Regional Refugee Forum North East

04/09/2026

"What makes a good funding application?"
"Where can I find a funder?"
"What are the tips to increase our chance of success?"

These are the questions we often hear from our communities, so we brought members together to share our knowledge.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of gathering with our Tyneside members to discuss bid writing tips. Our Coordinator Thiago emphasised the importance of clearly defining organisational needs, noting that strong bids are built through disciplined follow-through. Our Community Development Officer Judy encouraged members to start with smaller grants, and gradually build up their confidence and experience in applying for larger funds.

We thank the members for joining and sharing their experience, as well as asking inspiring questions that help build collective knowledge. We are also grateful to Newcastle Building Society for their partnership and for providing their community space in Newcastle city centre to host our members.

Our members around Teesside can still join us for a session on the 10th in Middlesbrough. Drop us a message to reserve a space.

26/08/2026

At the Regional Refugee Forum North East (RRFNE), we work hard to stand with our communities on safety and stability.

In June, we teamed up with Cleveland Police and our members for an honest conversation about hate crime. Yesterday, our coordinator Thiago took that work a step further, meeting with Matthew Storey and Sarah Wilson to talk about how the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland can work with our refugee-led community organisations (RCOs) to prevent and tackle hate crime.

We know that many people don't report hate crime because of distrust of police forces. That's why we're asking police authorities to maintain regular dialogue with our RCOs, stay open with us, and help shape policies together with the people they're meant to protect.

Thank you, Matthew and Sarah, for taking the time to meet with us. We're hopeful this leads to real, lasting change for our communities.

17/07/2026

The “move on” from asylum support to independent living can be full of questions and worry – but our communities have the answers.

The new Move On Guides for Newly Granted Refugees were co‑produced by:

- People with lived-experience from RRFNE member groups.
- Refugee-led community organisations (RCOs) and statutory partners.
- Our partners at the North East Migration Partnership (NEMP)

Together, we turned years of shared experience into a practical, multilingual tool that explains, in clear steps, how to:
Apply for State Benefits Find a Job Find Somewhere to Live Manage your Money Find the Right Support and Guidance

This is what co‑production looks like in the North East: individuals with lived-experience, community groups, and statutory partners designing solutions side‑by‑side, so fewer people are left without support when asylum support ends.

👉 Download the Move On Guides:
https://www.nemp.org.uk/hubs/asylum-hub/move-on-information-for-newly-granted-refugees/

Please share this with anyone seeking asylum, individuals who have recently been granted refugee status, and organisations and allies who stand with them.

If you have been granted a positive decision, or if you are currently awaiting a decision, the information below will...

10/07/2026

Yesterday, we brought members together for a conversation about the role of trustees. The session was organised in partnership with Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.

It was a valuable opportunity to reflect on what good governance looks like, why trustee boards matter, and how strong leadership can help organisations stay rooted in their values while supporting the communities they serve.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their thoughts and experience. We’re proud to create space for learning, connection, and shared action across our network.

Stay tuned for more details of our upcoming training sessions and conversations.

22/06/2026

During Refugee Week, we asked our members what courage means to them.

One member shared:
"Courage to me means allowing myself to be educated when I arrived in the UK – learning about words like depression, resilience and mental health. And then sharing my story and my lived experience with strangers, seeking support for myself and my community."

Another member told us:
"Unity, tolerance, kindness and respect give new arrivals the courage to integrate, contribute their talents and thrive."

These reflections remind us that courage is both personal and collective. It takes courage to learn, to ask for support, to share your story, and to build communities where everyone feels welcome and valued.

🧡 What does courage mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

19/06/2026

A great morning for Thiago from the Regional Refugee Forum North East at the Stockton Refugee and Asylum Seekers Services Fair, held at Jubilee Church on 16 June.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet refugees and people seeking asylum, connect with local organisations, and learn more about the support available across the Tees Valley.

Events like this help bring people together, build connections, and ensure that members of our communities know where they can find support, advice, and opportunities to get involved.

We encourage members of the refugee and asylum seeker community, organisations, and community partners to join future events, learn about local services, make new connections, and be part of a supportive and welcoming environment.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the event such a positive and inclusive space. Citizens Advice Open Door North East Refugee Futures British Red Cross