Section 1: Voluntary and Community Organisations

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Charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) and community groups that offer support services for minority ethnic communities in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay

Afghan Community Devon CIC (ACD)

ACD was founded in July 2020 and became a CIC in 2022.Our aim is to strengthen connections among Afghan families locally and across the UK, fostering a sense of stability and belonging. We promote cultural exchange and understanding, benefiting both the Afghan community and the wider public. Activities help the Afghan community maintain their sense of identity, whilst encouraging wider community acceptance and unity at the same time.

Current and proposed activities include:

  • Women’s social group
  • Community Eid and Nowrooz celebrations
  • Farsi and Pashto literacy classes to address disrupted education, especially for women
  • Sports such as swimming, football, and volleyball
  • Cultural events featuring Afghan cooking, needlework, and carpet-making

ACD also partners with Diverse Devon Together, sharing venues and activities to further cultural unity.

  • Email: NSaifi@btinternet.com
  • Phone: 07722 199115 (Nasrullah Saifi)|07903 099109 (Agha Shreen)|07462 933393 (Dawood Yawery)

Afghan Community Exeter CIC (ACE)

Afghan Community Exeter CIC is a dedicated organisation committed to celebrating Afghan culture and supporting the Afghan community in Exeter. Our mission is to foster unity and enrich the lives of Afghan residents through various initiatives. We organise cultural festivals, provide education classes, and offer recreational activities to promote cultural awareness and integration. Our focus is on creating a supporting environment where Afghans can thrive, share their heritage, and receive the assistance they need. By working together, we aim to build a vibrant community that benefits all its members and preserves the rich traditions of Afghanistan.

Black South West Network (BSWN)

A black-led racial justice organisation based in Bristol that supports the development of dynamic, independent, and strong black and minoritised communities, businesses, and organisations to flourish whilst challenging systemic barriers.We drive racial equity in the UK society’s dimensions of research, policy, innovation, socio-economics, and health through a collective and meaningful community-led approach.

bthechange

bthechange CIC is an award-winning Community Interest Company that operates across the Southwest of England and South Wales, providing a range of life changing initiatives to directly support racially minoritized people, women, and first-time entrants who are either at risk of entering or who are in the criminal justice system, helping them move forward with their lives.

Bulgarian Society of Devon

The Bulgarian Society was started in March 2012 to provide Bulgarians living in Devon with opportunities to support each other, to share experiences, to celebrate Bulgarian culture and to share information about upcoming events in the community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bulgarians.devon/

Chinese Community Wellbeing Society

Founded in 1989: Chinese Community Wellbeing Society (formerly Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s Group. Name changed in 2021)

Mission: Support the health and wellbeing of the Chinese-speaking community across the Southwest of England.

Chinese Lantern Helpline Service: provides information and support in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin to community service users. Service providers can also contact the helpline if they are supporting members of the Chinese-speaking community.

Partnerships with service providers: We work closely with service providers to provide information and support to our community. We collaborate to deliver information workshops, enabling service providers to gain access into the Chinese-speaking community in the Southwest.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is an independent UK-wide charity network, providing free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice on a range of issues including:

  • Benefits
  • WorkDebt & Money
  • Consumer Protections
  • Housing
  • Family
  • Law & Court
  • Immigration
  • Health

CAB has offices operating across the whole of Devon offering similar services. Click here to find your nearest CAB: https://www.cabdevon.org.uk/advice/

The CAB aims to help you find the advice you need and challenge unfair treatment. They value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. They also campaign to improve policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

Website and webchat: Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk for self-help resources, and to access CAB webchat and email advice service. If you don’t have internet at home, you can often use the computers at your local CAB office; for example, the Exeter office at Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1QA is happy for you to use their computers in reception.

Phone Assessment: Call the free CAB helpline on 0808 278 7845 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm). A member of the CAB team will assess your needs and arrange appropriate next steps, which may include:

  • telephone or face-to-face appointment
  • referral or signposting to another advice provider
  • or providing further information

Dedicated Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 144 8 444.

Drop-in service: offering information and advice in-person. For example, Exeter CAB @ Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1QA offers a drop in Mondays Wednesdays, 10am–1pm.

Translator/ interpreter support is available for all CAB services listed above.

Connected Romanians from Exeter Devon (C.R.E.D.)

