The Team

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Julie Paget

I moved to Plymouth in 1991 and was dismayed by the lack of diversity in the City, and the overt levels of racism, which reflected the attitudes I had grown up with.

In my current role I am the spokesperson for the organisation, responding to the media and working at a strategic level, with the Police, Local Authorities, Health and other organisations to tackle racism and discrimination and bring about changes to policies and procedures.

During the past 20 years at PDREC, I have seen many changes, not just to the organisation, but locally and nationally in terms of policies and attitudes. There have been some successes, such as the recognition of Institutional Racism and the Race Relations Act, however over the past decade, these have been eroded by nationalist rhetoric and the rise of the far right.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Dr Sofia Chanda-Gool

I have been a Trustee since 2018 and Chair of the Trustees since 2021. I feel privilaged to work with such an inspired team of people, to deliver such a valuable and essential service for Plymouth and Devon. Previously I've been the race equality coordinator for 23 schools in Bristol, designing and delivering anti-racist training and multicultural curricula. I have lived in rural areas and know of the isolation individuals and communities can experience. Living in cities I have thoroughly enjoyed working with communities representing a range of cultures with differing values, identities and experiences.

My PhD is in cross-cultural issues internationally and in education. I am an accredited BACP ( British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) counsellor, and a researcher for the University of London. I feel passionately about addressing inequality and empowering diversity to thrive.

Dr Sofia Chanda-Gool was honoured to be interviewed as part of Devon County Council's "Saluting Our Sisters", Black History Month 2023 events. Here is the link to the recording.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Vanessa Crosse

I have worked at Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council for 17 years. Prior to this, I worked in New Zealand in Community Mental Health. In both these roles, the emphasis has always been community engagement, participation and equality.

Working for PDREC has given me the very rewarding experience of working with young people, community mental health engagement and development. I love working with diverse communities, expanding my world view, learning and developing creativity.

I have a Diploma in Social and Community Studies, level 4 National Certificate in Human Services and certificates in several areas including: equality and diversity, management, community volunteering, safeguarding and prevention and Youth support. I enjoy continually updating my training, developing my knowledge and understanding.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Lavinia Porfir

I have worked at Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council since 2017. I am from Romania and I moved to England in 2012. My background is in public administration and services.

Working for Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council (PDREC) has offered me a unique chance to focus on my passion for equality and diversity and to ensure the voices of our clients are being heard and listened to. I am really proud to work for PDREC and have learnt so much.

I appreciate its ethos to encompass diversity. Advocating for our service users, ensuring they are able to communicate their wishes, securing their rights, representing their interests and obtaining the services they need is a challenging and rewarding role. I enjoy engaging with our service users and discovering their amazing traditions.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Hilary Warren

I have worked for PDREC since August 2011, first as a volunteer and later as a paid member of the team. I have a Law Degree and Diploma in Legal Practice and worked for 14 years as an adviser and manager at Citizens Advice Bureau in Cornwall. I feel strongly about everyone having access to good advice and being part of an organisation like PDREC that supports clients through difficult situations. I enjoy being able to give long term support and to use my knowledge to improve the quality of people’s lives.

I am mainly a benefit adviser but client’s lives don’t slot into simple subjects and so I also help with a range of other issues where I am able, such as debt, form filling or just being prepared to listen to a client and, where possible, to offer practical help.

I enjoy working for PDREC and being able to make a difference. Over the past 11 years I have brought in at least £1 million pounds in benefits for clients which is money spent locally and which improves the health and well being of my clients.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Nicholas White

I joined the Board of the PDREC in June 2017 after my retirement from Livewell. I was a Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities and my role at Livewell was Training & Development Manager for the Mental Health Service.

Through my work with the Health Service I have been involved with the support of many disadvantaged and discriminated against individuals and groups. I have always worked at reducing stigma and discrimination wherever it is present. In my final employed role I worked closely with the PDREC on the development and delivery of training relating to anti-racist and awareness training and effects on individual or group mental health and wellbeing.

I have valued the support that the PDREC has offered to many groups and individuals in my working life and I am privileged now to be working with the team and Trustees.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Tim Tod

Tim has been a Trustee of PDREC for the past 4 years and was previously a Trustee20 years ago! In parallel, Tim has worked mostly in the Charitable Sector working in partnership with other charities as well as Government agencies to develop and deliver projects and educational resources that benefit children, young people and their families especially those most vulnerable or marginalised within their community.

Tim has been a Trustee of PDREC for the past 4 years and was previously a Trustee20 years ago! In parallel, Tim has worked mostly in the Charitable Sector working in partnership with other charities as well as Government agencies to develop and deliver projects and educational resources that benefit children, young people and their families especially those most vulnerable or marginalised within their community.

He also volunteers as a Trustee of Brook, a Director of Plymouth Dance and as an Independent advisor to Devon and Cornwall Police. Tim loves working with others to explore new ways of looking at specific problems/ideas and testing out different ways of working that could make a lasting difference.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Dr Thandiwe M Hara

I have lived in Plymouth since 2005, and in that time, I have worked in both professional voluntary capacities around equality and diversity, across Devon and Cornwall, covering young people, Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Migrant Workers, and Gypsies and Travellers.

