The Chrysalis Family Centre, nestled in the heart of Moss Side, has long been a beacon of hope for local residents, offering education, welfare advice, and health support. Since 2014, this community hub has also served as the setting for a fruitful collaboration between the University of Manchester and local refugees and asylum seekers, fostering both language skills and community building.

The initiative, spearheaded by our politics department, began as an English-language conversation project. Every week, students would meet with refugees and asylum seekers at the Chrysalis Centre, offering them a chance to practice English and engage with the broader community. This effort was originally conceived by two Manchester students studying Politics and International Relations, John Beswick and Chen Liu, who recognised the isolation and language barriers faced by many refugees during a visit to the centre.

The project has evolved since its inception, expanding in 2022 to include students from universities across Manchester. This expansion was coordinated by Senior Lecturer Aoileann Ní Mhurchú from The University of Manchester and Lecturer Dr. Josephine Biglin from the University of Salford.

The students contribute more than just language skills; they forge meaningful connections with the attendees, contributing to a sense of community and mutual support.

Reflecting on her experience, Ila Lessof, a University of Manchester student who participated in the 2022/23 project, described it as transformative: “The community and friendships created were invaluable… the chance to learn from and support each other brought so much joy and purpose.”

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the project has persevered, adapting and growing in response to the needs of the community. The University’s commitment to this initiative underscores the critical role that higher education institutions can play in supporting refugees within local communities.

As the Chrysalis Family Centre continues to thrive, the collaboration between Manchester students and local refugees remains a powerful testament to the positive impact of community engagement.