Communities Together Durham (CTD) has expanded its efforts to support asylum seekers and refugees across County Durham, thanks to new external funding. Originally established over a decade ago to help churches engage with local communities, CTD now plays a crucial role in assisting new arrivals.
The refugee and asylum team, led by Revd Joanne Thorns, provides practical support, advice and community integration opportunities through drop-in sessions and partnerships with local organisations. Project Development Officer Donna Brown oversees drop-ins and the New Arrivals Pathway, while Caseworker Jessie Luvai supports individuals and families navigating the asylum system. Integration Officer Sylvia Ochuba focuses on helping new arrivals settle into their communities through language support and volunteering.
With asylum seekers now arriving in County Durham for the first time, CTD is working closely with churches and local groups to foster welcoming communities. The organisation currently runs three drop-in centres and collaborates with voluntary sector partners to provide essential services.
Alongside its role in County Durham, the team continues to support the wider diocese, assisting parishes and groups that are working to support asylum seekers and refugees, or have questions about the system or where help is available. CTD aims to help all communities become ‘welcoming communities’ and offers support to parishes and schools seeking to explore a Christian response to migration and its implications.
For more information or to get involved, contact info@communitiestogetherdurham.org.uk or Joanne Thorns on 07883 779 030.
Pictured from left to right: Jessie Luvai, Joanne Thorns, Donna Brown and Sylvia Ochuba.