Community involvement
A weekly drop-in session is held every Tuesday, between 1pm and 3pm, at the Centre for the Community, 3 Robinson Street, South Shields.
Run jointly by CRTNE (Community Regeneration Trust North East) and STARCH (South Tyneside Asylum Seeker and Refugee Church Help) it is open to all asylum seekers and refugees, and provides an opportunity for people to meet to discuss any problems they may have or just to chat with friends over a coffee.
Interpreters are present, and representatives attend the drop-in from the voluntary sector, the Asylum team, health, education, Northumbria Police etc, who can provide assistance and support.
Regular events are organised, and after running now for several years the sessions continue to be popular and well attended.