual support, counselling and a range of groups at the Manchester city center base.
http://www.42ndstreet.org.uk
Helpline: 0161 228 1888

Adult Bereavement Counselling Service
Loss & Bereavement are issues that affect all of us at different points throughout our lives. Although a part of life, the impacts can be far reaching and you may feel like you're isolated, not coping, unable to move on with your own life.
http://www.gaddumcentre.co.uk
0161 834 6069

Anxiety UK
ANXIETY UK is a national registered charity formed over 30 years ago by a sufferer of agoraphobia for those affected by anxiety disorders. Today we are still a user-led organisation, run by sufferers and ex-sufferers of anxiety disorders supported by a high-profile medical advisory panel.
http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
08444 775 774

The Bridge - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for children and young people in North Manchester. Services include Social Communication Assessment and Intervention Team (SCAIT). Clinical Service for Children with Disabilities - a specialist team who see children with severe learning disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury, Autism and much more.
http://www.cmft.nhs.uk/young-person-zone/our-services/mental-health-(camhs).aspx
0161 203 3250

Manchester Mind
Manchester Mind (formerly the Harp Project) is a local voluntary sector organisation providing services to people in Manchester. We are committed to improving the lives of people with mental health needs. Services include an Advice Service for adults over 16 years of age.
http://www.manchestermind.org
0161 226 9907

Crisis Point
Crisis Point is a mental health crisis support center where people can manage or resolve their crisis and develop strategies to prevent or better manage such crisis in the future. Covering all of Manchester, they offer a range of services for people including accommodation and advice.
http://www.turning-point.co.uk
0161 225 95000/161 225 9500 Fax: 0161 225 4009

Arise HIV Support Project
The Arise Project provides advice, information and support to Black (African, Caribbean, Asian & Mixed Race) communities living or affected by HIV in Manchester. Our support workers develop support plans tailored to the individual’s needs. We offer: -• One-to-one emotional support; information and advice.
http://www.thebha.org.uk/arise
0161 874 2184

Body Positive North West
We are a user-led organisation. We aim to support self-help, self-management, and self-development for people living with and affected by HIV in the North West. We have a professionally trained, registered and approved team of experts who can help guide you through any issues you may have.
http://bpnw.org.uk
0161 882 22020161 882 2202
Alternative telephone: 0161 882 2200
Alternative telephone: 0161 882 2200
Fax: 0161 882 2201

George House Trust
George House Trust provides support services to people living with HIV, their carers, partners and families. Their comprehensive range of services includes the following: One to one support Volunteer support Advice and advocacy Information Support groups Events and courses Support for carers and children.
http://www.ght.org.uk/
0161 274 4499

Community Shop (Tree of Life Centre)
Just got a house? Don't have much money? Then come to our community shop where you will find everything from knives and forks, cups and plates to beds, wardrobes, sofas and electrical items. And at prices you can afford.
tree-of-life01@hotmail.co.uk
0161 489 7018

Lifeshare Ltd
Lifeshare is a voluntary organisation established to help meet the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Manchester and Salford. We offer practical assistance, support and information and continued assistance that enables people to secure suitable accommodation, support them in maintaining their tenancies, and help.
http://www.lifeshare.org.uk
0161 235 0744

www.lifeline.org.uk/contacts/lifeline-manchester-eclypse
We work with individuals, families and communities both to prevent and reduce harm, to promote recovery, and to challenge the inequalities linked to alcohol and drug misuse’.

www.manchesterwomensaid.org
Manchester Women’s Aid is an independent charity providing a range of services for women and children affected by domestic and sexual
violence.

For additional help and support on money and finance, including debts and student finance, the following organisations can provide advice and support:

Step Change Debt Charity - 0800 138 1111.

National Debt Line - 0808 808 4000.

Debt Support Trust - 0800 085 0226.

Local Citizen Advice Bureau - 03444 111 222.

Student Finance England

If you need advice on welfare benefits and educational grants, Turn2Us and JobCentre Plus can help.

Help with the cost of living from our Careers and Welfare team

We’re all feeling the pressures of rising costs, especially when it comes to fuel and daily essentials.

