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Wellbeing Project

The Wellbeing Project, based in Greater Manchester, empowers asylum seekers and refugees through arts and sports-based activities. Refugees are vulnerable to mental health problems due to the difficulties they may experience overcoming traumatic experiences and settling into a new way of life. They are often separated from family and friends and feel lonely and apprehensive about going out into their local communities.

refugee footballer

This project brings together people from all walks of life to take part in team sports, arts-based activities and social events. By getting involved refugees and asylum seekers can make new friends, gain confidence and improve their physical and psychological wellbeing.

So far the project has helped establish several football teams and an annual tournament, arts and crafts groups, a swimming class and a drama group. Project workers are currently developing new music-based groups, a gym group and women’s dance groups.

Client testimonials

"The benefits of playing for the team this season were making new friends from other places, developing myself mentally and taking my mind off personal issues. Also I felt healthy in my mind because I was using my brain."

Delshad, Iraqi Kurdistan,
International Manchester football project

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"I think we improved a lot – more than anybody expected – in terms of communicating and team work, also making new friends and meeting different people from different countries. I learnt some new skills not just in terms of football, but in terms of my life. Also, playing for the team helped me stay healthy and strong."

Jawed, Afghanistan,
International Manchester football project

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"I've enjoyed the swimming – it is very relaxing. The lessons are good because they are exercise and because they let me be out of the house, give me something to do. We’ve met lots of other people and the teacher. The lessons have helped because I am not tensed up now. The feeling of being in control is back again. It is great that there are local people in the group – they became our friends."

Mary, Sierra Leone,
Stockport swimming project

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"There are no other community groups in Tameside and many barriers to playing and meeting as a community. Football gives both the players and supporters something positive and will help the community develop. This is very important for our community’s well being. This football project will give the African refugee community in Tameside the chance to meet together. Playing against other Tameside teams means we can meet other people from the local area."

Aime, Burundi,
Undugu community sport project

Project details

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