LAUNCH OF ACAA REFUGEE CENTRE BRANCH IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

LAUNCH OF ACAA REFUGEE CENTRE BRANCH IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

We are delighted to invite you to the official launch of the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association (ACAA) Newcastle upon Tyne Branch. This event marks a significant step in expanding ACAA’s work in the North East, with a strong focus on supporting refugees and migrants, promoting inclusion, and strengthening community cohesion across Newcastle and the surrounding areas.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant and culturally diverse city, with a population of around 300,000 people and a steadily growing community. Around 16% of residents are born outside the UK, reflecting Newcastle’s appeal as a welcoming city and its long-standing commitment to diversity. The city is proudly recognised as a City of Sanctuary.

In recent years, the number of refugees and migrants living in Newcastle has increased, reflecting both global displacement trends and the city’s inclusive approach. Communities in Newcastle come from a wide range of countries and regions, including Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Eritrea, as well as South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. This diversity enriches the cultural, social, and economic life of the city and contributes to its dynamic community landscape.

ACAA will be the first Afghan-led organisation in Newcastle upon Tyne, filling a crucial gap in culturally informed services, community representation, and cultural provision for Afghan and Central Asian communities. The new branch will support refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through community activities, advice, advocacy, cultural events, and partnership working.

ACAA looks forward to working in close collaboration with Newcastle City Council, local MPs, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations, and community partners, alongside established local organisations, to deliver meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable support for communities across the city.

📅 DATE: Friday 20 February 2026

🕖 TIME: 5PM – 9PM

📍LOCATION: 3RD FLOOR, THE LIGHTBOX, Q2, QUORUM BUSINESS PARK, BENTON LANE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE12 8BU

TICKETS: FREE ENTRY

FREE AFGHAN FOOD & TRADITIONAL LIVE MUSIC IS INCLUDED.

Closest Train station: Four Lane Ends Metro Station

For any Queries, please contact Darius Nasimi on Whatsapp on 07440153483.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE HonDSS(RHUL), Founder and CEO, Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA)

SPEAKERS:

TBC

Councillor Nabeela Ali, Labour Councillor for Monument Ward, Newcastle City Council

Representative from Action Foundation, Award-winning Refugee Charity in Newcastle

EVENT SCHEDULE:

17:00 – 17:30 | Official Ribbon-cutting ceremony

17:30 - 17:40 | Welcome Remarks by Moderator

17:40 – 18:00 | Keynote Address: Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE HonDSS(RHUL)

18:30 – 19:30 | Panel Discussion + Q&A

19:30 – 20:30 | Traditional Afghan Food & Live Music

20:30 – 21:00 | Networking

About ACAA:

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is an award-winning British charity based in London and established in 2001 with a long history of delivering advice, support and integration support for refugees and asylum seekers across the UK. ACAA was founded by Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, who arrived as a refugee in the back of a refrigerated container with his young family in 1999. The charity has steadily grown and is now the largest Afghan diaspora-led charity in the UK, with 4 offices across the UK - Hounslow, Harrow, Birmingham and Liverpool.

ACAA is a well-established community-based charity delivering practical, educational and emotional support to refugees and racially minoritised people from around the world including those from Afghanistan, Syria and the Ukraine. Our extensive experience of working directly with newly arrived refugees in crisis and successful model for refugee integration work means we understand the needs of refugees and new migrants and how to respond to them to ensure the best outcomes for the immediate and long term.

Join us on Friday 20 February and find out more!

We hope you can join us in what promises to be an informative and eye opening evening bringing our communities together.

We hope to see you there!

💬 INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OR BOOKING A FREE STALL?

PLEASE CONTACT US:📧 📞 07769406432, 07380856052

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