Latest News and Events
09 Dec 2022
RSD leads on direct support to Exeter asylum seekers
RSD is taking a leading role in supporting a group of asylum-seekers who have been housed at an Exeter hotel, in addition to working with other organisations at several sites elsewhere in Devon.
Under an agreement with Exeter City Council, RSD is the lead agency for supporting the 26 men at the 70-room Exeter hotel who arrived in the UK from various countries, particularly Afghanistan. More are expected to arrive in the next few weeks as officials scramble to find places in the South West where they can stay while their asylum applications are being handled.
RSD was quick to set up language lessons at our offices for all those at the Exeter hotel who are keen to get an early start with English.
RSD Manager Rupert Blomfield at the same time recruited a team of volunteers to collect vital details of all the men staying at the hotel, using an online translation agency where necessary.
Once the urgent issues have been handled, the team will look at challenging one of the most pervasive elements for all residents, which is boredom. At least the city centre is not far away, and the new arrivals describe their welcome by the people of Exeter as warm and friendly.
Elsewhere in Devon, RSD is providing support for asylum-seekers in the Torbay area and in Ilfracombe, helping groups of volunteers who are keen to get involved but who may lack expertise on the complex issues surrounding the lengthy process of getting accepted as a refugee in the UK.
JT 8 Dec 22
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