Bridgewaymission Bridging the gap between the refugees' country
Bridgewaymission Bridging the gap between the refugees' country
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Refugee Support Services at Bridgeway Mission

Refugee Support Services at Bridgeway MissionRefugee Support Services at Bridgeway MissionRefugee Support Services at Bridgeway Mission

Refugee Support Services at Bridgeway Mission

Refugee Support Services at Bridgeway MissionRefugee Support Services at Bridgeway MissionRefugee Support Services at Bridgeway Mission

Who We Are?

Woman with glasses in a beige fur coat smiling indoors.

Meet Our Founder

More About Bridgeway Mission

More About Bridgeway Mission

The Co-Founder of Bridgeway Mission is Souzan Yousif. Originally from Iraq, she has been based in Colchester since 2007. Together with her husband, Raied Ajaj, she officially started the Mission on 1st August 2018. Both are members of the UK-based Mahabba network, and I coordinate the Colchester Mahabba group, which focuses on community a

The Co-Founder of Bridgeway Mission is Souzan Yousif. Originally from Iraq, she has been based in Colchester since 2007. Together with her husband, Raied Ajaj, she officially started the Mission on 1st August 2018. Both are members of the UK-based Mahabba network, and I coordinate the Colchester Mahabba group, which focuses on community assistance for local residents through prayer and social action. The role of Bridgeway includes providing refugee support to newly arrived migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Eastern regions, helping them integrate culturally with their local host community. They organize regular social events that allow residents to meet and befriend families from Middle Eastern and Eastern backgrounds in a welcoming and informal environment. Additionally, they offer practical support by supplying food and clothing donations for those in need and finding opportunities for work experience, which can ultimately lead to full-time employment.

Smiling older couple posing outdoors in winter clothing.

More About Bridgeway Mission

More About Bridgeway Mission

More About Bridgeway Mission

Bridgeway Mission is part of the Mahabba network, and they have the Colchester Mahabba group, which meets regularly with other members to pray for people from Middle Eastern and Eastern backgrounds. We also provide community assistance and services to various local BAME groups, including recent support for families from Afghanistan who ha

Bridgeway Mission is part of the Mahabba network, and they have the Colchester Mahabba group, which meets regularly with other members to pray for people from Middle Eastern and Eastern backgrounds. We also provide community assistance and services to various local BAME groups, including recent support for families from Afghanistan who have been relocated to Colchester. Our ministry operates without barriers, embracing everyone as somebody, regardless of religion, background, age, ethnicity, nationality, or social and economic status. The individuals we reach out to can unite as a family in an atmosphere filled with love, spirit, truth, and power. The Word of God, which commands us to love, forms the foundation of our mission. We strive to apply this principle through every activity, promoting cultural integration among diverse communities. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

Person flying a yellow kite at sunset over hills.

Let's go fly a kite!

More About Bridgeway Mission

Let's go fly a kite!

In an epic act of solidarity and welcome, on 20th August 2022, colours danced throughout the skies as thousands of Afghan kites flew across the UK and Europe, marking one year since the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. As the skies welcomed our kites, we embraced those who arrived here on the 20th of August 2021, highlighting our commi

In an epic act of solidarity and welcome, on 20th August 2022, colours danced throughout the skies as thousands of Afghan kites flew across the UK and Europe, marking one year since the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. As the skies welcomed our kites, we embraced those who arrived here on the 20th of August 2021, highlighting our commitment to community assistance and cultural integration. Bridgeway had a wonderful day enjoying the art of flying kites with Afghani families in the castle park in Colchester, where both children and adults participated in creating their own kites, fostering a sense of belonging and support for refugees.

