Manchester City Council

Barlow Moor Community Association (BMCA)

  1. Address

    23 Merseybank Ave, Chorlton, Manchester M21 7NT

  2. Phone

    0161 446 4805

  3. Email address

    becky@barlowmoorca.co.uk

  4. Description

    Support available at BMCA

    BMCA offers employment, skills, and well‑being support for people at any stage of their journey.

    Support is holistic and person‑centred.
    We work with each person to understand barriers and offer practical help to overcome them.


    Employment and job search support

    We provide trusted information, advice, and guidance. This is Matrix accredited.

    Support includes:

    • a weekly Job Club
    • one‑to‑one employability support
    • CV writing and development
    • interview preparation
    • tailored job‑search help

    All support is shaped around individual goals and needs.


    Training and skills development

    We offer both accredited and non‑accredited training.

    Accredited training

    • Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications
    • including Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    Non‑accredited training

    • everyday English
    • Maths
    • digital skills
    • personal development, including:
      • confidence building
      • communication skills
      • positive mindset

    Digital inclusion and ESOL

    We help people build confidence using digital tools.

    Support includes:

    • regular digital drop‑in sessions
    • help with everyday online tasks

    We also offer ESOL support through our English Conversation Café, where people can practise spoken English in a relaxed setting.


    Volunteering and work experience

    Participants can access meaningful volunteering opportunities within our community services.

    This includes roles in:

    • the charity shop
    • the community kitchen
    • the library

    Volunteering helps people:

    • gain practical skills
    • build confidence
    • get experience for future work or training

    Health and well‑being support

    Well‑being support is built into our offer.

    This includes:

    • mindfulness sessions
    • exercise activities
    • social activities

    People can also access:

    • food support
    • financial support

    We work with partner organisations to connect people to specialist services, training providers, and job opportunities.


    Who the Work Club supports

    BMCA’s Work Club is open to everyone.

    We have particular experience supporting people facing multiple or complex barriers, including:

    • long‑term unemployment
    • low confidence
    • poor mental health
    • digital exclusion
    • limited skills
    • poverty
    • social isolation

    Our key focus is early help and prevention.
    We offer flexible, personalised support to help people build confidence, skills, and motivation before challenges become harder to manage.


    When support is available

    Opening times

    • Monday to Thursday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
    • Friday: 9.00am to 2.00pm

    Work Club delivery days

    • Monday to Friday

    Daily opening times

    • Monday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
    • Tuesday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
    • Wednesday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
    • Thursday: 9.00am to 4.00pm
    • Friday: 9.00am to 2.00pm
  5. Services

    Work Club is supported by dedicated, experienced and qualified staff who have long-standing, trusted relationships within the local community, ensuring consistent, reliable and person-centred support for all participants.

  6. Location