West End Refugee Service

Charity Details

History and Activities

The West End Refugee Service was established, initially, to provide asylum seekers living in the west end of Newcastle, particularly Benwell, with the bare necessities. From the garage of local resident Lindsay Cross, a small group of volunteers began collecting and distributing basic foodstuffs and blankets. In 1999, support from local churches the group was able to access national charity funds; the Church Urban Fund and the J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust. With further support from St. Hilda’s Trust, a charitable fund managed by the Diocese of Newcastle, WERS was officially founded as a charity and employed 3 part-time positions which began distributing bedding and warm clothing.

WRES continues to provide essential supplies to asylum seekers but its services have grown to provide advocacy and advice on how to communicate and access a broader range of services. For example, it operates a Hardship Fund to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable. It also offers a befriending scheme, which allows asylum seekers to feel less isolated and feel more comfortable and supported in new communities. WRES has even developed a learning programme to educate community groups, schools, policy-makers and employers about the challenges facing asylum seekers and refugees.

WRES relies upon a team of 50 volunteers to support its two full and seven part-time employees. These volunteers provide the manpower to distribute much-needed supplies, particularly in times of crisis. Depending on their skills, background and interests, volunteers provide a network of befrienders, support workers and outreach ambassadors. The scale of its operations has increased vastly since its inception; in 2017 over 800 people accessed the services WRES provides.

WERS credits the early financial support of local churches but is now supported by a range of grants. Of a total grant income of £91,983, £70,983 was received from philanthropic sources, over half of which were awarded through the Tyne and Wear Community Foundation (£41, 345). Major grants received included £20,000 from Pea Green Boat, £15,000 from AB Charitable Trust, £14,554 from the Shears Foundation and £12,500 from Lloyds Bank Foundation. Other supporting funds included Daphne & Martin Cookson Fund, Muckle LLP, Creative Fuse and Watkin Family Fund.

The income received from grants in 2017 was less than half of that of 2016. Without increased support from grant funding, the future of WRES is at risk. The service now relies heavily upon financial support received through donations, which including gift aid, equalled £175,129 in 2017.

Vital Statistics (year to 31/12/2017)

Website

http://www.wers.org.uk/

References