With this in mind, our Careers and Welfare team has pulled together a list of top tips that you might find helpful.

1. Plan

Planning is essential if you’re on a budget.  We all have expenses that we know are coming, such as rent, utilities and food, which you can plan ahead for. 

However, you also need to be prepared for unexpected costs as well.  To manage all of this, you need to budget for all your outgoings and save money where you can.  A small amount each week will soon add up.

2.  Are you getting the financial support you’re entitled to?

It is estimated that £10 billion worth of financial support goes unclaimed every year.  Using income maximisation calculators, such as entitledto or Turn2us, can help to determine if there’s any financial support you may be entitled to.

There is also information on the Government’s website about support with the cost of living, which 
covers income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

In addition, you can find out if you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which could save you £150 this winter, by speaking to your energy supplier, contacting the scheme’s Support team on 0845 603 9439 or visiting the Government’s website.

Manchester City Council also has a cost of living helpline – 0800 023 2692 – which you can call for free. This is open Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm.

3.  Shop around

Don’t stick to just one place, take the time to look for bargains.  Local markets can be a big money saver if you’re buying fruits and vegetables, and you’re supporting local small businesses at the same time.

Also, as a student, you have access to TOTEM, which is the new name for the NUS extra student discount card. 

4.  Avoid credit

If you start using credit cards to pay for everyday essentials, such as food, this should be a red flag and you need to seek advice and support.

If you’re in this situation, please speak to a member of our Careers and Welfare team at your campus straight away to talk through the challenges you’re experiencing.

5.  Apply for a cash grant if you are in financial crisis

Did you know that if you live in Greater Manchester you can apply for a cash grant of between £30 and £60 if you are in crisis or have an emergency that's out of your control.  More information is available through the council’s website.

If you live outside of Greater Manchester, please check with your local authority to see if they run a similar scheme.

6.  Don’t ignore problems

According to The Money Charity, 50% of students say that concerns about their finances could affect their studies.  If anything related to money is bothering you, even if it’s the smallest thing, it’s vital that you seek help and avoid common mistakes before any debt you might have spirals out of control.

Our Careers and Welfare team can help you recognise any money problems and pull together a realistic budgeting plan.  Using credit to pay for existing debts can create more problems and ignoring payment demands will not make the problem go away.  You may need to speak to your creditors to come up with a solution.

7.  Advice and support with payments and debt

• The National Debtline gives independent advice on any debts you have and you can call them on 0800 808 4000
• StepChange are a leading charity that will help if you're struggling with your bills and they’re contactable via 0800 138 1111
• Money Helper is a Government advice service that you may find helpful.  You can reach them on 0800 138 7777
• Citizens Advice have a dedicated webpage on their website for advice about energy issues.  There is also a free web chat service on their website.  Alternatively, call 0808 278 7803 for advice or to book a local appointment.

8.  Support from our College

As a student at The Manchester College you may be eligible to a support package for travel and childcare, or the Breaking Barriers Fund, which provides short term financial support.

9.  Employability and jobs

Labour Market Information (LMI) is information that provides an insight into the labour markets at different levels (district, region or nation).  LMI focuses on:

• The industries that are growing and declining
• The types and levels of jobs that are increasing and decreasing
• What supply of labour is available – numbers, skills and qualification levels.

This data can be extremely valuable when choosing a career path and where you want to work.  Our Careers and Welfare team produces information on LMI.  There are also printed cards available from the Careers HUB at your campus.

Our careers and welfare team can help you with specific careers advice and support you on the path to achieving your dream job, but if you’d like to get started yourself, try the following websites for research and planning:

I-Could

Plotr

National Careers Service

The Big Choice

Target Careers

Prospects

If you’re looking for voluntary opportunities or exploring gap year options, these websites can help you with advice, guidance and support:

Gap Year

Do-It

V-Inspired

Volunteer Centre Manchester

As a student at The Manchester College, you're entitled to both counselling on campus, as well as 24-hour support from our partner PAM Assist. 

For more information, speak to a member of the student experience team on your campus to find out how you can access this.