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!

Join us in celebrating the work of our volunteers on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

Meet Lizi. 

Lizi has volunteered with Refugee Support Devon for over 10 years. She supports clients through our drop in support service. 

Q: Tell us your story. Why do you volunteer and choose to give your time to Refugee Support Devon?

I worked in Refugee Camps in Palestine in the 90’s for many years so I have experienced some of the really difficult situations refugees experience. I originally got involved with Refugee Support Devon helping with the women’s group and teaching about refugees and asylum seekers in schools. But most of my time has been with the Drop in. I speak a little Arabic which sometimes helps out and I’ve supported some families for the entire time I’ve volunteered. I’ve watched them begin to settle and make roots and become part of a community. It’s sad to see that still refugees and asylum seekers still face persecution and discrimination in the media and in general life and I think more than ever the work of Refugee Support Devon is so important. 

For me, it’s a real privilege to have had the opportunity to have met so many incredible people from all over the world and build a relationship with them. I hope I help people feel accepted and valued and supported in navigating issues they might face in daily life. I don’t think you have to work with refugees and asylum seekers to be an outspoken champion for their rights - you just need to be human. But with the insight I have been able to have, it certainly helps galvanise me to stand up, speak out and cut through the misinformation and lies which is needed more than ever now.

Q: What’s your favourite part about volunteering with us?

Working through something with someone and getting an outcome which makes a positive difference to their life.

Q: In your words, why is Refugee Support Devon’s work so important? 

Refugee Support Devon have not paid me to say this (lol) but having been in the organisation so long and having seen people come and go I am so impressed at the flexibility and hardworking ethos of those that work and volunteer within it. Over the last few years RSD has had to alter the way it works massively with the arrival of refugees living in hotels within the area and changes in the immigration laws. This is really not an easy thing to do and is emotionally and organisationally demanding. I think it’s a credit to those within it that it has managed to do so. The needs of refugees and asylum seekers in this country are not getting any less,  so whilst that is the case there will always be a need for Refugee Support Devon.

Q: What’s your message to refugees and people seeking asylum in Devon?

We see you, we hear you and you are always welcome. Thank you for bringing new things to this area. We know arriving in a new country or settling into one is not easy for anyone. If we can help with any difficulties you are having, we will, if we can’t we will try and find out who can - don’t be shy to ask.

Q: In your opinion, why should people volunteer?

You get to meet and work and learn from amazing people from all over the world. In exchange,  you might be able to do something very simple that can make a huge difference to them and their families. It’s definitely a two way process where you both have a chance to gain something incredibly positive even if the journey can have its ups and downs.

Q: Anything else you'd like to share? A story or anecdote? A message to our supporters? 

I know not everyone is able to work or volunteer with refugees and asylum seekers but I believe everyone can make a commitment to do something positive to make a difference in their lives. Learn a few facts about refugees and asylum seekers living in this country and have them at hand to gently and persistently counter myths and lies you come across from people in your daily life. In my experience it gets easier to find the courage the more often you do it!