About Us
We are an independent charitable company, based in Exeter and serving the whole of Devon (within the Devon County Council Boundary).
We were formed in 2001 in response to the impressive local volunteer support to asylum seekers dispersed to Exeter (2000-2004). We initially formed a charity called Refugee Support Group Devon (charity commission no: 1092410), then chose to become a ‘company limited by guarantee without share capital’ in 2011 when we changed our name to Refugee Support (Devon) Ltd.
Charity Commission no. 1143884
Companies House no. 07731995
Our Vision
We want Devon to be a county where men, women and children who have been forced to flee from their homes in other parts of the world can find the protection they need, rebuild their lives in safety and dignity, and achieve their full potential.
Our Mission Statement
As a local charity, independent of statutory agencies, we support refugees and their families to ensure that they are given the protection they need, are able to settle successfully in the local community, can reach their full potential, rebuild their lives in safety and dignity and be treated with respect and understanding, as equal members of society.
Our Goals
Provide relief to refugees and their families living in Devon who are in conditions of hardship or distress
Support refugees and their families in settling in the local community and to preserve and protect their wellbeing
Provide a voice for the local refugee community
Promote education of the general public about the issues relating to refugees and asylum seekers
Offer a voluntary service with opportunities for training and skills development available to service users and the wider community
Our Staff Team
We currently operate with a team of 11 staff (10 part time) who are supported by around 80 wonderful volunteers at any one time.
Our Trustees
Refugee Support Devon is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, who ensure efficient running of the organisation and adherence to all legal requirements. Currently we have nine Trustees in post, all with different experience and expertise.