Advice for new refugees: support in West Berkshire
West Berkshire Action for Refugees (WBAR)
West Berkshire Action for Refugees (WBAR) are a dedicated local charity who organise volunteers to support the resettlement of refugees.
They support the short and long-term resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in West Berkshire. They work alongside local government, local charitable organisations, schools and Reading Refugee Support Group.
They run regular drop-in sessions and support groups; for information on when and where these are currently taking place, please contact Teamleader@westberksrefugees.org or Caseworker@westberksrefugees.org. You can also Visit the WBAR Facebook page for more information.
Educafe
Educafe plays a central role in supporting families to settle and thrive in West Berkshire. They provide a welcoming and safe space to meet, eat, learn and make new friends. Their "Chatty Corner" sessions and tailored support groups help newcomers build social connections, reduce isolation, and feel part of their local community from the moment they arrive. This is complemented by signposting to wider services and opportunities, ensuring that families can access the right support at the right time.
Educafe also delivers a structured programme of formal ESOL courses. These classes enable learners to improve their English for everyday life, work, and study, building both confidence and employability.
Contact: info@edcuafeuk.co.uk
Food bank - help with food and other essentials
The food bank provides food and other essentials to people in need. To get help from the food bank, you must get a voucher from an organisation to say that you need the help. You can get vouchers from Citizens Advice, housing support officers, doctors surgeries, churches, social services and some local charities such as West Berkshire Action for Refugees (WBAR).
Visit the West Berks Foodbank website.
Loose Ends Newbury - free hot meals
Loose Ends provides free hot meals, a friendly face and a chance to socialise for people in need. They are located at the Cricket Club in Northcroft Park in Newbury. Visit the Loose Ends website for details of when they provide meals.
Newbury Soup Kitchen - free hot meals and outreach services
The Soup Kitchen provides fresh 3 course meals 3 times a week and a range of other services for those who are homeless, vulnerably housed or otherwise in need.
Visit the Newbury Soup Kitchen website for more information.
West Berkshire Libraries - free to use computers and WiFi
Become a West Berkshire libraries member to use the library computers, WiFi, printing and copying facilities. To use the computers you will need your library membership card number and your PIN.
Community Furniture Project
The community furniture project sells donated furniture, electrical and household items. It charges people on benefits and pensions 30% below the marked price of most items. Some people may qualify for free items if they meet certain specific criteria and are referred by other agencies because of exceptional need.
Contact WBAR or your housing officer for a referral.
Find out more about the community furniture project here.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. They can provide independent financial advice if you are in financial crisis.
Visit the Citizens Advice West Berkshire website.
Thatcham Baptist Church
Thatcham Baptist Church love to welcome new people and have an experienced Asylum Seeker and Refugee Support Worker.
Help with the cost of living
You can find cost of living support information on GOV.UK.
