RRN Impact Update
Thank you for being part of the RRN community. In this newsletter we share some information on our most recent activities, trustee and volunteer updates, and dates for your diary!
Trustee updates
The board of trustees would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kay Summerfield, who recently stepped down as a trustee after 6 years on the board. From everyone at RRN, we wish Kay all the best in this next chapter.
The board would also like to share that Beth Molyneux, who joined as a trustee in October 2025, has been appointed as Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
Activity updates
Ukrainian ESOL: In January, the group attended a financial awareness session at the Pallant Centre, along with Havant Borough Council, as their monthly Saturday outing. In March, they visited Portsmouth Museum, and planned outings for April – June include Gosport Museum and Art Gallery, and Chichester Cathedral.
Funded by Havant Borough Council, Ukrainian Community Team
Youth Discovery: In January, the young people visited the Gosport Museum, including a guided visit of the museum and art gallery, participation in creative and interactive activities in the art gallery, and the opportunity to explore exhibitions, local history and visual arts. In February and March, they also visited Winchester and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Alongside these outings, the weekly drop‑in sessions have continued, with this year’s focus on volunteering and a young ambassador scheme delivered in collaboration with Unloc in Portsmouth.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund
Afghan ESOL: In February, the group had their first outing, to the Spring Arts Centre. The café experience was new for everyone, with milkshakes and green tea being enjoyed. It was a successful visit and many plan to return with their children. In March the group explored their local library and later took a trip by bus to Emsworth, enjoying the seaside, shops and the chance to chat with local residents. Learners shared their reflections:
“Today feel relaxed because different place. I see beach, birds, I like walking and speaking to English man. Very different day.”
“I feel happy we are walking together. We visit every place and see everything and talk every people.”
“Today very happy. We visited shops, saw the birds, visited the sea. I feel good.”
“I’m happy walking together.”
Funded by UK Government
Young Ukrainians: EDHC continues to recognised the positive impact of this project and funding is being sought for activities to continue for the rest of the year.
Funded by EDHC
Read our case study on ESOL provision for young people
Please note that this case study is presented by the Learning and Work Institute and South East Strategic Migration Partnership (SESPM), with highlights from the RRN Youth Discovery Project.
We are incredibly grateful to our donors for their support which makes our work possible, and to our brilliant programme staff and volunteers who implement these projects to such high quality. We would also like to extend a big thank you to all our volunteers who continue to help us to support newly arrived families, prepare accommodation, assist with employment/volunteering, and so much more!
Upcoming events
Petersfield Community Fair
Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
Time: 10am-2pm
We’re excited to have a stall at the Petersfield Community Fair this year. We will need volunteers to man the stall, including set up (from around 9am – exact times TBC). Please email hello@ruralrefugeenetwork.org if you are available to help out. Please come along and say hello even if you’re not volunteering!
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The Big June Cake Sale
Date: 6th & 7th June 2026
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Lordington House
RRN is kindly invited to hold a Cake Sale at Lordington House every June. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit a beautiful country garden and results in some fascinating conversations and connections, and much-needed funds. We need volunteers to bake the cakes over half a day or join us, to sell, talk about us, or buy a cake or two. The bake sale will be part of Lordington House’s Open Garden day – follow the link below for more information.
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RRN 10-yr anniversary event: Details TBC – watch this space for updates!
| Open Garden Day (Lordington House) |
Trustee Recruitment
The Board of Trustees is currently recruiting for a number of positions – please see further information below. The team would be delighted to discuss either role in more detail, so please reach out to Kath Lawrence at research@ruralrefugeenetwork.org if you are interested or have any questions. The Board’s Terms of Reference are available on request.
- Chair of trustees: Responsible for leading overall governance of the charity and strategy of the board. The board is open to a co-chairing arrangement.
- Trustee board members: Responsible for governance of the charity as part of the Board of Trustees. Previous experience is not required, and a full induction will be provided. We particularly welcome expressions of interest from people with lived experience of displacement and/or asylum in the UK. Experience in community fundraising, awareness raising, PR, marketing, social media, or charity finance is particularly appreciated.
Call for volunteers
As we continue to manage multiple projects and take on new challenges as an organisation, we are always looking for volunteers who can help to support our operations. Currently, we are looking for volunteers who can support with project evaluations, and with data management – please see further information below. We’d also love to hear from you if you’re interested in volunteering but don’t have the experience listed below – there are plenty of other things to get involved in! Previous charity experience is appreciated, but not essential, so if you’re interested to explore how you can support our work and contribute to supporting refugees in your local area, please get in touch by emailing hello@ruralrefugeenetwork.org.
- End of project evaluations: Volunteers with experience in academic research are invited to undertake independent evaluations of RRN’s projects. This is a great way to learn more about what we do, and will contribute to donor reporting, fundraising efforts, and awareness-raising for our work.
- Data management: RRN is looking for support on an upcoming project involving manual data entry – digital skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.
Did you know?
Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your annual holiday – you could be collecting free donations for Rural Refugee Network? There are over 3,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation, including Amazon, John Lewis, Aviva, Trainline and Sainsbury’s – it doesn’t cost you a penny extra.
1. Head to Easy Fundraising online (link below) and join for free.
2. Every time you shop online, go to EasyFundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
3. After you’ve checked out, that retailer will make a donation to your good cause for no extra cost.
Another easy way to support our work is through the East Hampshire Community Lottery – please see the link below for more information and to buy tickets.
Images from Youth Discovery outings, and Ukrainian and Afghan ESOL classes.