Meet the Team

Rachael co-founded Refugee Welcome Homes in 2014 and has worked and volunteered in the refugee sector in Bristol since 2008. She's hosted over 40 destitute asylum seekers and refugee lodgers. She's also involved in ECFC,  a church in Easton working with refugees and asylum seekers. 

Welcome joined the team in January 2024 as the lodging scheme support worker, he has worked and volunteered in the refugee sector since 2016. Welcome has lived experience of immigrating to the UK and settling in. Welcome is very passionate about supporting refugees in order for them to settle well in the UK and live their lives independently.   

Neşe grew up in North Eastern Turkey, and moved to the UK when she was 17. Neşe understands the complexities of moving to another country when you don't understand the obvious and unspoken rules of culture. She has worked with refugees and asylum seekers since 2011 in Nottingham, London and Bristol. She joined Refugee Welcome Homes in 2018 and founded the Lodging Scheme in 2021. She is involved in ECC, a church Bristol, which she attends with her husband and two daughters. 

Michelle manages our operations and has worked in the Christian charity sector since 2007, with particular interest and travel to the middle east/north Africa. An immigrant herself, she believes that supporting those who are starting their lives in a new country is invaluable and helps give refugees the best possible chance to succeed. Michelle joined Refugee Welcome Homes in 2021. Michelle and her husband attend Christchurch in Newport. 

Having joined initially to cover adoption leave, Jess has now joined the team permanently as the Business Development Director. Currently based in Nottingham, Jess grew up in the Middle East and went on to study Middle Eastern Studies at SOAS, London. Coming with 7 years experience in the international charity sector, Jess is looking forward to sharing the vital work of RWH to help those with refugee status find long-term, supportive accommodation. 

Naz joined Refugee Welcome Homes as a Refugee Lodging Scheme Support Worker and is based in Bristol. Having moved to the UK herself, she brings care and understanding to her role supporting refugees as they settle into life in a new country. Naz completed her MSc at the University of Hull and, while living in Hull, was active within the church and local community, supporting refugees in practical ways. She values offering steady, compassionate support and walking alongside people as they build stability and independence.