Who we are…

Maria has always been interested in issues around justice, or the lack of it. As a migrant herself she still remembers moving here as a two year old from India.

Maria is grateful for the experience of working with people who are vulnerable through circumstances outside their control – whether it be war, famine, or hostile environment policy. She knows she learns from them daily about what is most crucial to a meaningful existence.

Meeting these individuals creates a wider understanding of the importance of a strong community and how it can help carry people through the hardest of times.

Maria believes passionately in acting with warmth in a system where bureaucracy has reduced humanity and empathy towards others.

As Partnerships Coordinator, Elizabeth is responsible for sustaining and developing links in the local community with social services, charities, health and education providers and other community groups. In this she is keen to ensure that the organisation upholds the founding principle of compassion where there is need, and non-judgemental assistance to those with nowhere else to turn. 

Formerly a languages teacher and translator, she has volunteered with refugee organisations in the UK and with grassroots organisations in France and Greece, teaching refugee students of all ages. She firmly believes that we can bridge cultural and linguistic divides through embracing the universal qualities we share, while also respecting and celebrating diversity. Effective communication is key to ensuring old and new residents find mutual benefit as our community evolves. 

After joining as a volunteer in April 2019 Phil took on the role of Fund Raising Co-ordinator. Phil’s role expanded to web site admin and event planning. Phil was invited to become a Director in 2023 with a particular focus on finance.

During his working life in the Electricity Supply Industry Phil took on several volunteer roles, e.g. School Governor and  leading a Wildlife Trust Watch group for children. Phil is now retired and is a volunteer instructor for the Taoist Tai Chi Society.

The publicity surrounding the plight of refugees, and an inspirational presentation by Maria Wilby, convinced Phil that RAMA was a very worthwhile cause to support.

Colm started as a part-time Caseworker at RAMA (formerly Refugee Action – Colchester) in October 2022 after having volunteered at various times in the past. 

Colm had been aware of the often desperate plight of refugees, asylum seekers and globally displaced peoples for a long time having visited the Calais ‘Jungle’ and witnessing first-hand the treatment of these people in other systems around the world.  However, becoming a Caseworker at RAMA really did open his eyes to the injustice, inhumanity and discrimination directed by government towards our fellow humans here in the UK and the need for organisations like RAMA to fill the holes in the system while helping people navigate their way towards better futures.

Colm feels honoured to work for RAMA: a wonderful organisation with compassionate and dedicated staff who do so much good for so many people.

Maud-May always had a strong interest in social and political issues, and is passionate about social justice. Her desire to help others has informed her career choices and in the past 24 years she has worked with vulnerable people in education, library & information services, and offender management.

Maud-May has a professional background in commercial and educational administration and in library and information management. She has always enjoyed advocating for others, helping to solve problems and ensuring their rights are met.

During the pandemic Maud-May was redeployed from her role as Library Manager at HMP Chelmsford to the Essex Welfare Service, to handle calls from Essex residents in need of a wide range of services including shopping, prescription collection, and mental health service referrals. She found value in this role: offering practical help but equally alleviating loneliness and anxiety. This in turn led Maud-May to volunteer at RAMA in November 2021 to join a good friend with whom she had delivered caravans to the Calais ‘jungle’ in 2015/16. Since April 2022 Maud-May has been a full-time Caseworker at RAMA, with specific responsibility for Ukrainian refugees, and also for safeguarding.

Sue initially joined RAMA in July 2021 as volunteer office support and became employed as Foodbank Manager on a jobshare basis in March 2022.  

Prior to this Sue volunteered at an animal sanctuary for 10 years.  Her working life included roles within the Probation Service, Open Road (drug and alcohol) and NACRO (ex offenders).   Sue was also a foster carer for several years.

Sue has always followed closely the ordeal of refugees and migrants in the media and had wanted to help in a practical way.  Moving to Colchester and discovering the RAMA community gave Sue the opportunity she had been looking for.  

After joining as a volunteer in October 2021, Ruth became employed as the Office Coordinator the following May. Ruth’s role is invaluable in providing office support for the caseworkers and coordinating the recruitment of volunteers for the organisation. 

Prior to joining RAMA, Ruth worked as an archaeologist for the Museum of London, until the demands of the job caused her severe back problems. Wanting to continue her employment in the Heritage sector Ruth then became employed by the National Trust. 

The struggles and bureaucratic processes that refugees face on a daily basis compelled Ruth to volunteer for RAMA.  

Hasina joined RAMA in April 2022 as a part – time Caseworker after volunteering with us.

In her previous role she was working at a women’s refuge supporting women fleeing from domestic violence.

Hasina is bilingual and is able to translate to some of our clients. She is the daughter of a first generation migrant. She grew up in a family who faced first hand experience of arriving to a new country. Her parents were not well equipped and faced isolation and struggle to integrate due to the lack of support available at the time.

Hasina is with RAMA because she is passionate and dedicated to support the most vulnerable. She is proud to work for RAMA. A place she says is international and where people from all around the world visit.