A CIC supporting Romanians in the Exeter area, aiming to raise the level of their well-being and help them integrate into the fabric of Exeter and Devon while maintaining strong ties to Romanian heritage. We aim to:

  • preserve Romanian traditions and values
  • facilitate cultural exchange and understanding
  • provide practical assistance for Romanians navigating life in the UK
  • encourage Romanian entrepreneurship and professional development
  • strengthen the bonds within our community and with our local neighbours

Crediton International Social and Cultural Organisation (CISCO)

Advice, advocacy, and free English classes for migrant workers and refugees living in the Crediton area. We provide advice and support for clients in their dealings with banks, Mid-Devon District Council, the DWP, estate agents, rental agencies, and utility suppliers etc.

We run free English lessons:

  • Tuesday 7.00pm till 8.30pm in Crediton Town Council 6 North Street, Crediton, EX17 2BT
  • Thursdays 10.00am to 11.30am in Boniface Centre, Crediton EX17 2AH

New students are always welcome.

Devon Bengali Association (DBA)

We are a group of Bengalis committed to celebrating and sharing our culture, heritage, and traditions as well as supporting all Bengalis resident in Devon. The work we do includes:

  • managing and promoting a local Bangla School for children of Bangladeshi origin.
  • organising and promoting the Bengali New Year
  • bringing together the Bengali community and welcoming Devon residents and businesses to be a part of our celebrations.
  • holding an annual community gathering and awards ceremony

The catering trade is a big part of all Bengali communities across the UK and one important initiative we have undertaken has been to actively relieve the shortage of catering staff in restaurants across Devon by connecting much needed workers to local and regional businesses.

The Bengali tradition is one filled with beautiful colours, aromas, and tastes that will take you on an amazing journey of discovery. We offer everyone a warm welcome to join us on our journey that has swept us from ‘Dhaka to Devon’. We say স্বাগতম ‘Shagothom’ (welcome)!

Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS) 

Triage Services 

Providing immigration Advice Authority (IAA) immigration advice at Level 3, asylum casework support, legal representation, social casework support, signposting, and advocacy.

  • Drop-in: 7 Whimple Street, PL1 2DH, Plymouth (Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 to 13:00.)  
  • Phone: 07823 495931 (Monday to Friday 10:00 – 16:00). Covers Devon and Cornwall. 
  • Email: caseworker@dcrs-plymouth.org (10:00 to 16:00). Covers Devon and Cornwall. 

Health Point

A drop-in service providing health advocacy, education, and signposting for all aspects of health. At 7 Whimple Street every Tuesday from 9:30am to 1:00pm.

Call 01752 265 952 or email gp@dcrs-plymouth.org to find out more. 

Devon and Cornwall wide services and projects 

  • Destitution Support: Providing food vouchers for destitute asylum seekers and refugees
  • Service User Relief: Clothing, transport costs in certain circumstances, and providing items to facilitate education or training. 
  • Fresh Claims Project: Supporting Appeal Rights Exhausted (A.R.E) clients with asylum claims. 
  • Training: Bespoke training for organisations who need to understand this sector. 
  • Activities: Various physical and mental health orientated activities. 
  • Befriending: Linking local volunteers with asylum seekers and refugees
  • Legal: Legal Aid to support asylum and immigration cases for asylum seekers

Contact DCRS to find out more about county wide services and projects:

Plymouth based services and projects 

  • English Classes: Classes at Beginner and Intermediate levels
    • Monday: 13:00 to 15:00                           
    • Wednesday: 10:00 to 12:00 
    • Thursday: 13:00 to 15:00                         
    • Friday: 10:30 to 12:00 
  • Outreach Activities: A programme of various activities, every Thursday
  • Music Tutoring: Learn an instrument or share your musical talent. Tuesday 14:00 to 16:00. 
  • Walking & Cycling: Guided tours of Plymouth and the surrounding areas on specified dates. 

Contact us to find out more about Plymouth based services and projects:

Devon Development Education (DDE)

DDE is an education charity, working with pupils, teachers and community groups in Devon. We aim to enable people of all ages to explore the major issues in our world and our connections to them. We reflect on the actions we can take, locally and globally, to make the world a better, fairer, and more sustainable place. 

We:

  • support and train teachers to bring global learning into their classrooms
  • run projects with schools to celebrate diversity and combat racism
  • promote fair trade
  • link with schools in a rural region of Uganda – this is a long-standing relationship.

Our work in the community includes the Windrush group and Resilient Roots, which provide safe spaces for people of colour living in Devon. We also offer community driven guidance on diversity and inclusion.

