Business Details
27 Years
experience
Trusted Refugee Support Services in Newcastle upon Tyne
West End Refugee Service (WERS) has been at the forefront of supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Newcastle upon Tyne since 1999. Our mission is to empower individuals through tailored programmes that address systemic barriers, foster resilience, and promote autonomy. With a team comprising staff, trustees, and volunteersmany with lived experience of the asylum systemwe deliver casework support, employability initiatives, and community integration services.Our approach combines direct support with advocacy, ensuring refugees have a platform to shape their futures. Recognised for our collaborative ethos, we partner with local organisations to amplify impact, offering awareness sessions led by individuals with firsthand experience. Backed by a Charity Commission registration and a commitment to transparency, WERS prioritises dignity, inclusivity, and long-term systemic change.
Services
Employability Programmes
Asylum Support
Awareness Sessions
Drop-in Sessions
Outreach Services
Volunteering Placements
Refugee Integration
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We deliver services shaped by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.
- Our programmes combine immediate support with long-term systemic advocacy.
- We partner with local organisations to amplify community integration efforts.
- We provide culturally informed employability training and volunteering opportunities.
- Our awareness sessions are led by experts with firsthand asylum system knowledge.
What people say
Informative presentations
Engaging activities
Life-changing insights
Empathetic guidance
Cultural understanding
Services
Employability Programmes
Our SkillsMatch employability programmes equip refugees with job-ready skills through volunteering placements, CV workshops, and interview preparation. We collaborate with local employers to bridge employment gaps and foster economic independence. Participants gain confidence and practical experience tailored to regional job markets.
Asylum Support
We provide one-to-one casework support for asylum claims, including access to legal advice, mental health resources, and essential services. Our team guides individuals through the UK asylum process with empathy and expertise, ensuring informed decision-making.
Awareness Sessions
Lived-experience-led workshops educate schools, businesses, and community groups about refugee challenges and cultural integration. Sessions cover asylum processes, mythbusting, and strategies for fostering inclusive environments across Tyneside.
Drop-in Sessions
Weekly drop-in sessions offer immediate access to food vouchers, clothing, and mobile resources. These informal gatherings provide a safe space for refugees to connect with peers, share experiences, and receive practical assistance.
Outreach Services
Our outreach teams deliver tailored support in temporary accommodations, offering guidance on local services and cultural adaptation. This proactive approach ensures newly arrived asylum seekers receive timely information and emotional support.
Questions
How can WERS support my asylum claim?
We offer one-to-one casework support, legal advice signposting, and mental health resources tailored to your asylum process needs.
Do you provide emergency accommodation?
While we don't offer accommodation directly, we connect individuals with local housing services and temporary support networks.
Can I volunteer with WERS?
Yes! We offer volunteering placements in our café and outreach programmes, providing valuable work experience and skills development.
How do your employability programmes work?
Our SkillsMatch initiative includes CV workshops, interview practice, and partnerships with local employers to enhance job prospects for refugees.
Are your services available outside Newcastle?
Our primary focus is Newcastle upon Tyne, but we collaborate with regional partners to extend support where possible.