About Us

Partnerships with Others

Partnerships with Others

Partnerships with Others

Bridgeway is in partnership with Fordham Church, Castle Methodist Church, Christ Church, Mersea Methodist Church, Well Methodist Church, Ark Methodist Church, Wimple Methodist Church, St Andrew's Marks Tey Church, and Wivenhoe Methodist Church to enhance community assistance and promote cultural integration. They are also collaborating wi

Bridgeway is in partnership with Fordham Church, Castle Methodist Church, Christ Church, Mersea Methodist Church, Well Methodist Church, Ark Methodist Church, Wimple Methodist Church, St Andrew's Marks Tey Church, and Wivenhoe Methodist Church to enhance community assistance and promote cultural integration. They are also collaborating with the V-Team from The University of Essex, Sixth Form Colchester, and Make Happen from the University of Essex to provide essential refugee support.

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Who are we?

Partnerships with Others

Partnerships with Others

Bridgeway Mission is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charity number: 1195873. We understand the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic barriers that minority families face when they arrive in the UK. As a hub for community assistance, we focus on cultural integration and empower families in need from the Middle East and Eastern co

Bridgeway Mission is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), charity number: 1195873. We understand the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic barriers that minority families face when they arrive in the UK. As a hub for community assistance, we focus on cultural integration and empower families in need from the Middle East and Eastern countries, including refugees, new immigrants, and other minority ethnic groups. Additionally, Bridgeway Mission provides vital refugee support and services to various BAME groups, most recently assisting families from Afghanistan who are living in Colchester.

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Our mission

Partnerships with Others

Our mission

Our primary focus is sharing Godʼs love with people from Middle Eastern and Eastern backgrounds. Our vision is both spiritual and practical. We seek to provide community assistance to our Middle Eastern and Eastern background neighbours in meaningful ways, meeting them at their point of need. Our aim is to help them integrate into their l

Our primary focus is sharing Godʼs love with people from Middle Eastern and Eastern backgrounds. Our vision is both spiritual and practical. We seek to provide community assistance to our Middle Eastern and Eastern background neighbours in meaningful ways, meeting them at their point of need. Our aim is to help them integrate into their local communities through building their understanding, confidence, and self-esteem, while encouraging their ongoing education and employment. Bridgeway Mission supports refugees and asylum seekers in Colchester from the Middle East and Eastern countries, enhancing their social communications and reducing isolation. We create opportunities for friendships and build a social network. Offering a warm space and a social community hub, we provide holistic support that includes physical, material, and social assistance such as clothes, food, and electronic devices. Additionally, we focus on cultural integration by helping with education, volunteering opportunities, and training for employment and careers, while also providing sign-posting, advocacy, and referrals to organizations. All these efforts contribute to improving their mental health and wellbeing, helping to bridge the gap between their country of origin and their new home.

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Support Us

Partnerships with Others

Our mission

In August 2021, we welcomed 170 people who came from Afghanistan following the Taliban issues in Kabul. We collaborated with local churches and community groups to provide essential donations such as fridges, a washing machine, a cooker, sofas, and beds to support the newly arrived families in their journey of cultural integration. With t

In August 2021, we welcomed 170 people who came from Afghanistan following the Taliban issues in Kabul. We collaborated with local churches and community groups to provide essential donations such as fridges, a washing machine, a cooker, sofas, and beds to support the newly arrived families in their journey of cultural integration. With the assistance of Essex County Council, we are organizing grants and social events aimed at fostering community assistance for newcomers from Afghanistan to Colchester. Bridgeway Mission extends its gratitude to All Churches Trust for the funds received on January 1, 2022, which enable us to continue our refugee support efforts by feeding Afghan families and providing them with necessary furniture. In 2023, we supported asylum seekers residing in a hotel in Dedham, meeting their needs with food, clothes, devices, bikes, and more. By 2024, our efforts expanded to support around 1500 asylum seekers in Wethersfield camp, ensuring they had access to food, bikes, devices, backpacks, laptops, clothes, and other essentials. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can donate to our Stewardship partner account number: 20370847 (Bridgeway Mission) OR to Bridgeway Mission’s bank account, sort code 20-19-97, account number 23244741. Additionally, Bridgeway Mission CIO is registered on Amazonsmile.co.uk; by choosing Bridgeway Mission charity while shopping through them, we receive £0.5 donations from Amazon Smile for each item purchased. https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1195873-0