Devon Ukrainian Association (DUA)

A trusted hub for cultural, educational, emotional, and practical support for Ukrainians. Our goal is to empower individuals and build a resilient Ukrainian community in Devon and the South West.


Cultural & Language Programming

  • Ukrainian language school and teen club
  • National holiday celebrations, religious services, cultural traditions
  • Exhibitions, concerts, storytelling projects
  • Arts & crafts workshops rooted in heritage

Employability & Enterprise

  • Business support and self-employment pathways
  • Markets and pop-ups for Ukrainian entrepreneurs
  • Skills-based workshops: branding, budgeting, catering, sales
  • Networking and mentoring through the Ukrainian Business Club

Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Accredited Living Life to the Full courses in Ukrainian
  • Women’s wellbeing workshops and peer support groups
  • Trauma-informed support for children and families

Practical Support & Integration

  • ESOL classes and translation support
  • Housing navigation and advocacy
  • Help with services, benefits, and referrals
  • Social gatherings to reduce isolation

Civic Engagement & Solidarity

  • Fundraising and humanitarian aid coordination
  • Partnerships with councils, universities, and UK organisations
  • Dialogue events and educational outreach
  • Promoting Ukrainian voices in regional & national life

For our events listings and to subscribe to our news, check out our website: www.dua.org.uk

  • Email: welcome@dua.org.uk                      
  • Social Media: Search for @DevonUkrainian on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok
  • Address: Devon Ukrainian Association CIC, 19 North Street, Exeter, EX4 3QS

Diversity Business Incubator CIC

Diversity Business Incubator (DBI), founded in Plymouth in 2018, was created to address the under-representation of ethnically diverse leadership and support minority entrepreneurs in the South West. DBI serves as a dedicated business hub, empowering individuals with entrepreneurial drive through community engagement and tailored events.

Our core services include:

  • Professional consulting with an innovative EDI focus, incorporating lived experience and project management expertise.
  • One-to-one mentoring, peer-to-peer business planning, and startup support
  • Brokerage and advocacy to bridge systemic access gaps
  • Specialized training in community engagement strategy and multiculturalism

DBI champions the belief that “your health is your wealth,” recognising the deep connection between economic stability, well-being, and social equity. By supporting Black entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive environments, DBI not only helps build sustainable businesses but also contributes to improved health outcomes, resilience, and community flourishing.

Diverse Devon Together CIC

The objects of this partnership of 13 grass roots ethnic minority community organisations are to carry on activities which benefit the community and to further the interests of the partner organisations within Diverse Devon Together, including to:

  • Reduce isolation
  • Share skills, knowledge, experience and expertise
  • Facilitate understanding and integration across different cultures
  • Empower individuals and groups to express and to achieve their needs and ambitions
  • Encourage a sense of community beyond that of the obvious and immediate community; to extend to and include those who may have appeared foreign or different
  • Improve health and well-being of all communities in Exeter and Devon

We welcome all ethnic minority communities to join our partnership.

East Devon Malayalee Association (EDMA)

We are a community-led, non-profit association dedicated to supporting and celebrating the cultural identity, welfare, and integration of the Malayalee (Kerala-origin) community in East Devon and surrounding areas. Our activities include:

  • Cultural festivals and events
  • Community outreach and volunteer work
  • Language and youth engagement programs
  • Support for new members and their families

Eat That Frog

Eat That Frog CIC is a specialist post-16 institution and adult training provider with centres across South Devon. We offer bespoke post-16 curriculum packages tailored to the needs of each learner. We focus on future employment, preparing for adulthood, health and well-being, independence, life and social skills and community inclusion. We also deliver funded programmes to residents of Torbay, Newton Abbot, Exeter and Plymouth.

We enable people to identify and overcome their barriers to live a more fulfilled life. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, it’s never too late to learn. We provide safe and fun learning environments, tailored around you! 

Exeter Hindu Cultural Centre’s Trust

The Southwest peninsula has a vibrant, multicultural society, with people from all around the world attracted to a region with one of the fastest growing economies in the UK.

The Hindu population has grown rapidly as new residents move to Devon and other parts of the region, attracted by commercial and employment opportunities or by the chance to study at the highly regarded Exeter university or one of the region’s medical / dental schools. We believe that it is now time to build a cultural centre and place of worship for the growing Hindu community. But this core ambition is not the only purpose of our organisation, we are also here to:

  • welcome Hindus arriving in the area
  • provide social and cultural support to resident Hindus
  • offer guidance, and signpost new arrivals to local services
  • increase understanding and awareness of Hindu culture
  • provide support and help to those facing hardship, irrespective of where they are from;

Exeter Malayalee Association

Exeter Malayalee Association is a non-political, non-profit making, social and cultural organisation for people from Kerala, the southern state of India, living in Exeter.

