About the Refugee Welcome Programme

The Refugee Welcome Programme (RWP) provides skills and employment support that is tailored to the specific needs of refugees and people seeking asylum. Launched by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) in 2025, the RWP brings together all 10 Greater Manchester Local Authorities in partnership with over 60 voluntary and community sector organisations.

The RWP ESOL resources

In partnership with Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES), this resource bank has been designed to support informal, non-accredited ESOL classes, offered by RWP providers and others across Greater Manchester. These innovative ESOL classroom resources are themed around information needs of new arrivals to the UK.The webpage is open to everyone and free to access. It provides teachers and learners with resources that are user friendly, clearly organised and adaptable to a range of levels. By addressing complex topics and real-world vocabulary, the RWP ESOL Resources can support refugees and people seeking asylum to be able to better access key services, navigate housing, immigration systems, public transport, employment and other forms of education.To find out more about The Refugee Welcome Programme and the unique support offer available in each locality, visit the GMCA RWP webpage.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the RWP Partnership who provided feedback at our Partnership event in December 2025 and who tested early versions of the resources throughout the start of 2026.

Thank you to the additional partners who consulted on the project and offered subject specific expertise. Partners included Boaz Trust, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, Causeway, Lloyd’s Bank, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

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