Support Services

Cost of living support

Please see our cost of living webpages for information on support available to Chorley residents.   

British Red Cross Chorley Welcome Centre

British Red Cross Refugee Support, Lancashire, helps people seeking asylum, refugees and other migrants on various issues including adjusting to life in a new country through casework support.  The session offers the opportunity for people to meet new people and chat over hot drinks and snacks.

People can be helped with the following:

• Health care access and advice
• English lessons information
• Advice on community integration activities
• Information and advice on asylum process
• Information on legal support
• Move-on support
• Family reunion
• Family tracing

The drop in takes place on Tuesdays 9.30am to 1pm.

Location: United Reformed Church, Hollinshead Street, Chorley

Email: wphiri@redcross.org.uk or mainenehi@redcross.org.uk

Telephone: 07445646992 / 07715002864

Homes for Ukraine sponsor support network

The Communities team would like to invite those who have applied to be a Sponsor under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to contact us if they want to be part of a support network.  The meetings take place on a monthly basis.  Examples of discussion topics include: work and benefits, education and childcare, accessing health services and local authority checks. Please email us at communities@chorley.gov.uk or contact us on 01257 515151 for more information.

Kalyna community group for Ukrainians

On Saturday 25th June 2022, the Chorley Ukrainian community group 'Kalyna' officially opened.  The group runs on a weekly basis and is based at Chorley Library. The group hopes to expand in the future to provide a series of sessions and support groups, but in the meantime, it will provide a much needed opportunity for Ukrainian Guests in Chorley to develop social support networks.  There is no need to book in advance, but we do recommend that you check the Chorley Ukrainian Community group Kalyna Facebook page for regular updates.

Chorley and District Support for Ukraine

The Chorley and District Support for Ukraine group are collecting and coordinating the transportation of donations for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. For more information on how you can help and what items are being collected please visit the Chorley and District Support for Ukraine Facebook group.

Help with housing

Chorley Council's Housing Solutions team can provide help and advice if someone is experiencing problems with a housing situation or if someone needs support with looking for a new home to rent or buy in Chorley.  Please see our housing webpages for more information. 

Asian Women's Forum

The Asian Women's Forum can work with asylum seeking and refugee families in Chorley to enhance learning, employability and mental health prospects.  For more information, please visit the Saheliyaan Asian Women's Forum Facebook page. 

Email: womensupport@hotmail.co.uk

Lancashire Refugee Council

The  work directly with thousands of refugees each year. They support refugees from the moment they arrive in the UK and provide crisis advice, practical support and help people integrate into their communities.  They also offer mental health counselling to help refugees come to terms with the traumas that so many have experienced.

Email: Info@refugeecouncil.org.uk

Telephone: 02073466700

British Red Cross

Refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants can get free emergency support from the British Red Cross.  They can provide an interpreter if a person does not speak English and they have no political or religious affiliations. Support can include:

• access to food
• small amounts of cash
• clothes
• toiletries
• blankets
• baby items

The support the British Red Cross can offer also depends on an individuals or family's location.  Help could also include:

• reuniting with family
• travel vouchers
• benefits and career advice
• help registering with a doctor or dentist
• Attending appointments with service users
• learning about life in the UK
• getting to know the local area
• counselling

Email: GMRS@redcross.org.uk

Telephone: 0161 888 8932

Migrant Help Helpline

Migrant Help exist to protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. They support those most in need and least likely to find support elsewhere, whilst aiming to bridge community gaps and bring services and support together.

Those seeking asylum in the UK can seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, can report issues with asylum accommodation and access any other advice needed during their asylum journey.

They also provide support during the post-decision period, regardless of whether the decision has been positive or negative.

Telephone (free asylum helpline): 0808 8010 503

Telephone (head office): 01304 203 977

Email: info@migranthelpuk.org

We are People First advocacy service

We are People First support thousands of people every year to have their voices heard and help them to live their best lives.  They can support refugees to:

• make NHS complaints
• get access to interpreters
• support to find local dentists

Referrals can be made online by individuals themselves or by a representing service

Make a referral to We are People First advocacy service

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice can offer a range of support services around immigration, debt and benefits, energy budgeting, consumer advice, employment, education and health care.

View more information on the Citizens Advice website.

Telephone: 0344 245 1294