“We can begin the process of making community wherever we are. We can begin by sharing a smile, a warm greeting, a bit of conversation; by doing a kind deed or by acknowledging kindness offered to us.” – bell hooks
Refugee Week (16–22 June) is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. This year’s theme is Community as a Superpower, and there are many ways to take part.
The Refugee Week website offers a wide range of ideas and resources, from hosting film screenings to taking part in “simple acts” such as sharing food or meeting someone new. You can also download resource packs for neighbourhoods or children and young people, and access free online films.
While Refugee Week is a key moment in the year, support for people seeking sanctuary is needed all year round. There are many organisations in our region working to promote migration justice and inclusion, and they need volunteers.
Volunteering for migration justice is a powerful way to support individuals and families seeking safety, dignity, and fair life chances. Across the world, millions of people are displaced due to conflict, persecution, climate change, and economic hardship. As a volunteer, you can play a crucial role in advocating for fair policies, providing direct assistance, and building a more inclusive society.
Fostering a welcoming community is a vital act of solidarity. Offering mentorship, support, job training, or simply friendship to those adjusting to a new culture can make a lasting difference.
Get involved locally
Being part of a welcoming community makes a lasting impact. From friendship to practical support, volunteers help refugees and asylum seekers navigate new environments and rebuild their lives.
- Host Nation connects asylum seekers and refugees with local friends in Tyneside. Watch their short video here.
- Roots for Change offers roles including shop volunteers, paperwork support, and foodbank drivers.
- Xenia provides safe, welcoming spaces for women from all backgrounds. You could start a group in your area.
- Cedarwood Trust runs a Ukrainian-speaking club, where local and Ukrainian residents share culture and language.
- Tyneside Welcomes helps resettled families adapt to life in the UK, with roles supporting both families and the charity’s operations.
- Walking With in North Tyneside is often the first support stop for asylum seekers and refugees in North Tyneside. Find out more here.
Support English learning
- Teakisi is looking for ESOL volunteers at their Tales Without Borders library in Blyth.
- Refunet offers remote opportunities for teaching English and conversation support.
Offer practical help
- Care4Calais needs volunteers for befriending, activity coordination, and casework.
- Action Foundation welcomes English teachers and volunteers at drop-ins.
- Give Your Best offers online clothing support for women and children, and is looking for volunteers to help coordinate.
Raise awareness and advocate for change
Migration justice isn’t just about direct support—it’s also about challenging injustice, sharing stories, and campaigning for change.
- Refunet lists ways to get involved in advocacy here.
- Tynemouth Together with Refugees is part of a national coalition promoting fairer treatment for refugees.
- Refugee Women helps women recover from persecution and share their experiences. Learn how to support here.
- Migrant Voice trains people to share their stories with the media. You can join campaigns or share your story. See more here.
- The Regional Refugee Forum supports refugee-led advocacy in the North East.
- Imix helps people with lived experience share their stories and shape media narratives. They have opportunities for people with lived experience to share their stories, as well as opportunities for people with media or communications experience to volunteer.
- Migrants Organise combines frontline support with organising and campaigning for justice. Find current volunteering opportunities here.
The North East has long been shaped by migration. The stories, traditions and resilience of people who have moved here continue to enrich our communities.
Volunteering for migration justice is not just about helping others—it’s about building a world where everyone has the right to live safely and freely. Even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change.
