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Durham RAS Project -Support for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

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Communities Together Durham supports refugees and asylum seekers placed in County Durham through our New Arrivals Pathway. We are the lead agency in County Durham working alongside the Home Office’s housing provider (MEARS) and Durham County Council.

We meet new arrivals at weekly drop ins. Each drop in is a place of advice, support, signposting and community. We offer practical and emotional support and work with wider communities to support integration.

Drop ins:

  • Bishop Auckland: Tuesday afternoon

  • Durham City: Wednesday morning

  • Stanley: Thursday morning

The Durham RAS project supports refugees and asylum seekers to integrate in local communities. We work with individuals to help them settle in their communities, improve their English, access social activities, find volunteering placements and signpost them to other sources of expert help. We are developing a volunteer scheme allowing refugees and asylum seekers to build relationships, gain skills and prepare for work and study.

In partnership with Justice First, we offer Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) accredited case work. This includes support with e-visas, universal credit, driving licenses and college applications. Support is available through our weekly drop ins or by getting in contact with us.

Contact us for more details.

Through the Bridge Project we support churches to engage with refugees and asylum seekers across the whole of Durham Diocese. See the Bridge Project for more information.

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