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Building Support and Stability: Migrant Workers Sefton Community at the Heart of Sefton and Southport
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting diverse communities, the Community Foundation for Merseyside is shining a light on Migrant Workers Sefton Community (MWSC), an organisation working to support international workers and their families living in Sefton and Southport. Established in 2009 and later converted into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2014, MWSC has steadily grown its capacity to provide vital assistance.
This support is especially important because migrant workers often face many challenges when settling in a new area. Language barriers, limited access to jobs, housing difficulties, and unfamiliarity with local systems can create significant hardship. MWSC offers practical help to navigate these obstacles, empowering people to build more stable and secure lives.
“I was referred to the charity by my Polish community as a trustworthy group who will listen to your problems and help you to plan a way through them. Mwsc is very will known within the community people are happy with the quality of their work and appreciate the help and support that they receive. My issues included Pip, Universal Credit, due to Stroke, Council Tax and Pension Advice. I would be helpless without their help and support; everyone I know only says good things and recommends that people who find themselves with issues should make appointment to see the migrant workers charity. I will be using the charity for as long as they are available it would be a great loss and cause of concern if the had to close down. My community would no longer have a place to seek help especially with translators available.”
Mr. Simeon P.
A Network of Help When It’s Needed Most
Operating five days a week, MWSC provides a range of services tailored to the needs of migrant workers. These include access to translators in 10 languages, a helpline for immediate advice, one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions, and help with family law matters. The organisation also supports people in improving their English through accredited ESOL assessments.
MWSC’s office provides a welcoming and safe space, equipped with private interview rooms, computers, internet, and printing facilities. These resources help people access benefits, housing, immigration advice and employment opportunities, and connect with other support services.
One person’s story illustrates this support in action. Homeless and living in a hostel, he found full-time work with MWSC’s help. When he fell ill with COVID-19, the team liaised with his employer to keep his job open during recovery. MWSC then helped him find a studio flat, negotiated rent, and provided essentials like bedding, food parcels, and clothing.
Today, he lives independently, works full-time, and has expressed interest in volunteering to help others.
“I was giving up hope in humanity, I lost everything in my life, thank you MWSC”
Mr. Y 2022
Working Together for Better Futures
The group’s work is made possible through funding from sources including the LCR Cares COVID-19 Community Support Fund, High Sheriffs Trust, The FPC Foundation, 23 Foundation, Merseyside Community Investment Fund, Lottery, Elanor Rathbone, John Moores foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation, and The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation.
Through continued advocacy, language support, and partnerships with local services, MWSC aims to support around 1,000 people each year in Sefton and Southport. Their goal is to ensure people receive the right help, at the right time, so they can build lives with dignity and opportunity.
Together, we can help build stronger, more connected communities across Sefton and Southport.