If you are outside of Greater Manchester, we have listed similar organisations to us working in other regions. We also recognise that your problem or issue might overlap with and include other issues (e.g. immigration, housing). Recognising that this goes beyond the remit of what we do and the expertise we have, we have listed helpful resources and signposting below if you need further support in these areas.
Organisations beyond Greater Manchester resisting policing
- CopWatch National
A national network of groups focussed on keeping each other safe from police and all state violence. Find your local group through this link. - NETPOL
A national organisation that monitors public order, protest and street policing, and challenges policing which is excessive, discriminatory or threatens civil rights. - UFFC
A UK coalition of families affected by deaths in police, prison, mental health and immigration custody. - Bristol Copwatch
An independent Bristol-based police monitoring organisation working towards community safety and police accountability. - London Campaign Against Police and State Violence
Voluntary campaigners working to make the Metropolitan Police accountable to local communities. - Account Hackney
A youth-led project pushing for change, healing and justice in all things policing in Hackney, London. - StopWatch
Resources, group workshops and individual support to reduce harm from police encounters. They also take reports from those affected by stop and search. - Inquest
A charity providing expertise on state-related deaths and their investigation to bereaved people, lawyers, support agencies, the media and parliamentarians.
Counselling, healing and care
We understand that experiences with the police and state can be incredibly harmful and that you may be seeking counselling, healing and care. Finding a counsellor or therapist can be overwhelming and takes a bit of searching. Try looking through therapists and keeping an eye out for keywords that fit with your needs, things like ‘racism’, ‘trauma’, ‘complex post-traumatic stress’ or ‘intergenerational trauma’. It can be tricky to find the right person. If it doesn’t feel right, you can always try another therapist.
- BAATN (The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network) has a ‘find a therapist’ directory.
- Muslim Counselling and Psychotherapist Network lists professional, qualified and registered Muslim counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists.
- MIND
Free for people in Manchester between 15 and 25 years. - Just Psychology CIC
Group support addressing the emotional wellbeing needs of 5. 12 year olds in Trafford. - Counselling at the Roby
Free for all, located in Longsight. - Gaddum
Humanistic and CBT counselling for people living in Manchester. - The Red Clinic
A collective of communist mental health workers united for a radical psychotherapy, for the care of the oppressed.
Counselling and psychotherapy is also available through the NHS (often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, usually short-term, though other options are available and may have waiting lists). You can seek it out through your GP or find local services here.
We note that CBT is not suitable for everyone, as it focuses on changing your thoughts, particularly for those who have experienced trauma, violence and complex grief and bereavement. We suggest looking out for counselling and talking therapies that more specifically address your circumstances.
Other forms of care and healing
- Maslaha has a community-led service to support Muslims harmed by the Criminal Justice System and over-policing.
- Healing Justice run a Grief Work programme resourcing communities going through mass bereavements, and a Survivor Support system creating spaces for collective and personal healing from trauma including sexual and gendered violence.
Housing and homelessness
If your issues with the police overlap with housing or homelessness, there are a range of groups that organise for better housing and support people experiencing housing-related difficulties.
- Greater Manchester Tenants Union
A member-led organisation of renters and residents fighting together to win concrete improvements in everyday life. - Greater Manchester Law Centre
Advice and support related to housing, including know your rights information. - Shelter
Housing advice, emergency support and local services across the UK.
Immigration
- Greater Manchester Law Centre
A list of Greater Manchester based immigration and asylum services. - Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
Free legal immigration advice, representation and support for people seeking asylum, refugees, children and vulnerable adults.
Protests
- Green and Black Cross
A volunteer organisation helping with legal matters arising from protest and actions. Know Your Rights resources, guidance if you’ve been arrested, and a protest support line: 07946 541 511. - Liberty
An independent organisation of campaigners, lawyers and policy experts, with a resource on your right to protest. - Netpol
Their ‘Defending Dissent’ campaign educates on the policing and surveillance of protests. Know Your Rights resources and lists of solicitors.
Education
- No More Exclusions
A Black-led, community-based abolitionist movement centring children and young people who have experienced exclusion and oppressive education. They see school exclusions as a form of state violence. - Kids of Colour
An anti-racist youth work organisation committed to racial justice for young people of colour in Greater Manchester, creating spaces for those aged 25 and under to explore race, identity and culture. - BLAM (Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health), advocacy and support for the Black British community, including representation at school exclusion panels, anti-racism training, and free virtual group therapy with certified Black therapists.
- Maslaha
Challenging conditions that create inequalities and racism for Muslim communities in education, working with schools and universities to develop anti-racist training and materials.
Sex work
We recognise that sex work is over-policed and sex workers are underprotected. The following organisations may be of use:
- National Ugly Mugs
A UK-wide charity working with sex workers on safety tools and support services. Report incidents, sign up for alerts, check client details, remove unwanted online content. - English Collective of Prostitutes
A grassroots organisation campaigning for decriminalisation, for sex workers’ rights and safety, and for resources to enable people to leave if they want to. - Decrim Now
An alliance dedicated to improving the lives and working conditions of sex workers in the UK.