Each year the University’s Diversity Calendar includes a nominated charity.

Following requests for nominations in the latter part of 2017 and the winner was announced as Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU). This is a voluntary organisation committed to challenging inequality and promoting the rights of refugees, migrants and other minority communities within the region.

GMIAU provides immigration legal advice, support and representation to over 5,000 people each year, many of whom are fleeing conflict and/or persecution.

During 2018 we will partner with this organisation to raise awareness of the important work they do. In February we invited along two of their service users to talk about their experiences of being LGBT refugees as part of our LGBT History month activities.

One of the many activities they are supporting is Refugee Week. Refugee Week takes place every year across the world in the week around World Refugee Day on the 20 June. In the UK, Refugee Week is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.

Refugee Week started in 1998 as a direct reaction to hostility in the media and society in general towards refugees and asylum seekers. An established part of the UK’s cultural calendar, Refugee Week is now one of the leading national initiatives working to counter this negative climate, defending the importance of sanctuary and the benefits it can bring to both refugees and host communities.

Steve Grant the University’s Assistant Director of HR said:”I am very proud to be Chair of Trustees at GMIAU. The current climate means that the GMIAU’s work has never been so vital. Most of our clients are people fleeing conflict and/or persecution in their home countries and who need safe refuge. Many are traumatised and some are homeless and destitute. In addition to free legal support, which includes representation in the courts, we provide assistance to women at risk and unaccompanied children. Helping people with housing and access to healthcare is also a key service. Through The Works and partnerships with other organisations the University is developing employment pathways for refugees who have the right to work. GMIAU’s work not only changes lives it also saves lives.”