Find services and support for refugees and asylum seekers

IPC promote the economic and social inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers and other minority communities in the North East. IPC advocate for vulnerable immigrants and provide links to vital services as well as opportunities for education, training and rewarding recreational activities. Many other projects on offer to promote integration and mental health and wellbeing. Also recruiting volunteers.

Mon/Fri – please ring for times of availbilty

REPOD is a partnership between IPC, Health Education England North East (HEENE) and health trusts in the North East of England. As part of the project, IPC provides English classes two days a week to enable refugee doctors to pass the IELTS or OET exams. These qualifications in English language are required for medics trained in other countries to practise in the UK. After passing the IELTS or OET, doctors are then required to pass two medical exams (PLAB 1 and PLAB 2) before they can apply for jobs within the NHS. Working with local health trusts, IPC supports these medical practitioners in finding clinical placements and ultimately applying for NHS jobs.

Limited places. Health Care professionals – particularly Doctors should enquire. Please ring to make an appointment for an interview to assess suitability/availability of places.

Please email/phone to arrange an appointment.

The Other Perspective is a community interest company and an entrepreneurial platform for diverse regional communities registered in England and Wales. What do we do? The Other Perspective combines the latest business technologies with an emphasis on helping motivated individuals find employment and develop personal skills. Host to TOP Translation, TOP Catering and TOP HR.

Open to all – but with an emphasis to address the needs of diverse communities.

Please email/phone to arrange an appointment.

ESOL information

• Informal class
• Childcare – not provided
• Travel – not reimbursed
• Referral method – job centre referral

ESOL part-time courses for 19+  from pre-entry to Level 2. ESOL full-time courses for under 19 from pre-entry to Level 2. 19+. 19+ classes: people on most types of benefit other than WTC and Child Benefit are eligible for a free course. Eligibility criteria is to meet Adult Education Budget. Under 19 classes: all eligible for free course, irrespective of residency status.

Our ESOL learners develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as well as their Employability skills. They also all develop their study skills with independent learning per week.

Travel to classes may be reimbursed.

Childcare may be covered.

Please refer to website or ring for further details.

NUR Fitness offers several courses and services:

• The Employability Course is tailored for the participants’ needs. Subjects covered include: CV writing, Interview Skills, Presentation skills.
• The ‘Intro to Social Media – Tailored’ course introduces all aspects of the internet and social media to participants who want to start up their own businesses.
• Mental Health covers all areas of mental health, self help, positive thinking and empowerment.
• Other services include fitness, cooking, henna art, sewing, outdoor walking and more.

Please contact Shazia or Nusrat for information of course dates.

Youth Employment Intiative providing advice and guidance for positive outcomes in education and training.

MON/FRI 9AM -5PM but can be flexible

We can help young people get experience, learn skills and gain qualifications. This is via a mentor who can assist in many avenues such as self employment, providing tools and equipment and placing on training and workshops and financial assistance to pay for interview clothes.

15 – 29 yr olds who are eligible for pathways across Stockton and the Tees Valley and are not in education, employment or training. Please note some travel costs and other expenses are covered.

Personalised hours depending on level of support required. Usually around a 3 month programme.

The National Careers Service provides high quality, free and impartial careers advice, information and guidance in the from of outreach. Their service is available to anyone aged 13+ no matter what stage of the careers journey you’re at.

Call 0800 100 900 Mon – Fri 8am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm to speak to an adviser.

Assistance with physical or mental ill health, a lack of self-confidence, a gap in your skills, if you have a criminal record, or have an addiction.

We can help with education and training, building your strengths, improving your skills and finding and applying for job opportunities

We help you to build on your strengths and focus on what you want to do and we’re committed to making a real and lasting change for you.

We help you get the most out of voluntary or job chances and we work with local employers to create new opportunities.

Please ring for current opening hours.

The Back in Control Project is a three-year project taking place between 2019-2022 and has been created by the International Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS) in collaboration with several other organisations. People from ethnic minority groups are being exploited at work and can be victims of modern slavery. Victims will be given support through one-to-one advice, advocacy and upskilling, which will improve their confidence and self-esteem. ICOS will share best practices and collaborate with employers in order for them to improve their workplace practices.

ICOS gets in contact with external agencies, face to face, via telephone and email