Below we're delighted to feature a guest blog from These Walls Must Fall lead campaigner and community organiser, Maggy Moyo. Maggy's blog reflects on a recent community event organised by the Mayor's office as part of the GM Live Well Spring Festival.
Our Advocacy & External Affairs Manager, Amy, spoke at the event, sharing findings from our Slow Violence report, produced in partnership with GMIAU (Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit).
Carrying on from Tamirat’s powerful reflection on our recent journey from Manchester to Westminster, this moment of coming together felt both timely and necessary.
After the emotional and political weight of the mass lobby, the GM Live Well Spring Festival offered something equally important, a space to breathe, reconnect, and remember why we continue.
The event was opened by Patrick Masebo and Maggy Moyo, who both reflected on how important it is for our communities to find ourselves in spaces of hope and joy. At a time when so much is happening within migrant communities, moments like these are not optional; they are essential. They bring people together, unify us, and restore faith in humanity. If anything, we need them more often.
Throughout the day, powerful testimonies were shared - stories of personal journeys, of struggle and resilience, and of the people and places that offered hope along the way. Many spoke about the changes that became possible after being granted status, and what it meant to finally begin rebuilding their lives.
It was inspiring to witness not only individual strength, but the collective spirit of Manchester. What truly stood out was the 'ecology of interconnectedness' - how organisations, communities, and relationships have, over time, created a network of support that continues to uplift people through even the most difficult moments.
There was an uplifting performance by the WAST choir, alongside shared meals and moments of dancing that brought warmth and joy into the space.
Events like these, ones that celebrate the tenacity and resilience of people, while also acknowledging the harm and trauma caused by the asylum system, are deeply important. They allow us to hold both truth and joy at the same time.
Building on that spirit, one of the most powerful parts of the day was hearing lived experience members reflect on what living well in Manchester truly means.
Again and again, people spoke about being supported through confusion, fear, and uncertainty,through legal struggles, housing challenges, and emotional hardship. But they also spoke about something deeper, being welcomed, being seen, and being given the chance to rebuild.
From community organisations and campaign groups, to places of worship and wellbeing spaces, people shared how Manchester became home not just through systems, but through people.
Vengai Mutsawu from These Walls Must Fall shared:
“For me, living well in Manchester meant being counted as a citizen,not the colour of my skin, my refugee status, or my level of education. I was welcomed as a human being, as someone loved. Through that, I gained skills,I can now dismantle and rebuild a laptop as a computer engineer. That would not have been possible if I wasn’t received well in my community.”
Mama Imade from WAST added:
“Without the support and love I got from WAST, I wouldn’t be this cheerful woman you see today. I am a choir mistress, and yes, I was once detained, but I always had hope in Manchester, and I received exactly that.”
These reflections remind us that living well is not just about status, it is about dignity, belonging, and being able to grow. The panels throughout the day reflected the wider ecosystem that makes living well possible.
We heard from community leaders and organisations who have built spaces of care, including Rev Ian from Methodist Central Hall, whose continued support shows the importance of allyship and faith spaces in our communities.
We heard about the work of Agatha CIC, supporting women living with HIV, and their recent contribution of handmade clothes for premature babies in Oldham Hospital, a powerful example of care in action.
From Thandi Nkomo who runs Nesi Professionals recruitment company, we saw what transformation can look like, moving from lived experience of the asylum system to creating employment opportunities for others.
We also heard Cat Lewis from Metropolitan Congregation in Chorlton that provide a space of belonging for many asylum seekers. Cat shared about successful wins of over 50 asylum cases last year alone.
From that panel we heard from Amy from Boaz Trust, whose work in providing accommodation has been life-changing for many across Manchester.
Boaz also shared findings from their joint report with GMIAU, highlighting how destitution is being used as a form of racialised violence within the immigration system, forcing people into prolonged hardship that impacts both mental and physical health.
At the same time, there was recognition of the powerful collaborative work happening across Greater Manchester with refugees and asylum support organisations. From engaging 24 out of 27 MPs to training caseworkers in trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches, this work shows what is possible when organisations come together with a shared commitment to change.
The final panel recognised the strength and contribution of lived experience leaders. There was honesty, laughter, and deep reflection. Stories of struggle were shared alongside moments of humour, reminding us of the resilience and humanity that runs through our communities.
As Tania reflected:
“Maggy, after hearing your story and seeing who you are today as an organiser, it’s hard to believe you were once shy and stayed at the back. We are grateful for the support you received, because in you, a leader was born.”
Jonathan who shared how he started his own campaign as a last resort for him to remain in the country, without much knowledge of campaigning to a renowned Refugee Action manager.
Jonathan and Patrick with a hearty laugh shared about the culture differences as they said when anyone mentioned campaigning they would immediately think about burning tyres in the road and stopping traffic which is entirely different here in the UK. “You don’t need to use violence for your voices to be heard” that was the encouragement given to those who are still seeking asylum.
Leaders including Maggy Moyo, Eunice, Patrick Masebo, and Jonathan Kazembe were recognised, alongside appreciation for Tania and Amanda from GMIAU for their ongoing support and allyship.
Building What Comes Next
This event was not just a celebration,it was a reminder of what is growing.
Spaces like Unified Resilience CIC are emerging as ongoing healing and reflection spaces for migrants, supporting those reporting to the Home Office and creating room for restoration.
The Greater Manchester Lived Experience Leaders Voice is strengthening collective power, ensuring that lived experience voices are not only heard but acted upon.
This is what it means to move from survival to leadership.
Then boom, the sounds of Bob Marley brought everyone, young and old, jamming on the dance floor.
“One love, one world.”
“Don’t worry about a thing… every little thing is gonna be alright.”
In that moment, we were not defined by systems or struggles, but by joy, unity, and community.
This was more than an event. It was a reminder that even in the face of injustice, communities continue to create spaces of healing, connection, and hope.
Photography Credit: Shotbyfidel_
