STAR National Support Office
STAR is a dynamic young people led organisation. The role of the National Support Office is to provide infrastructure and support to ensure the effectiveness and development of the network.
The National Support Office team provides information, training and support to STAR members and organises a series of national events for the network. This website is provided and maintained by the national office and is a key tool in raising the profile of STAR amongst the student, youth and refugee sectors; ensuring local support for members’ activities and promoting refugee issues nationally.
Who works in the National Support Office?
Katherine Blaker, Chief Executive
Katherine was a member of STAR when she was a student at the University of Hull and has been working for refugees ever since. As STAR’s Chief Executive she leads the work of the National Support Office. Contact Katherine if you would like to find out more about the national organisation, or to give direct feedback on your experiences of STAR.
Russell Brooks, Volunteer Support Officer
Russell joined STAR in January 2007, having previously developed national volunteering projects in a range of organisations including St. John Ambulance, the British Red Cross and Cancer Research UK.
Russell’s role includes responsibility for developing volunteering with STAR in all its forms, including volunteering in local communities and with the National Support Office. STAR Groups can contact Russell with queries about providing practical support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Natasha King, Student Outreach Officer
Natasha has been working at STAR since 2005 and previously worked as a caseworker for the Refugee Council.
Contact Natasha if you want to get involved in a STAR student group, or start one at your university. STAR members contact Natasha to: book a visit from a national office staff member; book a training session; request more STAR resources; get advice and help with your activities; or to give feedback on your activities.
Celia Turley, Campaigns Coordinator (New Campaign Development)
Celia has been volunteering at the STAR national support office since the beginning of March 2008, and is working to develop STAR’s national campaign for the next academic year. She has just finished a degree in Anthropology and Development Studies at Sussex University, and previously has volunteered with refugees, both as a mentor and evaluating refugee women’s services. Contact Celia to fid out more about next years campaign and how you can get involved.
John McGeachy, Campaigns Coordinator (Still Human Still Here)
John has been involved with STAR since 2002, initially as a member of Cardiff STAR. After graduating, he spent some time in India before returning to study a Masters in Refugee Studies. He has volunteered at a refugee advice centre in south London and previously interned at ICAR (Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees).
