Sister Di Santleben, one of the members of Refugees and Partners, said it was about a year ago that they were given access to the old St Margaret's Jesmond site and began fund-raising to establish a place where refugee women could come to learn, share ideas, and mingle.

Ahead of the opening of Zara's House on Thursday, Sr Santleben said the old church would be used as a children's centre, while the women participated in educational programs, and sewing, arts and craft classes - as well as social opportunities - in the adjacent hall.