Exeter Mosque and Cultural Centre 

In the 1970s, Muslims in Exeter offered their daily prayers in their homes. The majority of Muslims who first moved to Exeter were involved in the restaurant trade. On special occasions such as Eid, they would invite the Muslim community to celebrate together at their restaurants. There are now over 3000 Muslims in the city, of all ages, races, professions, and personalities.

Exeter Respect CIC 

Exeter Respect CIC was established to promote diversity, equality, and human rights in Exeter and across Devon. It is best known for organising the Exeter Respect Festival, the biggest diversity festival in the Southwest. In 2025, we will celebrate our 28th birthday. The Exeter Respect Festival brings together a huge range of people, groups, and organisations from diverse backgrounds.

Exeter Respect CIC also offers a range of services throughout the year:

  • support for BAME families, including family conferencing and parenting courses
  • equality and diversity training
  • mentoring for women and young people from minority ethnic communities
  • homework clubs for schools 
  • football tournaments 
  • anti-racism projects
  • consultation and training services: cultural competence, tackling racism

Filipino Community Association 

The Filipino Community Association is a non-profit, non-political, tax-exempt, and non-sectarian organization.

Our purposes include:

  • Welcoming new Filipinos to Devon and connecting them with local services.
  • Promoting cultural diversity, ethnic pride, unity and building stronger relationships amongst Filipinos and with wider communities in Devon.
  • Promoting Philippine culture, heritage, interests and concerns
  • Participating in sports, civic, charity events, and community services.
  • Providing aid for urgent needs in the Philippines, especially during calamities.
  • Collaborating with similar groups, including charities and voluntary organisations, to exchange knowledge, information, advice and support.

Hikmat Devon CIC

Hikmat Devon CIC is a member-led community interest company providing services to BAME people living in Devon and Torbay.

Our purposes are:

  • to empower individuals, families, and communities to access the skills, employment, housing, education, leisure pursuits, and well-being to which they are entitled.
  • to provide statutory and other mainstream services with good quality local information through the provision of bespoke consultation events and other forms of data capture.
  • to promote good relations between minority ethnic and mainstream white British residents.

Since 2005, Hikmat has been developing several strands of service provision and currently delivers around 2000 in-person sessions annually through:

  • Hikmat Chinese Group (Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking, weekly, Tuesday lunch times)
  • Sweetie Ladies (East and Southeast Asian women, North Devon)
  • Hikmat Line Dancing (multi-cultural, includes performances)
  • Hikmat Chinese Painting Classes (multicultural, includes exhibitions)
  • Hikmat Fit and Fun (multicultural, indoor team and individual sports including women-only swimming, gym and Pilates)
  • Tots and Tinies sessions (for parents with very young children)
  • Arts and Crafts Workshops (with partner organisations RAMM, CoLab, Phoenix, Devon and Exeter Institute and Exeter Cathedral)
  • Zenofilya Training (multi-cultural skills training and confidence building)
  • Counselling (6 session solution-focused counselling on-line and in-person)
  • Afghan Resettlement Scheme
  • Community Consultation and local services scrutiny (through the Devon Engagement Service and Devon Assembly)

We also offer individual support with navigating health and social care pathways, accessing school admissions, carers’ issues, completing forms, victim support, resettlement, and other challenges. Our staff team combines a considerable wealth of spoken and written languages, clinical skills, and other professional training, as well as lived experience of migration and translocation.

Hongkongers In Devon

Founded in 2020 as a community initiative and formally incorporated in 2022, Hongkongers in Devon is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the Hong Kong community across Devon and neighbouring cities.

Our mission is to create a welcoming, connected, and culturally vibrant community by:

  • Providing support for Hongkongers living in Exeter, Devon, and neighbouring areas.
  • Organising regular social and networking events to foster friendship and mutual support.
  • Facilitating integration into local communities through engagement, learning, and cultural exchange.
  • Offering access to English language classes to help members settle and thrive.
  • Promoting Hong Kong culture and traditions within Exeter and beyond.
  • Supporting Hong Kong parents and children in maintaining their cultural identity.
  • Helping children learn Cantonese and deepen their understanding of Hong Kong heritage.
  • Organising and taking part in charitable and community service activities.

