Volunteering & Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees
The Refugee and Asylum County Durham project offer a warm welcome and practical support to asylum seekers and refugees who have recently arrived in the County. Many people reaching the UK find themselves navigating unfamiliar systems, limited resources, and significant uncertainty. We work with partners as part of the New Arrival Pathways Programme, once notified of a new arrival we send a message of welcome and an invite to a drop in. Our aim is simple: to provide clear, compassionate support that helps individuals and families feel more secure, get to know their community and be informed and connected as they settle into life here.
Welcoming refugees and asylum seekers is far more than an act of kindness; it is a practical expression of Christian hospitality and a commitment to justice. At a time when many people are forced to flee conflict, persecution, or hardship, churches have a unique opportunity to offer safety, dignity, and belonging. Opening the doors to those seeking sanctuary reflects a deep biblical calling to care for the stranger and to build communities where everyone is valued.
Our RAS project tries to offer Christian hospitality. Our Dropins provide safe, informal spaces where people can relax, ask questions, meet others, and access support during what is often an overwhelming and uncertain period. These gatherings help to break down isolation — one of the most significant challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers — and create opportunities for genuine friendship and understanding to grow.
They provide one-to-one support and offer guidance on a range of practical needs, including understanding the asylum process, managing important documents, accessing essential services, accessing English classes and receiving general advice around housing, finance, well-being and day-to-day living. Our volunteers and partner organisations work together to ensure that people can access trustworthy information and feel confident taking the next steps in their journey.
A crucial part of this welcome is supporting people to learn English. Without language, everyday tasks become barriers: booking appointments, navigating public transport, or simply chatting with neighbours. Dropins often become the first place where people feel confident enough to practise English in a friendly, pressurefree environment.
Our focus is on dignity, inclusion and compassion — values that continue to shape everything we do. By working closely with local groups, faith communities, and voluntary partners, we aim to play a small but meaningful part in helping people build safer, more stable futures in our region.
Our drop ins in County Durham all take place in local churches and we are supported by volunteers who offer welcome and a friendly face. When churches welcome refugees and asylum seekers, they affirm a simple truth: everyone deserves a place to belong. Dropins, are not ‘just drop ins’ but places of warmth, friendship, and opportunities to learn. Drop ins across the Diocese offer an essential lifeline and welcome to Refugees and Asylum Seekers, giving hope and Christian hospitality at what is often a difficult and confusing time.
If you or your church wants to hear more about our work get in touch. Communities Together Durham can offer information, support, guidance about supporting refugees. We are particularly looking for volunteers who can offer English language classes or places to offer volunteer places.
If you or your organisation or community group would like to collaborate with us, or if you wish to learn more about our work, please get in touch through our general enquiries email info@communitiestogetherdurham.org.uk
