SWAP SERVICES

SWAP is currently running 4 services for refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers in Wigan borough.

The Move-On Support Service is aimed at people who have recently been recognised as refugees, given Humanitarian Protection or Discretionary Leave, and who need help to settle and integrate in the area, including those who have been given leave to remain as part of the ‘Case Resolution’ or ‘Legacy’ exercise. We can help with practical issues such as where to look for accommodation, setting up bank accounts, help with budgeting and finding social opportunities.

For pregnant women from our client group we have a Maternity Support Service, which supports women through most areas of pregnancy and post-natal need. For example, we can liaise with healthcare professionals, help clients to make applications for milk tokens / allowances, and help with registration of the birth. We also have a regular coffee morning for pregnant and post-natal clients where they can meet other new mothers and get support and information.

Clients who want help to get active or stay healthy can come to our Health Promotion Service. This service hopes to encourage all of our clients to become informed about the health services available to them in Wigan , from helping with GP registrations, information on Healthy Eating and physical activity sessions to advice services on smoking, drugs and alcohol, and signposting to sexual health advisers and family planning clinics.

For those new arrivals who simply want to meet people, find their way around the borough and have support in their first weeks in the borough there is the Friendly Faces service. This outreach service is delivered by our volunteers who meet clients in their homes, show them around the local area and put them in touch with other people from their country or who speak their language.

For more details about what each of the services deliver, please see our page on how to refer clients.