Imagine – Torbay Multicultural Group

Imagine is a multi-cultural group whose activities aim to provide benefit to people championing cultural diversity through social events, workshops, training, and professional/personal development. Embedded within each activity, workshop or therapeutic engagement is the aim of encouraging social cohesion and integration, increasing participants’ confidence and encouraging sustainable contribution to the wider community through supported volunteering, training, and employability.

Contact Lorrie Layne for more information and dates of events:

Inclusive Exeter

Inclusive Exeter delivers a range of activities to help put people from ethnically diverse communities on an equal footing in terms of having fair and equal access to the same opportunities as mainstream communities.

We operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.30 am – 1.30 pm, from Southernhay Church, EX1 1QD.

People will be able to access our Drop-In Support Service where we offer help to people whose first language is not English, that is informal help with form-filling and a wide range of issues where language, limited familiarity with mainstream services, No Recourse to Public Funds and limited IT skills are barriers.

They will also be able to find out about other services across the city, meet with representatives from other organisations or people might just want to pop in for a coffee and a chat!

People can also meet with our staff and volunteers, join the English Conversation Group, join our Yoga sessions (women only), and find out more about our programme of physical activities, including Volleyball, Martial Arts and Badminton, all delivered by people from diverse communities; as well as cultural events, celebrating the rich heritage of our city’s diverse communities.

Italian Cultural Association Exeter

The Italian Cultural Association Exeter is a community root organisation made up of Italians living in Devon and local people interested in Italian culture. It was started in 2010 and its main aim is to keep Italian culture alive for the diaspora and also offer an insight into Italian culture to the community.

Since our beginning, we have organised:

  • monthly cinema events (nowadays in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix)
  • social events related to Italian language and food sharing
  • Italian music and dance workshops
  • and successful music evenings with invited Italian artists.

The Kurdish Community Devon

The Kurdish Community Devon began with a small group of Kurdish students at the University of Exeter in 2010 and later extended to embrace other Kurdish people living across Devon, including small business owners and their workers, families and friends. Kurdish people have spread around the world over the last three decades, mainly due to political situations in their home countries.

Kurdish Community Devon is a hub for cultural, social, and political activities of Kurds in Devon. We:

  • aim to be a bridge between the Kurds and all the other ethnic groups living in Devon
  • encourage the Kurdish community to integrate within wider society
  • assist our community members to access services and education
  • work to preserve and promote the richness of the Kurdish culture.
  • coordinate the Kurdish Spring/ New Year Newroz, celebration in March
  • organise monthly Kurdish film screenings at the Phoenix
  • Kurdish Traditional Dance teaching sessions
  • offer Kurdish Language and Tembur (a traditional instrument) classes for children (7 to 14) 
  • arrange academic and non-academic seminars and talks regarding Kurdish issues

Migrant Social Integration

Migrant Social Integration (MSI), launched in 2022, is a unique programme based on a proven social integration framework. The partnership programme covers Devon, Cornwall, Plymouth, and Torbay, with delivery supported by Plymouth Hope, and is primarily aimed at supporting the social integration of international recruits working in the health and social care sector.

Support for care providers, employers and other organisations in the sector. We believe that true impact comes from collaboration and  MSI would like to walk alongside you as you support international recruits in the workplace. Support we offer includes training in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Cultural Awareness, and Modern Slavery. Get in touch to book a 1:1 session; use our weekly drop in on Zoom every Thursday 14:30 – 15:00; or join our network to keep up to date

Support for International Recruits and workers in the sector. We offer a wealth of integration resources, information guides and webinars on a range of topics, including cultural adaptation, legal matters, healthcare and education.

We provide support with: Pre-arrival contact – Arrival induction sessions – Creating a bespoke support plan  – Training sessions – Drop in sessions online every Thursday 12:45 – 13:45. Become a member for FREE to access resources and news about events.

Volunteering for integration. We work to promote a vibrant community where individuals thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Building a strong social network is vital for a sense of belonging and volunteering can play a key role in the integration of migrants who can and are willing to contribute their skills through volunteering.

Mixed Families Together Group

We connect mixed heritage and global majority families across Devon.

We organise regular family meetups which uplift and celebrate diverse heritages across the group and help families feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.

For more information, please email mixedfamiliestogether@gmail.com

or follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mixedfamilies_together/

Multilingua Devon CIC

We deliver interpretation and translation services for public service providers, schools, groups, and individuals. We provide services in over 100 languages with a database of over 300 local freelance interpreters and translators.

