Many associated with the Refugee Project have been shocked by the recent proposed changes to the UK Asylum System which have been criticised by numerous charities working with refugees and asylum seekers. As we enter the season of Advent and approach Christmas we recall the Holy Family’s own flight as refugees, and as the Jesuit Refugee Service has stated, we continue ‘working for an asylum system that is humane, just, and rooted in solidarity with women, men, and children forced to flee their homes.’
At the Diocesan Jubilee Day event, our Project Co-ordinator, Azad, took questions regarding the project. He said that, ‘The foundation of the project is an extraordinary group of volunteers, many of whom are already active members of their parishes, who freely dedicate their time, energy, and compassion to supporting people in our community. What they offer is not just practical help, such as food or clothing, but also something deeper: a genuine sense of welcome. Their presence sends a powerful message to refugees and asylum seekers, reminding them that there are people who stand with them.’
He also commented on Catholic Social Teaching as ‘not only a body of principles, but as a living practice: treating every human being fairly, respectfully, and kindly, regardless of their colour, faith, gender, age, or belief. Witnessing this deepens my respect for the values of compassion and justice, reminding me that service to others is a form of hope. Faith, even across traditions, can inspire us to come together in dignity and solidarity.’
As we move into the colder winter months, our numbers are higher than ever, with over 650 individuals and families being supported in October. Recent registrations reflect clients from many different countries, with larger numbers from Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan and Syria. As we enter December, your support is needed more than ever. The full list of items required can be found here.
With the SVP, we continue to signpost clients to other services to ensure that they get the support they need. Recently, a lawyer from the Law Centre came to the project, providing advice to our clients, and this was gratefully received. Many of our clients continue to face housing challenges. This includes clients who have newly been given leave to remain and have been evicted from government accommodation. A member of Newcastle County Council Housing Department continues to visit the project regularly to offer advice to clients who find themselves in this situation. Also, in collaboration with the West End Refugee Service, we have recently referred two clients to enrol in free business training.
We continue to welcome schools to visit the project. Recently, pupils and staff from St James’ Primary School in Hebburn visited and donated produce which had been collected during their Harvest Festival. Thank you for your generous support! We look forward to welcoming other schools in the future to share the work we do with pupils.
We continue to rely on the generosity of individuals and parishes for donations for which we are incredibly grateful. As we continue to support more than 600 clients and their families each month, financial support for our work is also essential. Details of our bank account (DHN Justice & Peace Refugee Project) can be found on our webpage. Please consider Gift-Aiding – a Gift Aid Declaration form is available here.
For more details about our work and how you can assist, please contact our Project Co-ordinator at jp.refugeeproject@diocesehn.org.uk or visit our webpage.
Please be aware that the project will be closed over the Christmas break. It will close on Friday, 19th December and open again in the new year on Monday, 5th January.
Happy Advent and the blessings of the Christmas season to you all from the Justice and Peace Refugee Project.