About Darlington Assistance for Refugee

Darlington Assistance for Refugees is a charity local to Darlington.

Being a refugee or asylum seeker means reaching a foreign land after fleeing one’s home in fear. It means leaving everything and everyone behind.

DAR's volunteers work alongside refugees and asylum seekers from Ukraine and elsewhere as they rebuild their lives in Darlington and the North East of England.

DAR offer English language classes, assistance with paperwork and appointments as well as much needed friendship. They also assist with providing links into the community services, such as school, doctors and food banks. Finally, DAR work to source and supply essentials such as pre-loved furniture.

Once their status becomes certain, DAR keeps assisting them as well as we can, for example by providing bicycles to move around independently or supporting them in tasks such as finding employment or starting a business.

DAR believe that integration is a process that requires consistent and wholehearted efforts from all parties. Our members are committed to this ideal, and we work constantly towards building a welcoming environment for refugees in the North East.

The Challenge

The route is a 15-mile walk that closely follows the original route that the Stockton to Darlington railway. This unique fusion of historical pride, contemporary community care, and collaborative support honours our shared heritage as we walk towards a future of hope and solidarity.