West End Refugee Service succeeding with Henry Smith

Volunteer Co-ordinator Carol with Evelyne the Clothing Store Supervisor and other WERS volunteers

The West End Refugee Service (WERS) is now into its second year of Henry Smith Charity funding which is supporting a Volunteer Co-ordinator for a total of three years. Through a long-standing partnership, Henry Smith Charity grants in the North East of England are assessed and managed by the Community Foundation.

WERS provides practical and emotional support to 800 asylum seekers and refugees in the West End of Newcastle and gives assistance and advice regarding health, welfare and resettlement, and services available in the city. It also operates a clothing store, emergency hardship fund, an awareness-raising programme and a befriending service with over 70 volunteers.

Carol Willis and Jo Cottrell share the Volunteer Co-ordinator post. Carol said:

“The volunteers are vital to this organisation as we have limited resources and, as there are so many of them, it is essential to have a full-time Co-ordinator post to make sure that the volunteers get the most out of their time with us and that their skills are appropriately matched with what we need. We are very grateful to the Henry Smith Charity for our Volunteer Co-ordinator funding in what is a very difficult time for small charities, community and voluntary organisations.”

If you would like to support organisations like WERS the Community Foundation can help. For more information click here or call 0191 222 0945.