Julian Prior is the Project Director of Open Door (North East), an organisation that houses failed asylum seekers who have become destitute in Newcastle. He also campaigns for changes to the law that make asylum seekers destitute and raises awareness of the issue that is surrounded by myth and misunderstanding.

Coming from a professional background in design and marketing, Julian stepped away from that career in 2005, when he felt God calling him to work on behalf of his church to assess local needs in his area. His research gave him and the congregation of City Church Newcastle the focus to begin Open Door (North East) in Tyneside.

Aiming to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised, the charity currently houses twelve people and works in partnership with local agencies.
“I know that God hates injustice, and although you don’t need to have faith to hate it too, I wouldn’t have been able to believe we could make a difference if I didn’t have faith,” says Julian. “Proverbs 31 v 8 says, ‘speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute’ so we know we are doing His will. We speak to those in power showing them where there is injustice in the system, and say that it is wrong.

“In the midst of desperate situations my faith also gives me a real sense of peace. I am reminded that I am a worker doing something for God – the responsibility is not all on my shoulders, but is on his.” 

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