As Black History Month begins, we’re proud to celebrate Black leadership, achievement and the people whose contributions have helped shape our communities. It feels especially fitting to begin the month by sharing some very special news from RSG.
Lord Dubs welcomes Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles as Patron of Refugee Support Group
I am delighted to welcome Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles as a fellow Patron of Refugee Support Group.
Alice has been part of the RSG community for more than 20 years, giving her time, experience, and voice to support refugees and people seeking sanctuary in Reading and across Berkshire, nationally and internationally. She is trustee of City of Sanctuary/Ambassador and has been involved in Reading as a City of Sanctuary, University of Reading as a University of Sanctuary and the Reading Borough Council as a Council of Sanctuary. She was elected as the first female Black Mayor of Reading in 2025 to 2026, serving diligently to her community. Her appointment as Patron is a fitting recognition of that longstanding commitment, and I am very pleased that she will now take on this new role.”
Alice brings a remarkable breadth of experience. She is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Reading, social justice advocate, author and public speaker, a Councillor for Whitley Ward, and serves on various charities and boards. Her work focuses on community engagement, tackling inequalities and developing more inclusive approaches, with a particular commitment to ensuring that people whose voices are too often unheard can help shape the policies and services that affect their lives. She has received numerous local, national, and international awards for her work.
Alice’s connection to Refugee Support Group is also deeply personal. She arrived in Reading as a refugee and RSG supported her as she rebuilt her life in the UK. She went on to volunteer with the organisation for more than 20 years, including serving as both Vice-Chair and Chair, while becoming a powerful advocate for refugees and people seeking sanctuary locally and nationally. Her journey from receiving RSG’s support to becoming one of its Patrons makes this appointment particularly special.
Since its establishment in 1994, Refugee Support Group has been dedicated to upholding the rights and wellbeing of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. With a vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive Berkshire, RSG provides comprehensive support and advocacy, promoting wellbeing, integration and active participation in the community.
Alice has already given a great deal to RSG and to the wider Reading and Berkshire community. I know that she will bring enormous energy, compassion and experience to the role, and I look forward to working alongside her as a fellow Patron.
Lord Alf Dubs
Patron, Refugee Support Group
The RSG Board and Senior Leadership Welcome Alice at our recent AGM.
