Additional Founding Members

Val Jones Valerie Jones is an Immigration Solicitor who represented asylum seekers in Middlesbrough and Stockton for 6 years, but currently acts for refugees in South Yorks. Valerie still lives in the North East and is committed to maintaining legal representation in increasingly difficult times for people fleeing persecution and human rights abuses.

Ian Jeffrey Ian has many years experience as an elected member both at County and Unitary level. He represents a diverse ward where residents have multiple needs. Ian chaired a local Forum that brought together practitioners working in the field of asylum.

Rowena Sommerville Community Programme Manager at Tees Valley Arts – has worked with refugees and people seeking asylum for five years mentoring talented individuals; running projects using music, photography, writing, animation, textiles and more; and organising celebratory events that bring the whole community together.

Chris Coombs Chris has a wealth of experience as a former elected member for a ward where many of the refugee community have settled. Dennis Oliver Through his work as an enabler with The Scarman Trust, Dennis has wide experience of working with people seeking asylum.

Maureen Hall Maureen was Unit Manager for Teesside Probation Services. She is a former Redcar and Cleveland Councillor and a member of the NE Coalition for Asylum Rights. Bob Kerr An experienced local politician with Cabinet responsibility for diversity. Bob has a commitment to supporting people seeking asylum in Middlesbrough.

Rosemary Muthani Anderson Company Secretary and Kenyan by birth, Rosemary was Secretary of Tees Valley Voices for Justice, an organisation that raises awareness of asylum problems through liaison with statutory and voluntary bodies and the community.