Joanne MacInnes | Localgiving

Joanne MacInnes

H&F Refugees Welcome supports refugees from the ARAP and VPRS schemes

The Hammersmith & Fulham Refugees Welcome Group is one of about 100 citizens-led Refugees Welcome groups in the UK. The Refugees Welcome movement started in response to the refugee crisis as a practical way to help refugees. We work with the council to support refugees from the Middle East under the Government's Afghanistan Relocation Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Syrian Vulnerable Persons and Vulnerable Children's Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). Once arrived, we help refugees adapt to UK daily life and integrate into our society.

Why the community needs us
We work together helping refugee families integrate into the West London community. As a group we help them arrange practical things like making a Dr's appointment, find their nearest library and education facility, and direct them to where they can locate the cheapest and nicest food markets and shops, for example. In addition, we help them learn English and enrol in college, signpost to employment servcies and offer friendship and outings. We buy furniture that is needed and pay for wifi contracts in their first year.

Our impact on the community
Hammersmith and Fulham is one of the most ethically diverse London boroughs. People from all over the world have enriched the area through their culture making it one of the most enlightened and vibrant areas of West London. By welcoming refugee families we add to the borough's eclectic mix.

Volunteers needed

We need volunteers helping us find housing to resettle more refugees and volunteers helping with events and fundraising

What your gift could provide

£5

will help with essential toiletries

£30

Goes to our study and training project fund (see our project page)

£100

goes towards a year's wifi package

Fundraise for us!