West London Welcome | Localgiving

West London Welcome

West London Welcome is a drop-in community centre for refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and other locals living in West London, and the first of its kind in the area. We were set up by local people active in Hammersmith’s Refugees Welcome Group, and opened our doors in January 2018.

Why the community needs us
We know that it takes time to find a way to belong, especially after leaving one's own country under traumatic conditions, so we strive to give people that time. West London Welcome believes that all people, regardless of immigration status or background, deserve human rights and dignity, and that local communities should be at the forefront of supporting those facing profound life challenges related to refuge and migration. We work together to build a safe, positive experience of community. The centre provides a warm space for people to come in out of the cold, make friends, learn English, share ideas, get legal advice and casework support, take creative and educational classes, go on trips, and escape often chaotic accommodation and isolation.

Our impact on the community
We support on average 40 centre members each week, who come originally from a wide range of countries such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Sudan, Cameroon, Egypt, Palestine, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Pakistan. Our community welcomes people from a wide range of immigration statuses and of all ages, including families, unaccompanied young people, and older people. Members, staff and volunteers work together in the space to lead projects and sessions collectively, which means friendships and support networks in the community are developed and sustained over time. We’re continuously growing as a community to support each another, learn from each other, and have fun together.

Volunteers needed

People to teach IT, help with grant writing, fundraising events

What your gift could provide

£10

Pays travel expenses for two members to attend the centre

£30

Goes toward buying laptops

£100

Pays the Living Wage to two refugee chefs (half days wages)

Fundraise for us!