Dear friends,
As Ramadan and Lent get into full swing, all of us at Ealing Sanctuary Hub would like to take this moment to thank our past supporters and tell you a bit about how Ealing is supporting those seeking sanctuary in our borough.[1]
Exactly four years ago this week, on the day that Vladimir Putin expanded his brutal invasion of Ukraine forcing millions to flee their homes, Ealing opened the door to its first dedicated space where those in the borough who have fled danger in other countries, could turn. We were set up by local residents, who could not stand by knowing that people who have escaped war and persecution elsewhere, had nowhere in Ealing to relax, be welcomed and supported.
And so, we created the Hub.
Each week, people who have arrived in this borough seeking safety, step into a space where they are greeted by name: they can rest, swap stories over a cup of tea, share a meal, help one another, find out information, and begin to feel part of a community again.
When someone steps into the hub, they are welcomed as a member of a community in Ealing. Here, they can:
- meet with friends,
- join English classes,
- share a communal, home-cooked meal
- pick up free groceries, toiletries, shopping vouchers and SIM cards,
- participate in arts, crafts, games and music;
- access services and other support in the borough; and
- find information about local volunteering opportunities, training and events.
Since we opened, over 2000 sanctuary seekers from Ealing have come through our doors, a total of nearly 12,000 visits. This is only possible thanks to our stellar volunteers who have given a staggering 24,000 hours of their time and compassion. We teach English classes, run arts and crafts sessions, cook a delicious homemade lunch, sort donations, make referrals, chat, listen, and offer a welcome to Ealing. And there’s so much more we want to do.
Throughout Ramadan, we will be sharing stories about how the hub has helped our members to move off the streets, attend school, join training and have the confidence to feel part of the community.
For now, I’ll leave you with a joyful moment from our hub: Late last year a gentleman from Syria walked through our doors and was greeted by one of our volunteers. I was alarmed to be called over to yells and much pummelling of shoulders. But these were cries of happiness: Mohammed and Asaf (not their real names), were old family friends who played together on the streets of Aleppo and with the bitter destruction and separation of war, neither knew the other had made it safely out of Syria. They reunited here, in Ealing.
Your support has made moments like this possible: it provides not just a service but is building community. And community helps to make all of Ealing stronger and more understanding of each other. Thank you for being part of this community and welcome, if you would like to find out more about us or help us now.
Wishing the very best to everyone observing Ramadan and Lent.
larissa
Director, Ealing Sanctuary Hub
[1] Sanctuary seekers is a more dignified collective term we use for those with refugee status or who are seeking asylum.