New cafe and gallery to open in Taunton to support refugees
Dave Mann, Communications and External Affairs Director at CHARIS Refugees, said they were inspired to open the venue after seeing a rise in demand from people they work with as well as the local community."We realised how difficult it is, particularly for asylum seekers, who have come over here seeking sanctuary from war and left everything behind," Mr Mann said."They may be very highly qualified in their own work, but can't transfer those easily to jobs here. "We wanted to create a social enterprise that would give people opportunities to get on to the first rung of the employment ladder and help them get something very positive," he added.
CHARIS also provides support to refugees and asylum seekers through its welcome centre in Taunton which includes English classes, drop-in services, interpretation, benefits support, mental health advice and social activities. In past year the charity has worked with more than 1,300 displaced people - including 350 asylum seekers.The cafe is expected to open in June.
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