Professionally, I come from a newsroom media background and over the years, I have been deeply affected by many of the issues that are facing so many people today. This, plus many learning experiences gained from travelling to many different countries, has led me to want to become much more involved in the VCSE sector and help make a change for the better in the local community.

Personally, as someone who has struggled with my own mental health issues in the past, I now want to help others promote their own wellbeing through opportunities facilitated by MCoS. I look forward to being part of creating an environment for sanctuary seekers that enables an improvement in both their mental health and sense of belonging here in Manchester

Helen’s career includes immigration advice and teaching roles in refugee charities and Higher Education (TESOL, AFHEA). Her recent background encompasses working as a student immigration adviser and specialist adviser for asylum seeker and refugee students at Sheffield Hallam University. She assisted Sheffield Hallam University gain University of Sanctuary status and is active in the University of Sanctuary network. Helen has a strong interest in social justice which led her to complete an MA in Applied Human Rights.

“I am thrilled to be part of the team at Manchester City of Sanctuary. I believe MCoS plays a vital role in building local networks of support and welcome for those seeking sanctuary in our communities. I am proud to be part of a charity working towards a society which promotes inclusivity, solidarity and compassion for people from a forced displacement background.”

Sami is a strategic leader with a focus on EDI, Youth Leadership, and Governance; holding a portfolio of Non-Executive roles across the VCSE and Education sectors, with remits falling from local, national and international scopes. His passion for change is rooted in his lived experience of being an asylum seeker and his mental health struggles, which he uses to support in embedding lived experience into clinical mental health research with institutions such as King’s College London, University of Manchester and University of Maastricht. He also co-chairs the #iWill Movement and is a board member of it’s associated fund that has allocated over £100M of funding to groups across the country. Sami remains focused on social change and is a fellow for the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

“Growing up in Manchester, it has been clear to me that the welcome sanctuary seekers receive varies greatly, and whilst some like myself have felt welcomed, many others have felt excluded. Manchester City of Sanctuary’s hope to change this deeply resonates with me, and I feel incredibly privileged to steer the direction of the charity as chair”

Hailing from the South West, I studied in Manchester and lived there for a number of years thereafter. I continue to have strong ties to the city, both family and football, visit very regularly and regard it as my second home. I initially became involved with Manchester City of Sanctuary at the end of 2020 and was delighted to become a trustee in February 2021.

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession, having spent my career in a variety of different industries, including hotels, motor trade, day visitor attractions and more recently insurance. Having both worked for and been a trustee for a charity previously, I have a good working knowledge of charity sector legislation, regulations and reporting requirements. I hope to bring my insight in financial matters to the role of Treasurer to ensure that MCoS continues to operate on a strong financial footing, enabling it to continue to provide its vital services to the sanctuary seekers that move to Manchester as part of starting a new life in the UK.

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Bethany Rugen is a solicitor, specialising in financial regulatory law and data privacy. She currently works at HSBC, having trained at Clifford Chance and Addleshaw Goddard. Her professional work focuses on providing legal advice across a spectrum of issues, including privacy, data management, payments and banking regulation. She engages with several professional organisations, through panels, discussions and other events, with a particular interest in financial and digital inclusion; this includes the Society for Computer and Law and the International Association of Privacy Professionals.  She is also a mother of two lovely girls.

She acts as a host for sanctuary seekers through Refugees at Home and this led to her interest in supporting Manchester City of Sanctuary. She has volunteered in several organisations with a focus on uplifting people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those experiencing homelessness. She believes in ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and is excited to work with Manchester City of Sanctuary in removing barriers, including stigma, faced by sanctuary seekers.

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Helen works at MACC, providing community groups and charities in Manchester with a range of support from structural and strategic development to funding plans and policy development. She loves this job and getting to meet such a huge range of creative, compassionate, and energetic people all working to improve the lives of people in Manchester. With a first class MA in Refugee Studies her academic and professional expertise lie in coordinating volunteers, supporting refugee and migrant led groups, research and monitoring and evaluation

“When I moved to Manchester in 2016 I started volunteering for Manchester City of Sanctuary, through this role, I made friends, I learnt a lot and I got to know the city. This role inspired me, I went to Calais, I raised funds for different refugee charities and starting teaching English. All of which inspired me to pursue an MA in refugee studies. Manchester City of Sanctuary welcomed me with open arms and has had a place in my heart ever since. As well as my personal connection to the group, I believe people that come to the UK to seek sanctuary deserve better, and I want to do my small part in welcoming and supporting people in Manchester.”

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Rebecca Barnes is a Manchester-based communications professional with 20 years’ experience working in PR and media. She currently works as a campaigner for Amnesty International UK, focusing on a range of UK-based human rights issues. Rebecca also has a wealth of voluntary experience in the sector, including as a caseworker and refugee rights campaigner.

“Having witnessed just some of the extreme injustices and hardships faced by those going through the UK’s asylum system, I am delighted to be part of an organisation that is creating positive change – especially in my home city. The work of Manchester City of Sanctuary – in building welcoming networks, providing opportunities and local advocacy campaigning – is as vital as it is inspiring. I look forward to being part of it and contributing to its goal of ensuring that everyone who comes to this city seeking safety is welcomed and supported.”