The county’s only locally based professional translation and interpretation service, Multilingua Devon was founded in 2007 in order to meet the language needs of local BAME communities and support equality of access to public services. Initially supported by Devon County Council, we are now financially self-sufficient, but we remain a not-for-profit business. We support other charitable organisations and have a close relationship with our interpreters. The biggest difference between us and many larger, national companies is that we are local; we know the area and understand the needs of local communities well.

Our interpreters are trained and have DBS checks. Most are native speakers with a BA or higher university degree from their own country. We match the right interpreter to each job.

Multilingua provides:

  • trained local interpreters in over 100 languages
  • prompt responses to all enquiries and a speedy service
  • specialist interpreting e.g. mental health, medical, child protection, counselling, domestic violence, housing, education, legal topics
  • written translation on request in any language (email the document to get a quote) 
  • in-house training and workshops

Nigerian Community in Exeter (NCIE)

“This group connects Nigerians in Exeter (both at work and in school) to support personal growth, career advancement, and community building. Key aims include:

  • Empowering members to support themselves and their families.
  • Sharing information on global opportunities and offering life coaching.
  • Assisting with UK job opportunities and career decisions.
  • Providing workshops for skill and knowledge development.
  • Facilitating networking for collaboration in similar career paths.
  • Guiding newcomers in settling and understanding UK laws.

Nigerians in North Devon (NIND)

NIND’s Mission:

  • To preserve and encourage fellowship among members.
  • To establish an association for all Nigerians living in North Devon.
  • To promote unity within the Nigerian community.
  • To support families by fostering relationships that benefit members’ interests.
  • To build and sustain supportive connections among members and maintain a comprehensive member database.
  • To create outreach opportunities and safeguard members’ interests and well-being.

Odils (Open Doors International Language School)

Free English language education, skills development mentorships, employment, and community integration support for ethnic minority groups.

Hello! We are here to help you. No matter where you come from, how well you speak English or what your beliefs are, you have a home at Odils Learning Foundation. We teach English Language classes to people who are refugees, seeking asylum or part of ethnic minority groups here in the UK. Our centre is located in Plymouth, Devon but we also have an office in Exeter. We help provide skills development so that people can find employment and integrate successfully. Many of our services and classes are free. Find out how it works or get in touch with us to see how we can help you. We are Odils and we are here for you because you belong here.

The Olive Project

Our core aims:

To work with black and minoritized women and girls who are subjected to abuse and violence, and to support them to live free from harm.

To work with black and minoritized women and girls to support them to advocate for their own rights.

To deliver effective and meaningful training to public, private, and voluntary organisations to eradicate the experience of institutional oppression faced by black and minoritized women.

To develop and lead local campaigns to bring real and lasting change for black and minoritized women and girls living in Devon and Cornwall and the surrounding areas.

Outreach Southwest CIC

Outreach Southwest CIC runs the Exeter International Cafe at various church locations across Exeter, meeting term time from 4.00pm to 5.30pm.

Come and practise your English with native speakers and other internationals.  Learn about British culture, traditions, and life in Exeter.  Tea, coffee, cake, and a warm welcome to all internationals, at any level of English.

Sign up for our events here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/exeterinternationalcafe

Plymouth and Devon Race Equality Council (PDREC)

We work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity, and good relations, between persons of different racial groups within the county of Devon (including Plymouth, Exeter, and Torbay)

PDREC understand that collaboration improves the potential of our organisation to make a difference. We welcome opportunities to share practice and develop partnerships, and we believe this commitment makes us better placed to meet the diverse needs of our community members.

We work with our communities in the following ways:

  • benefit and debt advice
  • tailored support for women
  • first contact support for domestic violence
  • hate crime reporting centre and victim care
  • support and advice for parents on education issues
  • tutoring and support for school-age children and young people

We also work strategically with a range of partners across Devon on partnership projects and forums with a view to reaching our targets on race equality and community cohesion.

Pickwell Foundation

Since 2016, we have welcomed 7 refugee families from the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region through the Government’s Community Sponsorship Scheme, and are looking forward to welcoming 3 more families in the coming year. We recruit, train, and mentor groups to work alongside families and support them to independence.

We have also:

  • welcomed 300+ Ukrainian guests into the North Devon and Torridge districts, assigning caseworkers to support every guest and host, who can help with problem solving and signposting to additional support.
  • started to welcome families under the ARAP Scheme – supporting up to 18 Afghan families to our area with a full package of integration support needed. We are basing our framework around the Community Sponsorship model as it works so well.
  • responded to the needs of other Afghan families needing resettlement to the UK from Pakistan.
  • provided host and guest support for anyone offering a home to someone in the asylum process.
  • worked with the local authorities to design services to support any future arrivals of displaced people to the area. 

