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 with accommodation issues; registering with a GP/dentist; where to access legal help etc
- Referrals and signposting to other specialist services
- A venue for other services (for example the Job Centre/West End Refugee Service) to engage with our clients
- Free tea, coffee, refreshments and food
- Free hair cuts for adults
- Table tennis, pool table and an English language practice table
- Free good quality clothing and household items
WHERE AND WHEN?
Newcastle – Thursdays from 9.30am-2pm
(The Turbine Hall inside Castle Gate, Melbourne Street, Newcastle, NE1 2JQ. Map here)
You must register by 12 noon if you want to see a case worker and we recommend you arrive before 9.30am if possible. Registration numbers are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our service is in high demand so we can not guarantee that every visitor to the Drop-in will see an adviser the same day.
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.
We also run a volunteering project which offers refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in the South Tyneside area, the chance to learn new skills such as cycling, sewing and gardening. Contact our Social Inclusion Officer, Amelia Noake, to find out more: [email protected]
Volunteer with InterAction
We have around 40 volunteers, 80% of whom have lived experience of migration. If you would like to become an InterAction volunteer, visit our web page here.
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
