WERS West End Refugee Service

17/06/2026

We all come from somewhere.

Proud to be part of this thoughtful project with The Vindolanda Trust, connecting ancient stories of movement and belonging with people building new lives in the North East today.

Vindolanda Trust | New research project announced

What can Roman pottery reveal about migration, identity and belonging?

A new 12-month research project from the Vindolanda Trust is exploring North African-style pottery discovered along Hadrian's Wall, uncovering stories of movement, cultural exchange and connection across the Roman world.

Working in partnership with West End Refugee Service, people with lived experience of migration will help shape the research, bringing contemporary perspectives to ancient stories and culminating in a public exhibition and conference at the Roman Army Museum.

Read more ⬇️

https://romanarmymuseum.com/about/pottery-research/

15/06/2026

This Refugee Week we celebrate courage.

We see that courage every day in the people we work alongside - in those rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, learning a new language and becoming part of our communities.

At WERS, we are proud to stand alongside refugees and people seeking asylum across the North East. We are also grateful to everyone who stands with us.

01/05/2026

A brilliant day at Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum - taking advantage of the sunshine while bringing people together to explore history and enjoy the North East countryside!

The live excavation made it something special! 🌞

20/04/2026

20/04/2026

More than 250 people came together at Gosforth Civic Theatre for a night of music, community and support for West End Refugee Service.

Thanks to everyone who joined us and to Clive, Rachel, Archie Brown and the Young Bucks and Jam Jah, the team at Gosforth Civic Theatre and all those who donated prizes and gave their time - we raised £4,823🥳

We’re really grateful!

15/04/2026

For the past few weeks at our Weekly Welcomes, we’ve been joined by the Nourish Food School bringing their community cookery classes into the heart of what we do:

People cooking together
Sharing skills.
Learning from one another

A simple space where conversations start, confidence grows and connections form.

This is what community looks like!

21/03/2026

A new chapter for WERS

15/03/2026

For too long, debates about immigration have been used to justify racism and division.

That’s why we’re proud to be early adopters of the Become the Bridge pledge by the North East Anti-Racism Coalition.

Our trustee Sally Young signed the pledge on behalf of West End Refugee Service at the launch event in Durham, joining organisations across the region committed to challenging racism and standing for a fairer, stronger North East.

More in our blog on our website.

08/03/2026

We have prepared a short explainer on what the new asylum reforms mean in practice - and why they will shape how organisations like WERS operate in the months ahead.

03/03/2026

Expiry dates on refugee status create uncertainty that holds people back from work, learning and contributing.

Integration and employment require stability - people need to feel secure enough to put down roots.

Home secretary announces 30-month protection limit, with refugees required to leave if their home countries are later judged safe