OUR PROGRAMMES

COLLABORATION FOR IMPACT

Our programmes are designed to empower people seeking asylum and refugees by enhancing their skills and potential through volunteering with local partners and helping to make a meaningful contribution to society.

  • The Seven Bridges Café

    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.

    Find out more

  • 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.

    Find out more

  • Research

    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.

  • Scotswood Garden

    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.

    Visit our Events section to see upcoming events

  • 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.

  • Kielder Observatory

    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.