Member Article

Dance City and West End Refugee Service (WERS) announce exciting new initiative – The Seven Bridges

Dance City and West End Refugee Service (WERS) are delighted to announce the development of a new concept kitchen brand, The Seven Bridges, in what will be a unique collaboration between the two organisations. Located at the Dance City building in Newcastle City Centre, The Seven Bridges aspires to be a world kitchen, a place where great food and drink offers the context for conversation and community cohesion with the idea of bridges to symbolise inter-place connectivity in a world where walls and divides seem to be growing.

At the heart of The Seven Bridges lies a deep commitment to empower WERS clients through training and development opportunities, whilst celebrating the diverse cultural communities of people seeking sanctuary through a range of events - from poetry to song. The kitchen is set to launch the Autumn with a menu created in collaboration between the staff and WERS volunteers showcasing the rich techniques and traditions of those who work there. Initially, The Seven Bridges will be open for lunch daily as well as evening events.

Says Anand Bhatt, Dance City Artistic Director and CEO:

“Dance City is delighted to be working with WERS on this special initiative. We want Seven Bridges to reflect the culinary heritage of those who seek sanctuary in Newcastle. Together, we will create a thriving kitchen at Dance City where customers can enjoy rich and wholesome food in a safe, respectful environment. We very much hope the venue will become a meeting point for cultural exchange and connection.”

“As we gain momentum, there will be a varied program of lunchtime and evening events, as well as future plans to provide outside catering including street vans, pops up and delivery apps.”

The Seven Bridges promises to be a powerful collaboration with local charity West End Refugee Service (WERS) whose mission is to create positive change for asylum seekers and refugees through their direct support services, raising awareness, promoting good practices, challenging injustice, and by creating opportunities for people seeking sanctuary to engage and thrive within their local communities.

Peter Noble, Chief Executive at WERS says:

“West End Refugee Service as part of its future strategy is establishing a small number of strategic partnerships to improve the lives of asylum seekers and refugees. Our collaboration with Dance City to create The Seven Bridges will help to improve the skills, capabilities and prospects of asylum seekers and refugees and provide a platform to raise awareness of the challenges they face and support they need from the local community.” Dance City has opened vacancies for a Kitchen Manager/Chef – a lead role at The Seven Bridges – as well as a Deputy Kitchen Manager and Café Assistant. This will be the beginning of an ongoing recruitment campaign for various paid and voluntary positions at the venue.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicky Mckeen .