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05 Jun 2025
Volunteers' Week: Meet Emily
From the 2nd to the 6th of June, we're joining #VolunteersWeek2025 which means across our online platforms we're celebrating our volunteers and all they do helping us support refugees and people seeking safety in Devon - in all honesty, we couldn't do it without them!
We’ve interviewed a handful of our volunteers from across a range of projects at Refugee Support Devon. They’ve shared their background, what motivates them to volunteer and why others should too!
Meet Emily.
Emily joined the team earlier this year and is an events volunteer, specifically supporting the planning of Refugee Week in June.
Q: Tell us your story. Why do you volunteer and choose to give your time to Refugee Support Devon?
With a background in government and tech, I found myself with extra time between contracts. I wanted to dedicate my energy to something I care deeply about: immigration and, more specifically, fostering a non-prejudiced, diverse community that supports equality in society. With a few months free, I reached out to Refugee Support Devon's Event and Drop-in Coordinator, Valentina, to see if I could help. I was thrilled when she responded, saying they were looking for a volunteer to help with Refugee Week in June.
Q: What’s your favourite part about volunteering with us?
I love the team at Refugee Support Devon. They are incredibly dedicated, putting 100% of themselves into their work. Their positivity is infectious, and it's been truly inspiring to be around them. You can see firsthand the impact their work has on clients and the critical needs it serves.
Q: In your words, why is Refugee Support Devon’s work so important?
Refugee Support Devon fills crucial gaps within the UK's asylum-seeking and refugee infrastructure. They provide essential support to individuals and families who come here in search of a better life. Without their services, the migrant community would be stripped of vital support and resources.
Q: What’s your message to refugees and people seeking asylum in Devon?
Starting a new life in a different country with unfamiliar customs can be daunting. As someone not originally from the UK, I can say firsthand that it can be frustrating and difficult to be away from what you're used to. However, remember that it does get easier, and before you know it, you'll find a new normal.
Q: In your opinion, why should people volunteer?
Volunteering is incredibly rewarding and offers the opportunity to step outside yourself and see the world from a different angle. I highly recommend getting involved with a charity where you can surround yourself with people whose only goal is to do good for others. It's replenishing in a way that very few things can be.
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