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Supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and their families living in Devon.

Latest News and Events

09 Dec 2024

RSD has a new Chair of Trustees!

We’re pleased to announce that following our AGM on 26 November 2024, Helen Hartstein, Co-leader and Head of Audience Development at Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum, has taken over as the Chair of our Board of Trustees. Helen brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in cultural and marketing management, stakeholder engagement, developing successful funding streams, and financial and business planning. This knowledge will build on the broad skillset of the Board. Helen has also held previous trusteeships in other organisations.


“I’m delighted to be joining RSD and I look forward to using my strategic skills to further the work of this wonderful charity which helps so many refugees and their families rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”


We would also like to pay a warm tribute to Jenny Longford, who has been a volunteer with us since 2005 and was the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the last 11 years. Jenny was a thoughtful, active and completely committed Chair. She guided us through a few challenging times with a calm and steady hand. As a result, RSD’s reputation of supporting people seeking sanctuary has risen considerably in the community over the last few years. We shall miss Jenny enormously, but are thrilled that she will stay on as a trustee and that she’ll still be contributing her time, energy and skills in supporting our mission.


“I’m very proud to have served as RSD’s Chair for the last 11 years and have drawn inspiration from the Charity’s dedicated trustees, staff and volunteers. I’ve much enjoyed meeting many of our clients too and it’s been a joy to learn of their achievements.”

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