Currently, I am a joint appointee, working as the Strategy Development Executive at OxLEP, and in charge of Regional Innovation and Engagement at the University of Oxford. Prior to this, I spent years working on European Regional Development projects, including developing the Knowledge Exchange department for the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter Medical School. My Doctoral research is in Medical Studies, with a focus on applied Health research. I am interested in developing strategies, interventions, and policies that address health inequalities, and promote socially inclusive economic growth.

I am also a non-executive Board member of the NIHR SW Clinical Research network and I have previously served as a Governor for Derriford Hospitals NHS Trust.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Hannah Jordan

"I have lived in Plymouth for just over 25 years and PDREC and Respect Festival has always been part of celebrating diversity and supporting equality; these are important reasons I feel proud to live and work in Plymouth. Now working at Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council I am proud to work with and for an organisation what works in partnership with others, celebrates diversity and supports individuals when most in need and helps to educate, train and support individuals and communities.

I have youth and community work background alongside training, assessing, participation and volunteering. I am extremely passionate about youth music and community arts and how through these we can break down barriers, support and educate, explore and celebrate diversity and to support people to find their place and a voice".

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Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Regis Ntavuka

My name is Regis, I was born in Rwanda and have a Bi-cultural understanding of the world.

I feel passionately about equality and social justice. And this is the reason I wanted to join the team at Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council. I believe in our ability to work together to make a difference!

The skills I have gained in marketing have given me the quest to empower others, to make meaningful impact. By understanding the complex and often irrational forces that drive human behaviour, I hope to articulate ways forward and find meaning that resonates deeply with our communities and inspires action for PDREC.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Isatta Kallon

My family and I moved from Reading to Plymouth in 1997, I was sucked to see the lack of diversity and the level of racism that was going on in the city. As I result I got involved the Racial Equality Council and we started doing some grass root work with families and individuals across the city. One of the key strategies we worked on was organising the annual Respect Festival, which brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate oneness.

I have spent more than 20 years working in the field of social care in the community and campaigning for social justice and equality. I am still working with people worldwide including marginalised individuals and those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

I am a Co-founder of the Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS). I have worked with the British Red Cross, Youth Offending Services, and Devonport Regeneration Company, just to name a few, but this is not an exhaustive list. My interests are meeting new people especially over a cuppa, listening to world music and long walks in nature while listening to the birds singing.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Kadus Smith

I have enjoyed working with young people in Plymouth over 10 years with a focus on equality and diversity. I work for Argyle Community Trust.

I feel passionately about tackling institutional racism within education and the workplace, whilst also being a connector in the communities to help amplify voices from the global majority.

I see Plymouth and Devon Race Equality Council as an opportunity to enhance my work in the community and empower young people from diverse backgrounds.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Jenny Birchall

I was born and grew up in Plymouth and have worked in the NHS since 1993. I am Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development and have worked in Human Resources for the majority of my time in the NHS.

I have recently become a Trustee of PDREC and feel incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team who aim to find ways to make a difference to people in our diverse communities.

Fairness is a value I am passionate about and fits with my role which focuses on equality, diversity, and inclusion and how we create a compassionate and inclusive workplace. I recognise that I have privilege and advantage in my life, and this may not be the case for many of the people we support at PDREC. I want to do what I can to change this and to challenge racism in all its forms.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Kiven Emmanuel

I joined PDREC as a Trustee in May 2023 with over 22 years’ experience working in the charity sector, both at national and international levels. I am highly skilled at working with a range of people and have an in depth understanding of the needs of diverse communities in Plymouth, and beyond.

I feel at ease working with people of all social backgrounds and people have found me very approachable. I believe passionately in equal opportunities for everyone. At present I work as an immigration adviser and senior drop in coordinator at Refugee Support Devon.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Ayeshani Abeywardena

“In 2008, my journey unfolded in the vibrant and diverse landscapes of the United Kingdom, where I delved into the fascinating realm of strategic marketing at the University of Anglia Ruskin. My commitment to learning led me not only to obtain a Bachelor’s degree but also to pursue a Master of Arts in Marketing and Innovation at the same esteemed institution.

My academic exploration continued with postgraduate diplomas in Business Management and Research Methods for Managers, as well as Business and Marketing Strategy at the London School of Marketing. These experiences laid the foundation for my professional journey.

Beyond the academic realm, I applied my knowledge and skills in a practical setting, contributing to the Royal Free NHS Trust. In 2018, I relocated to Plymouth, and my path intersected with PDREC, where I became a dedicated volunteer. This journey culminated in my appointment as a trustee in 2023.

In my current role, I am passionately involved in administrative tasks, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the community. My activities revolve around ensuring the seamless functioning of administrative processes and orchestrating impactful events.

Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council

Waleed Mahgoub Abdullah

I have both international and national experience working for the Red Cross. Over the last thirteen years living in Plymouth I have worked for eight years as the Red Cross refugee service coordinator, I have also worked for the Red Cross International Committee in Greece. I was the deputy team leader for the cash transfer program (CTP) and was the Refugee settlement coordinator in Cornwall, then worked for the 16+ -unaccompanied asylum seekers Cornwall council. Currently I am the casework manager for Devon and Cornwall refugee support. Furthermore, I am proud to be the founder of the "Give Back" project which started in 2012.

I am concerned about hidden prejudice and institutional racism. I am committed to tackling misconceptions about refugees and asylum seekers in Plymouth and I see Plymouth and Devon Race Equality Council as a vital means to address racism and encourage diversity to thrive.