Happy New Year to all our service users, learners and supporters!! We hope that you enjoyed the festive season. The Unity Centre is back open and staffed from today with our ESOL classes starting back next week.

**Reminder about e-visas! ** If you haven't already updated to an e-visa, you will need to this year. We have a dedicated support service for those struggling to navigate the system.

As one of the Lord Mayor's charities we are pleased to present our upcoming Folk Night! Last time it was sold out so get your tickets quick! #folknight #thetimebandits #stmaryscreativespace

On Monday the Government released its White Paper on immigration. As usual the fantastic Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit have been first to publish an initial explainer to let people know what they can expect gmiau.org/may-25-immigra…

With the news that the Legal Aid Agency has had a data breach - we are sharing this information from Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit gmiau.org/legal-aid-data…

Please consider donating to our latest fundraiser - justgiving.com/campaign/aafda…

Meet Ali, one of our CHAWREC Champions who brings energy, kindness and humour to our Community Café every Tuesday during the asylum drop-in. He is happy to help and brightens the day with his warm smile and good humour. We're lucky to have him on our team! #volunteerweek2025

Meet Yanira, our youngest volunteer and true CHAWREC Champion! A dedicated law student, bringing warmth, care, and patience to our asylum drop-in sessions. Her compassion and commitment make a real difference, and we’re incredibly proud to have her on our team. #volunteerweek2025

Brilliant article addressing one of the most common myths - refugees should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach... freemovement.org.uk/are-refugees-o…

Reverend Clive Foster MBE has been appointed as the first Windrush Commissioner. With lived experience and decades of community leadership, Reverend Foster will help drive the cultural change, accountability and the justice the Windrush generations deserve.

You can help raise money for CHAWREC by donating online #JustGiving justgiving.com/campaign/aafda…

Last week we held a Health Awareness Day at the Unity Centre. We hope this will be a regular event - if you are from a BAME background and need help accessing healthcare - please contact us on 01244 400730 or email [email protected]

This is an update for people from Syria in the UK. The pause on processing their asylum and protection claims has been lifted. There is still a lot we don’t know about what will happen next. gmiau.org/jul-25-update-…

Yesterday was our last 'Art for Wellbeing' session until Autumn and what a wonderfully creative bunch of people we have coming to the Unity Centre! It's a great way of supporting those who have experinced trauma, focusing on a creative outlet for their feelings

We’ve joined 53 other organisations in signing a letter led by RAMFEL, Refugee Legal Support and Asylum Aid, urging Yvette Cooper to allow family reunion for those affected by the Afghan data breach which put their families at risk from the Taliban. independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-n…

ACT NOW!! The family reunion scheme remains open until tomorrow - gmiau.org/refugee-reunio…

Halton BC have just published an information page on the facts about refugees and asylum seekers www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/councild…

Please come along - there will be food and drinks available for all. You'll get a chance to hear from those people who have contributed their story.

Lets talk IELTS. We are running a 10 week self funded IELTS preparation course at the cost of £195 from Jan 26. Interested? Testing day Thurs 27th November at the Unity Centre, Chester. To save a place or express interest e-mail [email protected]

To book contact [email protected]