Elders in Residence

Our Elders in Residence are our critical friends, our sources of wisdom and hope, support, inspiration and reason. They advise us and keep us straight. No easy task and we are very grateful to them for being here.

Avril Bellinger

Avril Bellinger, Honorary Associate Professor in Social Work, University of Plymouth UK, is an academic activist, international volunteer, founder of Students and Refugees Together (START), co-author of The Strengths Approach in Practice: How It Changes Lives, grandmother and allotmenteer.

Deirdre Ford

Deirdre Ford is a registered social worker, associate of Research in Practice, trustee of Students and Refugees Together (START) and co-author of The Strengths Approach in Practice: How It Changes Lives.