Together, we make a difference - Community Development Officer

Jacqui is our Community Development Officer. Her role includes working with the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN) and other partners to deliver services, activities and initiatives that support the borough’s refugees.

Every borough and district across Surrey is allocated funding and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has commissioned the charity, Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN), to provide services such as advice via their help desk, welfare visits through to support accessing services, housing and schools.

A major initiative that Jacqui has worked on was the rollout of the government’s 2021 Homes for Ukraine scheme, our residents supported over 170 Ukrainian families by sponsoring them and providing homes. Her role included:

• Coordinating the council’s response and working closely with the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network to rollout the scheme.
• Organising safeguarding checks for prospective sponsors including DBS and home checks, alongside the council’s Housing and Environmental Health teams.
• Coordinating trauma-informed support training for sponsors, delivered by the Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust

Jacqui, Community Development Officer shared how she felt about her role:

“Hearing stories first hand and seeing the emotional impact on displaced individuals has been eye opening for me, and at times distressing. It’s heartwarming to know that I’ve been able to play a part in making a difference to lives including through the Homes for Ukraine scheme which was a huge initiative that has hopefully helped Ukrainian families return to some sense of normality, I’m proud to have seen our very own residents stepping up to support them in their hour of need.

On a personal note, working in a team that can make a real difference to people's lives is truly uplifting and where I want to be!”