We’re absolutely delighted to share the news that Refugee Council Volunteer Coordinator Rose McCarthy has been nominated for a Yorkshire Women of Achievement Award.

The awards, run by Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, celebrate the achievements of women across the Yorkshire region.

Rose works for the Refugee Council training volunteers to help Syrian refugees to settle into the UK, often in towns and cities not accustomed to refugees.

She has also worked tirelessly for many years to support vulnerable refugee women and women seeking asylum in Leeds and across the UK, to access the healthcare system throughout pregnancy.

An inspirational woman, Rose admits that she is inspired by the volunteers and refugees she has met that have enriched her life beyond measure and made her realise what is important in life.

Rose said: “My ethos is to work with asylum seekers and refugees and not for them. I aim to empower women to believe in their innate ability to give birth, feed and mother their babies and to provide them with opportunities to volunteer. Through volunteering they can educate their peers and health providers and have a voice as experts by experience.”

Rose is set to be joined at the special awards ceremony on the 12 of May by a number of the refugee and asylum seeking women she works with.

Mary Campbell, Head of Hospice Fundraising and organiser of the event said: “Stories like this one from Rose McCarthy is what makes the Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards the success that it is, and is an opportunity for friends, colleagues and people she has helped to thank her for making their lives better.”

Whether she wins or not, the Refugee Council is thankful to have inspirational members of staff like Rose who are utterly committed to supporting and empowering refugees.