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 Shim. 

Shim joined our team earlier this year and is an outreach and resettlement volunteer with Refugee Support Devon. She supports people seeking asylum living in an initial accommodation hotel in Devon.

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

I'm a student studying Spanish and Arabic at university. I've always loved connecting with people through different languages.  So I decided to volunteer with Refugee Support Devon, so that I could put these languages to good use and help the people in our community who need it most.

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

I think my favourite part of volunteering is talking to people in Spanish or Arabic. I find it very rewarding as it's the best way to connect with someone and to make them feel a bit more at ease.

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

Refugee Support Devon is extremely important as there's not really many forms of support for refugees. Refugee Support Devon do so much, they organise activities, such as cooking and craft activities, they provide legal support and general support, and I think the most important thing is that they show that they care. Refugee Support Devon have created a community, filled with compassion and understanding and I think that's so important especially now, at a time where refugees and asylum seekers unfortunately face so much racism, hate and discrimination.

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

I just want to say that you're all welcome. And that you're not alone here, there are organisations and people who will support you. I cannot imagine how difficult it has been to get here, even leaving your country and your home and everything you know cannot be easy at all. I have so much respect and compassion for you all. There are lots of people and organisations here who care a lot about your safety, wellbeing and future.

Q: In your opinion, why should people volunteer?

People should volunteer because it's a great way to give back to your community. Or a way to help people who need it most, the people who are most vulnerable. Volunteering has such a big impact, a good impact, not only do you gain a lot from the experience, but what you give will leave an important mark.