We’re proud to launch Arrivals: Migration Stories, a new podcast from Levenshulme Old Library sharing personal stories from people who have made Manchester their home.
Across five episodes, Arrivals brings together voices from residents who have moved here from different parts of the world. Each episode centres on local residents’ lived experience – what it means to arrive somewhere new, to build a life, to find community, to make a place your own.
These are are thoughtful, personal reflections on identity, belonging, family and change. Collectively, they form a portrait of our neighbourhood as a place shaped by many journeys.
Where to listen
All five episodes of the podcast will be available on all major platforms from Tuesday 10th March.
The series was recorded and shaped with care by oral history facilitator Jennifer Vickers, who led the conversations, and audio producer and sound artist Emily Zurowski, who edited and crafted each episode. Their thoughtful approach has ensured the stories remain participant-led, personal and authentic. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and shared their experiences with such generosity and care.
We hope you’ll listen, share and pass it on.
Why we made this
Levenshulme is home to people from across the globe. That diversity is visible in our schools, our streets, our places of worship, our shops and our homes. But behind that everyday reality are individual stories that are rarely heard in full. The tone of the public debate, including during our own recent by-election, made clear that there are voices seeking to frame migration in ways that divide communities rather than strengthen them. We believe the opposite is true: our neighbourhood has been shaped and sustained by people who have arrived here from elsewhere.
Arrivals creates space for their stories. The project has been supported by the Windrush Community Engagement Fund. As part of the series, we also share signposting information about where people can access free support if they are unsure about their immigration status or documentation.
Available support
If you or your family came to the UK before the end of 1988, and have struggled to prove your legal status or experienced losses as a result, you may be able to apply to the Windrush Compensation Scheme
You may be eligible if:
- you came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973
- your parents or grandparents came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973, or
- you came to the UK from any country before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here.
If you are unsure about your immigration status, documents, or right to stay, free help is also available through the Windrush Help Team.
To find out more, visit: wearegroup.com/windrush
You can also contact the Windrush Help Team (free helpline) on 0800 678 1925