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ABOUT US

Who We Are

The Ashford BME Association is a dedicated non-profit organisa​tion committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne. Our mission is to reduce social isolation and foster inclusion through culturally tailored services. By addressing key challenges like language barriers, access to essential services, and community integration, we empower individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Why We Exist

Refugees and asylum seekers in the UK face significant challenges, including social isolation, language barriers, and limited access to healthcare, housing, and employment. According to the Refugee Council:

  • 77% of refugees report experiencing loneliness after resettlement.
  • Only 49% are proficient in English upon arrival, making daily interactions and job opportunities difficult.
  • Local studies in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne highlight struggles in accessing vital services, exacerbating their vulnerability.

Our association was founded to bridge these gaps by offering targeted support that respects the cultural and linguistic diversity of those we serve.

Individual Level: Empowering Lives

  • ESOL Classes: We offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs to help refugees communicate effectively, gain confidence, and integrate into society.
  • Mental Health Support: Our culturally sensitive approach ensures individuals receive the emotional and psychosocial support they need.
  • Skill Development: We help individuals acquire practical skills to improve their employment prospects and independence.

Organisational Level: Tailored Services for Integration

  • Interpretation Services: We provide professional translation support to help refugees and asylum seekers navigate healthcare, education, and employment systems.
  • Cultural Support Programs: Our services are designed to honor diverse cultural backgrounds, making integration easier and more comfortable.
  • Collaboration with Local Authorities: We work with community organizations and policymakers to improve access to essential services.

Community Level: Building Bridges

  • Social Inclusion Initiatives: We host community events, cultural exchanges, and workshops to foster connections between refugees and local communities.
  • Advocacy & Awareness: We actively campaign for policy changes that benefit refugees, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
  • Safe Spaces for Connection: We create welcoming environments where refugees can build relationships and feel a true sense of belonging.

Our Vision & Mission

Vision: A society where every refugee and asylum seeker feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to build a fulfilling life.

Mission: To provide culturally tailored services that promote inclusion, empowerment, and long-term integration for refugees and asylum seekers in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Our Vision in Practice

Our vision is to create a society where refugees and asylum seekers feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to build fulfilling lives. To achieve this, we focus on:

By prioritising social inclusion and empowerment, we help individuals rebuild their confidence, establish connections, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Ashford BME Association is dedicated to reducing the social isolation of refugees and asylum seekers in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne by providing culturally tailored services designed to meet their unique needs and challenges. At the individual level, the organization focuses on fostering a sense of belonging and creating opportunities for social interaction. Recognizing the emotional and practical difficulties faced by refugees and asylum seekers, the association offers programs that respect their cultural backgrounds while promoting integration into their host communities.

These services include language support, such as English classes, to enhance communication skills and confidence. They also provide access to mental health resources, ensuring individuals receive the psychosocial support they need to cope with the trauma of displacement and adjustment to a new environment. Additionally, the association organizes community gatherings, workshops, and cultural exchange events to strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation.

By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, the Ashford BME Association empowers refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives, form meaningful connections, and participate actively in their new communities. The organization’s culturally sensitive approach ensures that individuals feel valued, respected, and included as they navigate their new lives in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne.

- To maintain the provision of culturally tailored services for refugees and asylum seekers in Kent & NewCastle-upon tyne. The Ashford BME Association provides ESOL classes for the refugees and asylum seekers in Kent & NewCastle-upon tyne. (Organisational level)

To sustain the delivery of culturally tailored services for refugees and asylum seekers in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne, the Ashford BME Association plays a vital role at the organizational level. One of its key initiatives is the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, which serve as a cornerstone of integration and empowerment for individuals navigating life in a new country.

These ESOL classes are specifically designed to address the unique needs of refugees and asylum seekers, taking into account their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The association collaborates with qualified instructors and language specialists to deliver lessons that go beyond basic language skills. The curriculum incorporates practical language use, including understanding everyday conversations, accessing public services, and engaging in employment-related communication. This holistic approach ensures participants gain the confidence and capability to interact within.

Our mission is to provide culturally tailored services for refugees and asylum seekers in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne. We understand that people who come to the UK seeking safety often face many challenges, such as language barriers, trauma, and adjusting to a new culture. At our organization, we aim to make their journey easier by offering support that respects their unique backgrounds and needs.

We provide help in important areas like housing, education, healthcare, and finding jobs. Our programs are designed to ensure refugees and asylum seekers feel valued and understood. By tailoring our services to fit their cultural and personal needs, we make sure they feel comfortable and supported as they adjust to life in a new country.

Building strong connections between refugees and local communities is also a key part of what we do. Through activities like community events, mentoring, and advocacy, we promote understanding and reduce discrimination. We want to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and included.

Our work is not just about meeting basic needs but also about helping individuals and families grow and succeed. We aim to give them the tools and confidence to build new lives, contribute to society, and achieve their potential.

By focusing on culturally sensitive and personalized support, we are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. We believe everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity, hope, and opportunities for a better future.

- The Ashford BME Association provides ESOL classes for the refugees and asylum seekers in Kent & NewCastle-upon tyne. (Individual level)

The Ashford BME Association provides ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes to help refugees and asylum seekers in Kent and Newcastle upon Tyne. Learning English is an important step for people who have moved to a new country, as it helps them adjust to their new lives, communicate with others, and access services.

Refugees and asylum seekers often face challenges when they arrive, including difficulties in understanding the local language. Without English, it can be hard to talk to doctors, teachers, or employers, which can make daily life stressful. The ESOL classes offered by the Ashford BME Association are designed to make learning English easier and more comfortable for them.

The classes are taught in a supportive and friendly environment, with teachers who understand the unique needs of refugees and asylum seekers. These lessons focus on practical English skills, such as