skillsmatch
skillsmatch is a platform that matches the skills, experiences and interests of people seeking asylum and refugees with a broad range of rewarding volunteering opportunities in the Newcastle area. The project has been created and shaped with a group of asylum seekers and refugees.
“You can interact with different culture and age people, and in the end you will gain confidence.”
- Volunteer at BALTIC Family Days
Refugees arrive in the UK with a huge range of skills, interests and professional experience. For many, this project is a stepping stone to rebuilding their professional life here and accessing employment. For others, it is a way of building confidence, meeting people and improving their English – equally important steps to rebuilding their lives and taking back control of their future. The project has also been important for individuals who are waiting a decision on their asylum claim, during which time they are unable to work and have little to do.
As part of skillsmatch, we work closely with organisations to develop partnerships that enable individuals to contribute their skills to their local community and for these communities to increase their understanding around asylum issues. Central to the skillsmatch project are opportunities for refugees and local people to spend time together, work alongside each other, learn from each other and build connections.
If you are interested in volunteering through skillsmatch please contact Emma, our Community Engagement Coordinator:
emma.ross@WERS.org.uk
If you work for an organisation that would like to become a skillsmatch partner please contact our team:
volunteers@WERS.org.uk
You can find out more about the skillsmatch project here: www.skillsmatch.me
