A Warm Welcome Awaits You in Manchester
SLACA supports refugees and asylum seekers across Greater Manchester — helping newcomers feel at home, connect with their community, and access the support they deserve.
📅 Upcoming Activities
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Saturday Football & Running Every Saturday · 9:00am – 12:00pm
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GCSE Homework Club Every Saturday · 10:00am – 12:00pm
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Monday Local Walk Every Monday · 10:00am – 11:00am
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Welcome Sessions Ongoing · All newcomers welcome
Our Community
Built by Refugees,
For Newcomers
SLACA – Selam Language and Culture Association – was founded over 10 years ago by a group of refugees who knew first-hand the challenges of arriving in a new country: the confusion, the isolation, and the desperate need for a friendly face.
They created SLACA so that no newcomer to Manchester and Salford would have to face those challenges alone. What started as informal gatherings at 187-189 Chapel Street has grown into a thriving community hub serving hundreds of refugees and asylum seekers every year.
Today we offer a safe, welcoming space where people can learn, connect, be heard, and build a new life with dignity — all completely free of charge.
Community First
Every decision we make puts people at the centre.
Compassion
We listen, empathise, and walk alongside you.
Empowerment
We equip people with knowledge and confidence.
Dignity
Every person deserves respect and a fresh start.
How We Support You
From the moment you arrive in Manchester, SLACA is here. We offer a range of free services to help you settle in, stay safe, and thrive.
Welcome & Orientation
We greet newcomers with a warm welcome session, introduce you to the local area, show you essential services, and help you understand life in Manchester.
Signposting & Advice
Our experienced team connects you with the right support — housing, legal advice, healthcare, benefits, and more. We direct you to specialist services so you get exactly the help you need.
Community Connection
Loneliness is one of the hardest parts of arriving somewhere new. We help you meet people, make friends, and become part of the wider Manchester community.
Education Support
We run a GCSE Saturday Homework Club to support young people with their studies, as well as language classes and skills-sharing workshops for adults.
Sport & Wellbeing
Physical activity is vital for mental health. Our Saturday Football & Running programme and Monday Walk bring people together in a fun, welcoming environment.
Language & Culture
We celebrate the diverse languages and cultures of our community through events, storytelling, and skills-sharing — because your identity is your strength.
Join Us Every Week
All activities are free and open to refugees, asylum seekers, and anyone who wants to be part of our community. Just come along — no booking needed.
Football & Running Exercises
A fun, welcoming sports programme open to all abilities. Come for the football, stay for the community — a great way to keep active and make friends.
GCSE Saturday Homework Club
Volunteer tutors support young people with GCSE revision and homework across all subjects. A safe, encouraging space to study and ask questions.
Monday Local Walk
A relaxed guided walk through local parks and neighbourhoods. Perfect for newcomers to explore Manchester, get some fresh air, and chat with others.
Welcome Sessions
New to Manchester? Just drop in. Our team will welcome you, introduce you to the local area, and connect you with the right support services.
Skills Sharing Workshops
Members share their knowledge — from cooking and crafts to IT and languages. Everyone has something to offer and something to learn.
Community Celebrations
We celebrate cultural events, festivals, and milestones together — bringing our diverse community closer and sharing our rich heritages.
Can't find what you need? Just get in touch — we'll point you in the right direction.
Contact UsStories from Our Community
Hear from people whose lives have been touched by SLACA.
"When I first arrived in Manchester I didn't know anyone. SLACA welcomed me like family. They showed me around the city, helped me find the right services, and now I have friends for life."
"The Saturday walk was the first thing I did after arriving. It was just a walk but it changed everything. I met people who understood exactly what I was going through. SLACA gave me hope."
"I volunteer as a GCSE tutor and it has been the most rewarding thing I've done. Seeing young people gain confidence in their studies — and watching families settle in — is truly inspiring."
Join the SLACA Family
Whether you want to volunteer your time or become a member of our community, we would love to hear from you. Share your skills and be part of something special.
Volunteer Application
Join our incredible team of volunteers and make a real difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in Manchester.
Thank You for Applying!
We've received your volunteer application and will be in touch within a few days.
We're so glad you want to be part of SLACA.
Become a Member
Membership is free and open to everyone. As a member you'll be part of our community, receive updates about activities, and help shape the future of SLACA.
Welcome to SLACA!
You're now registered as a member. We'll be in touch soon with updates
about activities and events near you.
Get in Touch
Have a question? Need support? Want to refer someone to us? Our friendly team is here to help — just reach out.
Find Us
Address
187-189 Chapel Street
Salford, M3 5EQ
Manchester, United Kingdom
Website
slaca.ukDrop-In Hours
Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm
Or contact us to arrange a meeting
Send Us a Message
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