Plymouth Hope

Plymouth Hope is a charitable organisation run by volunteers who believe in social equality. We recognise the social and health benefits of sport and wellbeing, and we work to ensure that children and young people have access to play and wellbeing programmes. We are known for creating platforms to bring communities together and fostering social cohesion.

Here is a list of our clubs, programmes and other support. Unless otherwise provided, these take place at 13 Beaumont Road, Plymouth PL4 9BA:

  • Free asylum & immigration advice: Drop -ins and appointments, Tuesdays and Fridays 10am to 1pm. OISC-accredited.
  • Digital hub: Fridays 10am to 1pm
  • Youth Music Lessons: Mondays 4pm-6pm
  • Youth Digital: Tuesdays 4pm-6pm
  • Girls and Women Empowerment: Tuesdays 4pm-6pm
  • Fit and Fed: Seasonal during half term. Contact our general enquiries for more details
  • Youth Social Action: Based on our anti-racism charter, we deliver school sessions to support young people aged 10-18 affected by bullying, racism and discrimination, along with support to school staff to understand how to support students from diverse backgrounds. Contact general enquiries for details.
  • Women’s coffee morning: Thursdays 11.30-2pm.
  • Women’s exercise and swimming: Contact our general enquiries line for more information.
  • Youth football training: Wednesdays 5pm-6pm (community football), Fridays 5pm-6.30pm (league training). @ Victoria Park, PL1 5NG
  • Adult Football Training: Fridays 5.30pm-7pm (league and community football)
  • Men’s conversation club: Wednesdays, 4.30pm-7pm
  • Social Friday: playing games and sharing hot meals. Fridays 3.30pm-7pm, fortnightly from 2nd May 2025. @ Sherwell Church, PL4 8ER

Please note that times of our sessions and activities change during the winter season, so please contact our general enquiry line for more information.

Refugee Support Devon (RSD)

RSD is an independent local charity based at the Exeter Community Centre. We offer a range of services to the refugee and asylum seeker community including:

  • twice-weekly drop-in: offering information, support, and signposting for accessing legal services and for navigating life in the UK
  • weekly immigration clinic: accredited by IAA to offer up to Level 2 advice
  • destitution relief: coordinating referrals to crisis services and providing immediate financial support via the RSD emergency fund
  • education and employability: providing online English language classes and employment training
  • refugee resettlement: since 2016, in partnership with Devon County Council (DCC), we have supported over 30 families resettled in Devon as a result of the war in Syria. In 2019, DCC awarded us the contract for the provision of integration casework in wider Devon,
  • community allotment: a safe space for refugees to grow their own fruit and vegetables
  • RAMP (refugees as medical professionals) Devon: assisting forced migrants who are qualified health practitioners to follow an appropriate training pathway

South Asian Society – Devon and Cornwall

The South Asian Society (SAS) was founded in the year 2003. The main aim of this society is to create a cultural, social, and mutual support network for Devon and Cornwall’s increasingly large South Asian community. SAS has a wide membership base of people who are drawn from countries surrounding the Indian sub-continent or are part of the Asian Diaspora.

St. Sidwell’s Centre

We are a community centre in the heart of Exeter, giving a warm welcome to all. We offer a wide programme of activities, events, and services for the local community, including:

English for Speakers of Other Languages classes – Monday- Saturday

Free classes taught by experienced volunteer teachers run nearly every day of the week and are open to everyone – including refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers, and students. https://stsidwells.org.uk/what-we-do/esol

Volunteer and work-experience programme

We welcome volunteers across all of our projects – whether people want to make friends, improve their English, or gain work experience. https://stsidwells.org.uk/work-with-us/volunteer

Community café and bakery

Serving up homemade, affordable food and training people in cooking and baking skills.

Gardening projects

We grow vegetables and look after one of the few large green spaces in Exeter city centre – a great way to get outside and meet others. Currently groups meet Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Meeting room and venue hire

A range of rooms are available for one off or regular bookings. We offer affordable rates and can support new groups with discounted hire.

