Hosting and supporting people seeking asylum in Bristol

Colin is a qualified accountant with over 30 years' experience working in public sector finance, with previous job roles having included being an NHS Finance Director and a Civil Service Deputy Director of Finance. Colin joined BHN as Trustee Treasurer in November 2024 and is delighted to be able to use his financial management knowledge & skills to support BHN's objectives.

Cait is our volunteer coordinator. She supports Helen and Kule at the Monday drop-in. Speak to her if you want to volunteer!

Qerim has 25 years of experience working with asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol. He worked for both local and national organisations. He also has lived experience of being a refugee from Kosovo. He is responsible for the overall management of BHN, including senior staff management, partnerships, fundraising and developments.

Katharine is a freelance medical journalist, with a Masters in Science Communication. She has previously worked as an editor and an A Level teacher. Having volunteered as an English teacher for BHN for the past couple of years, this is her first trustee role.

Emily runs a film catering business and has worked for many organisations in the third sector in Bristol. She has 2 grown up sons, a loving partner of 24 years and her family dog Cami. She is particularly interested in righting injustice and is passionate in supporting refugees to regain resilience, strength and hope.

Emmanuel joined the trustees in January 2024, he is now Chair. He is also on the advisory board and has responsibility for our hosting workstream.

Carol is our Data and Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator.

Debbie worked in asylum advice with Refugee Action for 12 years, and after a decade in restorative practice, including setting up a project in HMP Bristol, she is happy to return to the sector. Debbie assists both the Hosting function and the Advice team to provide wrap-around support.

Helen is our Welcome Centre Manager and ensures the smooth running of our Monday Drop In. She is also our EDI and Member Voice Lead.

Bibiana is our Moveable Feast Coordinator and runs our catering enterprise.

Laura Chester - Laura is our Hosting Manager. Contact Laura for advice on homeless asylum seekers.

Elinor is our Advice Manager. She runs our advice service and sessions at our Monday Drop In.

Asma is a BHN hosted member and regularly attends our Drop In. She is the trustee responsible for leading on member voice. Asma is studying for a masters degree in Law.

Amy is our Finance & Office Administrator, and her role extends to social media and HR as well. Amy was a sewing and serving volunteer at our Welcome Centre drop in before joining our team in July 2024.

Kule is our Kitchen Coordinator and one of our Moveable Feast Chefs.

Nabil joined our board of Trustees back in the Spring. He has been a BHN member for 7 years and is well-known in the South West for his art workshops and theatre performances. He also works at Borderlands.

James joined the trustees in May 2022. He has a masters degree in International Development and over the last decade has worked with NGOs in Africa and as a trustee with development charities in Bristol. He has a keen interest in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.