Drop-in Service

Our drop-in service, managed by Valentina, provides practical support to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in the local community. We help with accessing local services, securing legal advice, and navigating life in the UK. Support can be one-off or long-term, and we tailor help for complex needs. The drop-in support sessions take place twice a week (Tuesday & Thursday 2pm - 4pm) and is run by a team of trained volunteers who work closely with local and national organisations to ensure people are signposted to the right services as appropriate.

Supporting Asylum Seekers in Devon Hotels

When the first contingency hotel opened in 2022, RSD played a leading role in bringing together local refugee support organisations to strengthen the local response to hotels that were being set up across Devon.

We currently provide direct support to residents in one hotel near Exeter for women, children and families. Our outreach coordinator, Souad along with a team of skilled volunteers, is regularly on site to offer frontline help with SIM cards, clothing for new arrivals, access to immigration advice and interpreting services. We also run a monthly donation day at the hotel distributing clothes, toiletries, toys and other essentials to the residents. Souad coordinates regular events and classes in partnership with volunteers and community organisations for the residents’ mental wellbeing.

Refugee Resettlement Scheme

This service supports refugee families who have been relocated to Devon under UK government resettlement schemes since 2016, in the aftermath of the war in Syria, and more recently after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021.

Our resettlement coordinator, Souad and her volunteers, closely assisted by partners in the local community, provide tailored welcome and integration support, helping families settle into their new homes and become familiar with their local neighbourhood. Souad also assists families with registering with doctors, dentists and education services, making benefit applications, understanding tenancy agreements, how to pay bills and generally navigating day-to-day life in the UK, thereby supporting families as they integrate into their new communities.

Immigration Advice Clinic

RSD has been accredited by the Immigration Advice Authority (previously OISC) to provide free asylum and immigration advice since 2018.

Our team of trained and accredited volunteers (Levels 1 and 2), led by our Immigration Advice Manager, offer free advice to refugees and asylum seekers living in Devon, making us the only organisation outside Plymouth to provide this service at no cost.

We support clients with Exceptional Case Funding applications and assist those with No Recourse to Public Funds. When specialist legal help is needed, we ensure people are connected with the right legal representatives.

This service is only available to refugees and asylum seekers living in Devon. Unfortunately it is not available for EU nationals or their families.

Opening Hours: Please e-mail info@refugeesupportdevon.org.uk or call our office on 01392 682185 to make an initial enquiry.

Education for Integration

Improving English helps people build confidence, find work and connect with their community. Our Education for Integration coordinator, Rebecca, leads a team of volunteers who provide free online ESOL classes, one-to-one support and a Book Club to help refugees and asylum seekers develop their English speaking skills.

Through a partnership with Read Easy, a few clients also receive individual literacy tutoring.
We also work closely with local community groups and organisations, including St Sidwell’s Community Centre and Exeter College, to ensure our classes are accessible and reach as many people as possible - both in Exeter and in towns and villages across Devon.

Rebecca also leads our Refugees Rock partnership; a national initiative in collaboration with the Climbing Hanger, encouraging refugees in the local community to meet one another and practice their English through indoor climbing and bouldering, supported by volunteer expert boulder buddies.

RAMP (Refugees As Medical Professionals)

RAMP supports refugee medical professionals - doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, vets and others - to re-qualify and re-enter their professions in the UK.

We help with specialist English exams (IELTS/OET), professional tests, taster days and NHS placements. Denise, our RAMP coordinator, and her volunteer tutors and medical professionals provide language support, exam preparation and mentoring.

RAMP helps refugees in Devon to rebuild their lives in the UK, and also fills an ever-growing gap in our struggling healthcare system.

Community Garden

Our community garden in Exeter is run by ourvolunteers and clients. They meet every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm and provide a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds to come together, grow food and connect with nature. Volunteers work alongside clients to plant, maintain and harvest fruit, vegetables which are shared with the community, particularly those living in the contingency hotel, and who have little access to fresh produce. The sessions offer a relaxed, supportive environment that promote physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation and help people feel more connected to their community. The sharing of skills across cultures helps build confidence and friendships through food!

Community events

RSD runs events throughout the year to raise awareness and vital funds. Refugee Week in June takes pride of place, where we in partnership with other organisations, run a programme of exciting events during the course of the week, celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

We also have a presence at events hosted by other organisations including Exeter Respect Festival, Exeter Pride, community fetes, and church events.

Please contact us at info@refugeesupportdevon.org.uk if you wish to hold a fundraising event on our behalf.