Digital Skills, Work and Wellbeing drop-in

Our drop-in is open to all, every Thursday 2-4pm. Come in for a chat about how to find a job, how to write a CV, you can get help to find other organisations such as Citizens Advice, chat about money, benefits, wellbeing and mental health support. We have laptops you can use and we will be on hand to give you help when you need. We can also book 1:1s at a mutually convenient time. Email dropin@stsidwells.org.uk

Sunrise Diversity

Sunrise Diversity is a grassroots charity promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion in rural communities in North Devon. We work with the community to eliminate discrimination and promote strong, positive community relations through our range of services and activities, which challenge discrimination, help change attitudes, and celebrate diversity.

Sunrise provides a range of free services, activities, and training in North Devon for individuals with diverse identities including migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, people of colour, individuals with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), and the LGBTQ+ community.

Services include:

  • confidential support and advocacy
  • English language classes and activities (for speakers of other languages)
  • social opportunities
  • skills and knowledge sessions.

Tavistock: Stand Up To Racism

 T:SUTR is a group based in Tavistock and the surrounding area. We:

  • promote positive attitudes toward migrants, different ethnicities, cultures and religions
  • challenge racist misinformation and racist attitudes
  • organise stalls with anti-racist materials, educational sessions, public meetings and cultural events
  • develop and maintain a network of informed local people who can support victims and respond to threats of racist or fascist activity

Teignbridge VCSE Led Support Programme

A partnership programme led by Teignbridge CVS supporting refugees/non-UK nationals living in Teignbridge.  The partnership ensures that refugees and, where they are a part of any programme,  host families, have access to support that includes

  • Home visits on arrival and support to settle
  • Support to access essential services including GPs, education, social care, housing
  • Advice to access welfare benefits and employment;
  • Help with form filling and applying for essential documents
  • Social groups across many of the towns in Teignbridge with support available
  • Access to employability skills advice and employment workshops
  • Support to volunteer locally
  • Support for families where there are children under 5 years.

We can also connect you with English teachers who provide free ESOL classes at the Courtenay Centre, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA. Contact us for more details.

Ubuntu Counselling Services Ltd

A Multicultural Counselling Service Social Enterprise providingan evidence-based, holistic Counselling Service for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities across Devon. Our objectives are:

  • to provide psychotherapeutic services (mainly short-term), suited to BME communities
  • to work alongside community networks so as to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility
  • to link seamlessly with statutory services, including NHS and GPs
  • to sign-post to other support agencies so as to ensure continuation of care
  • to continue to develop the service so as to meet BME community needs
  • to research and collect evidence of the mental health needs of BME communities in Devon
  • to monitor and evaluate the service so that it remains relevant and responsive to need

We normally see clients within one week of referral, depending on availability. The service is free to clients and we are working hard to maintain this offer

We are organisational members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by its code of ethics.  Therapists are either accredited, on the BACP register of therapists, or working towards registration and accreditation.

Ubuntu Educational & Mentoring Services CIC

Who: We are Devon’s leading organisation for equality and educational services that is Global Majority Led

Why: To build vibrant communities where creativity flourishes, authentic collaboration is celebrated, and all individuals feel empowered and supported. Through our legacy of equity, understanding and affinity, we strive to create a more inclusive and just society for all.

What we do: Ubuntu Educational & Mentoring Services creates safe spaces for critical conversations about equity and race.

How: Through Education, Support and Creativity.

Our services include:

  • Community Engagement & Advocacy 
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training 
  • Mentoring
  • Windrush Legacy Series
  • Bridging Cultures Workshops EYFS, KS1,2,3 and 4
  • Theatre and Multimedia Production 

Our Inspiration: Ubuntu means “I am, because WE are” – this African proverb speaks to the fact that we cannot exist in isolation.

University of Exeter Students’ Guild – International Societies

The University of Exeter Students’ Guild offers hundreds of student-led societies, including many with an international focus. Societies are a great way to make friends and build connections. To find out what societies you can join, and for more information on the work of the Students’ Guild, click here.

Zebra Collective

Zebra Collective offers equalities consultancy, reflective learning and training, including general workshops on equality core concepts, as well as specific offers regarding cultural capability, anti-racism, challenging discrimination (courageous conversations) and unconscious bias

In our community work, we show a conscious commitment to actively promoting inclusion of all people who are at risk of exclusion, including people from ethnically minoritised communities.

We run a free Stay & Play Toddler Group for all 0-4 year olds called ‘Little Zebras’, from 10.00am-11.30am every Tuesday during term-time. All families are welcome!

Finally, we run a women-only community ESOL English class with a creche on Thursdays during term-time, from 10.00am to 12.00pm

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