The twice weekly InterAction drop-ins provide a safe space for newly dispersed asylum seekers, as well as refugees and other migrants. Along with practising their English and warming up with a drink and some food, those attending can access a broad spectrum of support, advice and information from both Action Foundation and partner agencies.

These have included Health Pop-ups, School Admissions who have helped families get their children into local schools, Action Accommodation, the Local Authority Asylum Support Liaison Officers from Newcastle City Council, West End Refugee Service, Universal Credit Help, Newcastle Libraries, City Church Welcome Boxes, Waste Management from Newcastle City Council, amongst others.

We caught up with Dan and Ish from the Newcastle United Foundation, one of the latest agencies to visit the drop-in and connect with refugees and asylum seekers.

What’s the Newcastle United Foundation all about?

Newcastle United Foundation works in the local community using the power of football to encourage learning, support employability and promote healthy lifestyles that will make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children, young people and families in our region.

I am their Employability Coordinator, developing Newcastle United Foundation community programmes and working with local organisations to connect young people with employability provision. I also lead on our NE1 Works and Street Football programmes.

My colleague Ish is one of our Employability Project Officers and works full time on the NE1 Works programme. Ish has developed from being a volunteer and now works directly with young people to help coach and support them through their journey to employment.

We’re really keen to be involved with InterAction Drop-in to help further support refugees and people seeking asylum and continue to build positive links with the great work of Action Foundation in the local community.

What’s the NE1 Works Programme?

NE1 Works is an employability support programme for young people aged 18-29 which provides 1:1 support, employability skills development and connects jobseekers with local employers and opportunities.

How will you be able to help refugees?

By providing tailored employability support both in 1:1 and group settings in partnership with the Action Foundation team and identifying relevant job opportunities which match the needs of the refugee community.

Asylum Seekers don’t have the right to work – what will you be able to offer them?

Our Street Football programme is a free community football session which offers a positive and inclusive environment for people seeking asylum to play sports and participate in community workshops. The session runs every Wednesday at Soccerworld, Westgate Road 1-3pm. We have a fully risk assessed and Covid safe environment including covid guidelines for participants to follow. All interest must be pre-registered (contact details below).

How can people get in touch to find out more?

Email: [email protected]
or call/txt 07799 416 125

Give the gift of community to refugees this Christmas

Donate here to our Winter Welcome Appeal

By giving a donation TODAY you can help our InterAction Drop-in for asylum seekers and refugees provide:

  • £5 – refreshments for 2 drop-in sessions
  • £20 – PPE for a month to keep our staff, volunteers and clients safe at the drop-in
  • £75 – the cost for two members of staff to run an outreach session at local hotels
  • £100 – up-to-date equipment including tech and perspex screens
  • £150 – the room hire for one drop-in session

Your donation will allow us to keep funding this innovative project… Thank you.