InterAction is a free service run by Action Foundation which provides a safe and supportive space for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants.
More than just a Drop-in, it’s a community, where our staff and volunteers offer a warm welcome and trusted advice.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Friendly advice and support around homelessness and accommodation issues; health access and wellbeing; work, education and volunteering matters; financial issues and legal and immigration queries.
- Referrals and signposting to other specialist services.
- A venue for other services to engage with our clients.
- Free tea, coffee, refreshments and food.
- Free hair cuts for adults.
- English language practice table.
- Free good quality clothing and household items.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Newcastle – Thursday Main Drop-in from 9.30am
(Crisis Skylight, City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2AF.)
We deliver a first-come, first-served, service. Our service is in high demand so we cannot guarantee that every visitor to the Drop-in will see a caseworker or barber on the same day.
Newcastle – Wednesday Women’s Drop-in 11.30am-1pm
(Castle Gate, Melbourne Street, Newcastle, NE1 2JQ. Map here)
This is a pilot programme offering casework, hair and beauty, refreshments and a conversation table. Open to female-identifying refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants.
South Shields
One of our case workers is available every Tuesday from 12 noon to 2pm at fellow refugee charity, STARCH (South Tyneside Asylum Seekers and Refugees Church Help) to offer advice to people in South Tyneside. These sessions happen at Living Waters Church, Alice Street, Laygate, South Shields, NE33 5PB.
Volunteer with InterAction
We have around 40 volunteers, 87% of whom have lived experience of migration. If you would like to become an InterAction volunteer, contact [email protected] to find out more.
What is this service?
InterAction is a service run by Action Foundation to provide a friendly, accessible, interactive and supportive environment to help new and other migrants experiencing loneliness, isolation and feelings of disorientation to;
- learn how to access services most effectively
- make the most of the opportunities and services available to them
- build diverse and sustainable relationships and friendship networks
- develop confidence in mixing and conversing socially (in English)
- feel more informed about and connected to the local community and culture
The service is funded by a variety of organisations including The Mercers’ Company; Refugee Action; National Lottery; and Community Foundation Tyne and Wear and Northumberland through the Department for Culture Media and Sport Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.
“I’ve been able to speak to people which has taken away my loneliness and depression. I’ve got out of the house and met new friends. Here, there is no judgement of my nationality or religion. It is a safe place where people sympathise with me and understand my problems.”
Interaction is grateful for the support of
