Manchester Refugee Support Network - MRSN

It's Refugee Week!

We want to start it off by saying a massive thank you to everyone who made our recent musical fundraiser such a powerful and joyful night on Friday. We’re so grateful to all the incredible artists who shared their talent and energy with us — and the Dance Out Percussion crew, Hamsaz Ensemble, , kusasa, metrodomeuk and Levi Love - your performances were all AMAZING ✨💗

Huge thanks as well to The Carlton Club The Carlton Club for hosting us and creating such a welcoming and vibrant space for the event. It means so much to be able to bring people together in spaces like this.

Massive thanks to our volunteers who supported the event on the night - we wouldn't have been able to do it without you!

And to everyone who came along, donated, danced, connected, and showed their support — thank you. Your solidarity and generosity is so valued in these difficult times.

Together, we raised over £1,500, which will go directly towards supporting our work with people seeking asylum. This kind of community support has a real, tangible impact so THANK YOU🧡

Last Friday is an example of how our communities can and will stand (and dance) in solidarity with people seeking sanctuary. Communities grow stronger when we support those seeking safety and provide the advice and help they need. Indeed Refugee Week's theme is courage and we know how important this is than ever during these increasingly hostile times 🙏

And for any film buffs, we have our FREE film day on Thursday - head to the link in our bio to find out more ❤️

Here are our set times 👇

A few more practical bits:

- kids go free for the early Dance Out Percussion workshop
- there’ll be a food van on site in the evening serving delicious Portuguese food
- if you have any access requirements or questions, please drop us a message so we can support you.

Looking forward to celebrating and showing solidarity 🙏❤

Tickets still available here: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/The-Carlton-Club-Manchester/Musical-Solidarity-with-Refugees-and-Asylum-Seekers/42413144/

Levi Love is joining us at Carlton Club tomorrow for MRSN’s fundraiser, bringing his signature blend of deep house textures and funk‑infused African rhythms to the dancefloor.

A DJ, producer and founder of grassroots label Mas O Menos, Levi’s sound fuses his South African roots with his Manchester home, creating warm, rolling grooves built for proper heads‑down dancing. With over 20 years behind the decks, he’s honed a style that feels both soulful and forward‑thinking.

Levi has lit up stages at The Warehouse Project, Sounds From the Other City, Beyond the Music and more, known for his energetic, engaging presence and confident, mixes that always leave the crowd wanting one more tune.

Catch Levi Love alongside Metrodome, kusasa, Chafik, Hamsaz Ensemble and Dance Out Percussion as we raise vital funds for Manchester Refugee Support Network’s asylum support work.

📍 Carlton Club, Whalley Range
📅 Friday 12 June
🎟 Tickets in the link in our bio!

Hamsaz Ensemble is a powerful collective of musicians who have migrated to the UK from Iran, bringing rich, emotional soundscapes to the stage.

Formed in 2018 through an artist development programme at Sahba Academy, Hamsaz reflects the contemporary Iranian diaspora by weaving songs rooted in Iranian folklore with newer stories of exile, resilience and everyday life. Their music blends traditional instruments such as the Setar, Santur and Daf with Western instrumentation, creating immersive, layered performances that feel both ancient and urgently present.

With members from different generations, genders and backgrounds, Hamsaz have appeared at festivals including Sheffield’s Migration Matters and Didsbury Arts Festival, sharing stories of adaptation, hope and resistance. Their work often carries a political edge, championing the spirit of Iran’s Women, Life, Freedom movement and exploring the realities of forced migration through sound.

Catch Hamsaz Ensemble live at Carlton Club on Friday 12th June, alongside Metrodome, Levi Love, Kusasa, Chafik and Dance Out Percussion, as we raise vital funds for Manchester Refugee Support Network’s asylum support work.

📍 Carlton Club, Whalley Range
📅 Friday 12th June
🎟 Tickets in the link in our bio!

Our Spring 2026 Newsletter is here 💌

From challenging new asylum policies to powerful stories of resilience, this edition shares what MRSN has been doing across asylum support, immigration advice, hotel work and refugee integration – plus how you can get involved.

We’ve already raised over £2,000 to protect our Asylum Support Service, but we urgently need to raise at least £10,000 (and as much as we can) to keep this lifeline open.

Read it here: https://www.mrsn.org.uk/2026/05/28/mrsn-spring-newsletter-is-here/

Join us this Refugee Week for a special Film Day with Manchester Refugee Support Network!

We’re bringing the Film Festival 2026 to Manchester with a powerful afternoon of films exploring displacement, identity, and resilience. Featuring a curated mix of shorts and feature films from across the world, this is a space to watch, reflect, and connect.

Drop in or stay for the full programme — all are welcome. Free popcorn provided.

Free entry, with optional donations to support our work with refugees and people seeking asylum across Greater Manchester.

Date: Refugee Week 2026
Time: 2–6pm
Location: St James’ Church, 95A Princess Road, M14 4TH

Please note: Film certifications range from U to 15, and some content may be sensitive.

Come along, bring a friend, and be part of Refugee Week with us.

Children in the UK are facing an unprecedented attack on their rights. The government is consulting on plans to:

- Cut off asylum support from families who’ve been refused protection

- Remove support from some care leavers because of their immigration status

- Allow physical force to be used against children during removals, even by officers without body cameras or child-specific training

These changes will only create more fear, destitution, homelessness, violence and misery for children and young people.

Head to the link in our bio for 's clear, practical guide to the consultation and submit your response before the 28th May 2026 – every voice counts in resisting these plans.