Our first support project is ‘SpacePlus’ – a supported office environment in Manchester. Work undertaken by Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN) revealed a clear need from refugee organisations within the city for start up office space and organisational support. Many are under resourced and under funded, and find it difficult to offer the support and services that their communities need.

In partnership with MRSN, we have set up the SpacePlus office within the Greenfish Resource Centre, owned by our sister organisation the Ethical Property Company. This provides three refugee groups - Kurdish Creative Film Centre; Federation of Iraqi Refugees and Eritrean Community - with low cost office space, a computer and practical IT support and training. MRSN staff are on hand to provide additional support and training.

A year after the SpacePlus office opened, the support provided to the refugee organisations has enabled them all to grow and develop significantly. Use of a convenient, , city centre office has provided easier access for clients and volunteers, projected a more professional image to partners and fundraisers and enabled the employment of a first member of staff. A shared office has reduced isolation and kept down costs – and sharing a building with support organisations such as Community Accountancy Services has helped with day to day operations.

As a result of their growing organisational and financial confidence, all three organisations have been offered tenancies by our sister organisation, the Ethical Property Company.

The Ethical Property Foundation, Development House, 56-64 Leonard St, London, EC2A 4JX
Telephone 0207 0650 760 Fax 0207 0650 768 mail@ethicalproperty.org.uk
Charity No 1101812