Manchester Settlement has been serving communities in east Manchester since 1895, making it one of the oldest community organisations in the city. Based in Openshaw, they work with people across the area who need practical help, somewhere to go, or someone to talk to.
The Settlement runs a food bank and food pantry, welfare and benefits advice, a community cafe, and a range of activities for local residents. Their youth programme works with young people in the area through sports, arts, trips, and mentoring. They also run sessions for older people, ESOL classes for people learning English, and digital skills courses.
This is a neighbourhood community centre in the truest sense — it responds to what local people actually need. East Manchester has areas of serious deprivation, and the Settlement fills gaps that statutory services don’t always reach. They know the community because they’ve been part of it for over a century.
You’ll find them at 1 Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, Manchester M11 1JG. Opening hours vary by service, so check manchestersettlement.org.uk for the current timetable. They welcome volunteers and donations, particularly for the food bank. If you live in east Manchester and need help with anything, this is a good first port of call.