ABOUT US
Sanctuary Hosting finds short to long term hosting placements for destitute migrants and refugees.
OUR STAFF
Sarah Wahby
Service Manager
Sarah has experience overseeing psychosocial support, advocacy and advice services for refugees, vulnerable migrants and victims of trafficking. Working in Egypt, UK and Bolivia, she has been a researcher and lectured on issues facing forced migrants.
Elaine Savage
Service Coordinator
Elaine has a background of over 12 years Youth and Community Work experience, many spent responding to those facing homelessness. She has lived, travelled and worked in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and has a strong desire to support anyone affected by forced migration.
OUR DIRECTORS
Alison Baxter
Chair of Trustees
Alison was head of publishing for the national charity Directory of Social Change before becoming Chief Executive of OCVA (Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action) for ten years. She is now a student at Oxford Brookes and involved in various voluntary activities.
Wyon Stansfeld
Trustee
Wyon has worked with refugees and asylum seekers for 13 years, first running a counselling service at Refugee Resource where he also helped set up the mentoring scheme, then as a trustee for Asylum Welcome, then through his work with Emmaus. In 2015 he helped relaunch Oxford City of Sanctuary which then set up the hosting scheme.
Dr Kenneth King
Treasurer
Ken has worked for more than 30 years in the higher education sector. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He has been a member of the Mali Development Group and is currently treasurer of Refugee Resource, in Oxford.
Bebe Speed
Trustee
Bebe Speed worked in the local mental health trust for many years as a consultant family therapist.
She is currently a Trustee of Emmaus Oxford, a charity which offers work and accommodation to 28 homeless people including two refugee and asylum seekers.
Matt Grainger
Trustee
Matt was a journalist in New Zealand, and then in Cambodia in the mid-90s, before he joined Oxfam in the UK. He is head of media now for Oxfam International, where he has worked on its campaigns and humanitarian responses since 2002.
Eden Habtemichael
Trustee
Eden Habtemichael is a leading journalist with skills and experience in media. She has worked with marginalised women for over thirteen years at Refugee Resource. In 2015 she helped to relaunch Oxford City of Sanctuary and the Hosting Scheme, she is also on the Board of Trustees for East Oxford Community Centre. In 2006 she helped to establish Refugee Week in Oxford and continues to organise this.
Goytom Fissehaye
Trustee
Originally from Eritrea, Goytom has first hand experience of being a refugee and being homeless. He is now pursuing further studies, has my own place and is working. He has been involved with the hosting scheme since it started and looks forward to seeing it grow.
Rose Haines
Trustee
Rose has worked with people affected by asylum and immigration issues for over 13 years, including with the Refugee Council, The Children’s Society and now as South East of England Operations Manager for the British Red Cross. Rose has played a key part in obtaining four years of Big Lottery Funding for a partnership between the Red Cross, Citizens Advice Reading and Sanctuary Hosting.
