As a new year begins, many of us make new year’s resolutions and express our hopes for the year ahead.
The United Nations Refugee Agency UK recently shared their hopes for 2026.
‘With 2026 fast approaching, we’re manifesting a new year with an abundance of safety and dignity for people forced to flee. A future where families don’t have to face winter without warmth. Where people rebuilding their lives are met with opportunity, not barriers. Where compassion isn’t the exception, it’s the norm. These aren’t just hopes. With the right support, they’re within reach. Help us turn our manifestations into reality.’
Over the last year, The Refugee Project has supported over 1,000 individuals and families and we aim to continue to do all we can in 2026 to assist those asylum seekers in our community who rely on our welcome and support.
During December, the Project was extremely busy. In addition to receiving food and toiletries, your generosity also helped make it possible for us to distribute Christmas SVP vouchers – either £5.00 or £10.00, depending on each client’s circumstances – which could be used to purchase clothing, household items and food from the SVP centre. Clients were grateful to receive these vouchers and feedback was very positive from clients who were able to purchase items they needed very cheaply from the SVP.
As previously reported, we are very concerned about the rising number of our clients facing housing challenges, many of whom are from Sudan, who having been granted leave to remain and contacting the council for support with housing, are being evicted from hotel accommodation with nowhere to live. Our Project Co-ordinator, Azad, has raised this with the local authority, as has the SVP manager at St Vincent’s Centre.
Those at the Refugee Project would like to congratulate the SVP at the Centre who have recently been awarded the City of Sanctuary Award, which recognises that they provide a safe space for those seeking sanctuary. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the SVP in 2026.
We are aware at the Project of the importance of our clients gaining the ability to speak English to help them to integrate into their new communities. WEA Adult Learning Within Reach has recently communicated with the project to offer ESOL lessons to those clients who currently cannot access lessons at Newcastle College. An open day has been set for January 13th.
As part of our work to strengthen links with local schools, Azad, our Project Co-ordinator, and one of our volunteers recently visited St Matthew’s Primary School in Prudhoe, where they gave a presentation to staff and pupils and involved pupils in activities. A huge thank you, also, to St Mary’s Secondary School who presented us with several hampers – we are overwhelmed with your generosity. Thank you!
The Refugee Project re-opens to clients after Christmas on 5th January. Items most urgently needed can be found here. We continue to rely on the generosity of individuals and parishes for donations for which we are incredibly grateful. 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.
Happy New Year to you all from the Justice and Peace Refugee Project.