April Refugee Support Devon Round Up: Celebrating Eid, RAMP on the news and a heartfelt gesture to mothers seeking sanctuary…

Welcome to the Refugee Support Devon’s monthly newsletter; a round up of all news and updates from clients, volunteers and the team in the office from the past month.

This is a new newsletter being sent out to all our wonderful volunteers, everyone signed up to our mailing list and shared here on our website too!

You can also find a version over on our social media platforms where you can support and re-share with your networks. Find us on Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Have you been involved in something behind the scenes at Refugee Support Devon that you think should be shared and celebrated? Please send over some information to our Communications and Administration Assistant, Natasha at info@refugeesupportdevon.org.uk.

Anna’s story was featured on BBC Spotlight
Anna Pinchuk, who is a trained cardiologist, was forced to flee her home in Ukraine with her seven-year-old daughter, Soffia. Anna has been supported by Refugee Support Devon’s RAMP (Refugees as Medical Professionals) project and we were delighted to see her share her story with people tuning in across the South West.
Find the full interview over on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebrating Eid
Sharing food, drinks, gifts and playing music and games, both clients and volunteers came together for an annual Eid celebration in Exeter. With a bouncy castle and goodie bags for the children, the party was a big success and a wonderful finish to Ramadan.

51 Mother’s Day gifts donated to asylum seekers in Devon
We received a brilliant donation from the community at Park Life, Heavitree who lovingly put together gift bags for mothers living at an initial accommodation hotel in Devon to celebrate mother’s day. Thank you to everyone who donated, showing our clients compassion and kindness on mother’s day, serving as a big thank you to mothers for all they do.

Refugee Support Devon community garden gets support from Exeter City Councillor
Our community allotment in Exeter is run by volunteers and is a space for clients to connect with the local community and get outside in nature! We were pleased to get support from local city councillor, Cllr Harding who paid a visit to see the volunteers and clients in action! We are excited to have recently received a grant to purchase a new polly tunnel for our allotment. This will be a brilliant addition and allow us to grow much more of a variety of fruit and veg!

Multi-Cultural Choir Shares Callout for New Members
Facilitated by Refugee Support Devon's, Valentina Alba, the Exeter Multicultural Choir takes place every Friday 1pm - 3pm during term time at St Sidwell's Community Centre on Sidwell Street Exeter.
Hosted in partnership with Devon County Council, the choir sings in multiple different languages and it is always a fun afternoon with tea, hot chocolate and biscuits, getting to know others in the local community.
Everyone who speaks a language other than English is welcome. No experience needed, just a love for music and a willingness to have a go!
Email multiexeterchoir@gmail.com for more information or just come along!

Changes in the Refugee Support Devon Office
April saw our wonderful Administrative Assistant, Eddie handover his role after a brilliant six months and say goodbye to the Refugee Support Devon team to pursue new adventures!
Natasha takes over the role under the new title of Communications and Administrative Assistant.
We also closed applications for our new CEO - more updates soon!

Over 25 Mobile Phones Donated to People Seeking Sanctuary
We received a large donation of disused mobile phones. These have been distributed directly to refugees in Devon without access to a phone and therefore unable to contact loved ones and our team directly. Thank you to everyone who donated and gave their old tech a new life!

We’re heading into a busy summer, stay tuned for more ways to support...
Thank you to our incredible team, volunteers and supporters that make our work possible.