New Community-Led Fund Launched to Support Refugees and People Seeking Asylum in Stockport
A new grant programme has been launched to support voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Stockport working to improve integration, wellbeing, and employment outcomes for refugees and people seeking asylum. Stockport Council have commissioned Sector 3 to facilitate the grants process on account of their strong relationship with community leaders and organisations.
The Refugee Welcome Programme grant is part of the Greater Manchester Refugee Welcome Programme and aligns with the Live Well commitment to neighbourhood-based, community-led support.
Crucially, the fund’s priorities have been shaped by direct consultation with the local VCFSE sector, ensuring that the programme responds to the real needs and gaps identified by those working on the ground.
Councillor Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council, said:
“Stockport welcomes this additional external funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to help improve wellbeing and increase employment opportunities for refugees and people seeking asylum in our community.
“The Greater Manchester-led Refugee Welcome Programme grant scheme will see £180,000 of external funding go towards local employment and skills projects over the next two years.”
Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection at Stockport Council, said:
“This important scheme will support partners in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector with their ongoing work in helping to build a more inclusive and supportive Stockport.
“This work – and additional external funding – will also help develop Stockport Live Well, our pioneering approach that is all about happy healthy lives for everyone. Stockport Live Well brings together support making it easier for our local communities to help themselves, their families, and those they care for in places close to them.”
Victoria Shaw, Chief Operations Officer at Sector 3 says
“From our conversations with local community organisations, it’s clear that there are significant gaps in support, especially around employment, skills development, and wellbeing.
This fund is about empowering our VCFSE sector to lead the response.”
Investing in Community Strength
The new fund will support projects that:
Address gaps in employment and skills support
Promote health and wellbeing
Foster social inclusion and community integration
By investing in community-led services, the programme recognises the importance of joined-up, person-centred support that connects employment, health, and social wellbeing.
This approach is central to the Live Well model, which aims to ensure that everyone can access everyday support in their own neighbourhood, especially those who are often overlooked.
The Need for Better Integration and Support in Stockport
Stockport has seen a steady increase in the number of refugees and people seeking asylum, many of whom arrive with limited English, no access to employment, and significant trauma from their journeys. Local groups like the Stockport Refugee Group report that their weekly drop-in sessions support around 30–35 women, with a constant flow of new arrivals.
These sessions offer more than just food and conversation, they provide a vital sense of belonging, practical advice, and a pathway to integration.
However, the challenges are complex. Many refugees face barriers to employment, including lack of recognition for overseas qualifications, limited English proficiency, and mental health struggles linked to trauma and uncertainty.
The Mental Health Foundation highlights that asylum seekers often experience high levels of anxiety, depression, and isolation—exacerbated by delays in the asylum process, poor housing conditions and limited access to public services.
There is also a pressing need for joined-up, trauma-informed support that connects employment, health, and social inclusion. Without this, many individuals risk falling through the cracks, unable to rebuild their lives or contribute fully to their new communities.
This new fund aims to tackle that by investing in community-led solutions that reflect the lived experiences of both service users and the organisations that support them.
Shaping the Future
Stockport Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will use insights from this programme to inform future support for refugees and people seeking asylum. This includes shaping integrated services like Live Well and employment support across Greater Manchester.
Applications for the fund are now open and close midnight Sunday 20th July