The Access Foundation has awarded £11,225 to West End Refugee Service (WERS) to support their new Digital Bridges project, helping refugees and asylum seekers in Newcastle build vital digital skills and confidence.

WERS is a local charity dedicated to supporting people fleeing war, persecution, and hardship as they rebuild their lives in the UK. Their services range from meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and hardship grants, to creating opportunities for learning, volunteering, and community integration. Each year, more than 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers benefit from WERS’s wide-ranging programmes, supported by staff and over 80 dedicated volunteers.

The Digital Bridges project will provide twice-weekly IT clubs at WERS and outreach venues across the city. With access to laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, participants will be supported to:

· Learn how to use everyday apps for health, banking, and language learning.

· Gain confidence in online safety, cyber-security, and spotting scams.

· Improve employability skills, from CV writing to online job searches.

· Share positive stories and experiences safely through social media, helping build community understanding and reduce prejudice.

Importantly, the project will be co-delivered by staff and volunteers with lived experience of seeking asylum, ensuring sessions are not only practical but also empowering and relatable.

By tackling digital exclusion, Digital Bridges will help refugees and asylum seekers feel more connected, independent, and able to thrive in their new community. For many, these skills will be life-changing—enabling them to access healthcare, education, and employment while finding their voice in a digital world.