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Donate to Bridgeway

Partnerships with others

Bridgeway Community Hub

We help people bridge the gap between their country of origin and their new home through community assistance. Our community, which includes refugees and asylum seekers, often faces poverty as they are unable to work and are new arrivals in the country. A significant barrier they encounter is the inability to speak English, leading to fee

We help people bridge the gap between their country of origin and their new home through community assistance. Our community, which includes refugees and asylum seekers, often faces poverty as they are unable to work and are new arrivals in the country. A significant barrier they encounter is the inability to speak English, leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a decline in mental health and well-being. We support individuals in rebuilding their new lives by providing essential resources such as food and clothing, which helps alleviate the complex issues they face. Understanding the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic barriers that minority families encounter when arriving in the UK, we serve as a connecting and empowering hub dedicated to helping families in need from Middle Eastern and Eastern countries, including refugees, new immigrants, asylum seekers, and other minority ethnic groups. Many refugees and immigrants are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation, which instills fear upon their arrival due to challenges such as learning English, securing housing, navigating transportation, and facing cultural prejudices. These challenges contribute to multiple stressors that can adversely affect their mental well-being, including the loss of cultural norms, religious customs, and social support systems, ultimately leading to feelings of isolation. Asylum seekers often live in fear of being sent back as their documentation or status is questioned. Bridgeway engages in various social activities to facilitate cultural integration for refugees and asylum seekers within the Colchester community. We actively interact with our community by visiting them weekly, listening to their needs and concerns. Our aim is to empower the refugee community to become more confident and independent, helping them achieve their ambitions and goals, especially as many are unemployed and struggling to meet basic needs like food. Our organization respects the unique needs, perspectives, and potential of our diverse workforce while providing refugee support within our community. This approach fosters deeper trust and commitment, thanks to the inclusive and diverse services we offer.

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Bridgeway Community Hub

Partnerships with others

Bridgeway Community Hub

On the 13th of August 2022, the Bridgeway Community Hub was officially opened by Deputy Mayor Councillor John Jowers and the current High Steward of CBC, Bob Russell. Also in attendance were Pam Cox, the Borough Councillor, and Borough Councillor Kayleigh Rippingale. This community hub plays a vital role in providing community assistance 

On the 13th of August 2022, the Bridgeway Community Hub was officially opened by Deputy Mayor Councillor John Jowers and the current High Steward of CBC, Bob Russell. Also in attendance were Pam Cox, the Borough Councillor, and Borough Councillor Kayleigh Rippingale. This community hub plays a vital role in providing community assistance and promoting cultural integration for Middle Eastern and Eastern individuals by facilitating various activities such as teaching IT, enhancing English communication skills, and organizing programs for ladies, men, and children. Additionally, the hub will serve as a food pantry to support families in need. In 2023, Bridgeway expanded the Hub by acquiring a second building to further develop its projects. They established a stitching and knitting hub, a health and wellbeing hub, a gym area, an English language program, a homework club for secondary school students, and both indoor and outdoor sports activities to enhance refugee support.

Partnerships with others

Partnerships with others

Partnerships with others

In 2019 during COVID, Bridgeway and Mission have received support from Empowerment Women's mission, which focuses on community assistance to provide laptops to families. This initiative helps them communicate online and fosters cultural integration, ultimately improving their language skills while also offering vital refugee support.

Support Us!

Partnerships with others

Partnerships with others

If you want to support the ministry and contribute to community assistance, you can donate to our Stewardship partner account number: 20370847 (Bridgeway mission) or to the Bridgeway mission bank account, sort code 20-19-97, and account number 23244741. Your contributions will aid in cultural integration and refugee support within our community.

Thank you to our Associates:

Colchester County Council
  • Colchester County Council

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