OUR PROGRAMMES
IMPACT THROUGH COLLABORATION
We challenge injustice and leave no room for racism and xenophobia by actively working within the community, delivering training and awareness talks, and campaigning on issues that matter most to those we work with.
We go beyond empowering individuals; we work to dismantle the barriers that prevent refugees from taking an active role in shaping their futures and society as a whole.
A key part of our work is building partnerships to ensure refugees are recognised as integral members of the community, promoting understanding, mutual respect and a shared sense of belonging.
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The Seven Bridges Café
The 7 Bridges Café is a joint in partnership between Dance City and the West End Refugee Service (WERS).
The volunteering programme placements at 7 Bridges Café offer opportunity for WERS’ clients to gain valuable experience, training and skills in the hospitality industry.
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Awareness raising sessions
Our awareness raising sessions are focused on the current challenges encountered by individuals seeking sanctuary in the UK.
These sessions are designed for schools, local authorities and workplaces.
Find out more -
Advisory Panel
Our Advisory Panel is a group of people with lived experience of seeking asylum who help shape and design WERS projects to meet the needs of the people we support, to build a better future for those seeking sanctuary on the Tyneside.
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Research
We intend to further strengthen our relationships with academics in sociology at Newcastle University to target our collective work on
a) lived experience of the UK asylum system and
b) the impact of community integration from our programmes as a 2-way learning process.
Histories and challenges of refuge in Newcastle (Silvia Pasquetti and Cathrine Degnen)Our recent focus group with females seeking asylum and refugees and national universities are a good illustration of the link between our work of community activity and wellbeing.
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Scotswood Garden
In our collaboration with Scotswood Garden, we offer garden activities that embrace heritage and nature, offering tailored sessions for adults, families, children and teenagers.
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CIAC Onlus (Parma, Italy)
Our ongoing partnership with CIAC, an Italian charity based in Parma, alongside academics from Newcastle University focuses on sharing experiences and shaping our projects through dynamic exchanges of learning and ideas.
We were delighted to welcome members of CIAC to WERS in May 2023.
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Kielder Observatory
In collaboration with Kielder Observatory, our project aims to blend the worlds of science and art to explore both celestial wonders and untapped talents within the community we work with.
Thanks to Kielder Observatory, we organise astrophotography workshops, provide access to cutting-edge astronomical equipment, community-driven research opportunities, and a range of other educational resources.