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 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.

  • 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

  • Graphic of a person speaking to a group, pink on yellow background

    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

  • North East Anti Racism Coalition (NEARC)

    North East Anti Racism Coalition (NEARC)

    WERS is a core member of the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, a network of organisations working together to challenge racism and support inclusive communities across the region.

    Through this partnership, we share learning from our work and collaborate with others to address the barriers faced by refugees and people seeking asylum.

  • 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.

  • CIAC logo with text: Centro Immigrazione Asilo Cooperazione Internazionale di Parma e Provincia, featuring three circular images of diverse individuals and architecture on a yellow background.

    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.