Since 2018, with the support of Quakers in Britain, over 100 Quaker meetings have become what are known as Sanctuary Meetings.
Sanctuary Meetings are committed to working locally to build initiatives helping build a culture of welcome and include people in their local communities. We work to support people who are displaced or marginalised.
Originally we worked with local residents, local authorities, local councillors, local faith groups and Members of Parliament in providing support to Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
We have bought Christmas and birthday presents for children, organised trips to the zoo and local events, found furniture and clothing.
From this work we realised how many people there are who feel marginalised by their lack of confidence when it comes to speaking English.
REGULAR EVENTS
Ukrainian Open House Since 2022 we have been working to support Ukrainians who arrived here after Russia's invasion. We hold a monthly event where we offer advice, support and friendship.
The events normally happen on the second Friday of the month in the afternoon. The events have been running since October 2022.
More information is available here Ukrainian Open House
The English Conversation Club This happens every week on a Saturday. The club is for people who lack confidence speaking in English.
At these events we have east Europeans, Ukrainians, people from Africa, Iran, Mongolia, Gaza, India and Syria. They sit down with first language English Speakers and practice their English and get to grips with English idioms.
More information is available here https://hammersmithquakers.org.uk/the-english-conversation-club/
If you would like to find out more about these events, help in any way or volunteer please email
volunteer@hammersmithquakers.org.uk