Stories

Rachel Le Mesurier has lived in West London for 16 years. When her eldest daughter volunteered with the refugee charity Care4Calais in 2018, she came across West London Welcome as one of the organisation’s partners. Inspired by the work these groups were doing to provide people with essential support and solidarity, and angry about the regressive UK migration policies, Rachel offered her skills here as a professional graphic designer.

For several years now, Rachel has helped us with our posters, brochures, graphics and reports, including our Impact Reports. On Fridays at West London Welcome she also works with other crafty locals and community members to co-create artistic projects. From weaving dream-catchers to embroidering pillowcases, these drop-in crafts sessions offer a calming environment where people can connect and build confidence:

“Directly because of my role at West London Welcome, I am about to retrain in art therapy. I have seen how transformative art and creative expression can be for people navigating serious challenges. When you’re sat around a table immersed in a project, using your own hands and working with others, that crosses over language and culture. That bubble of creative time brings a feeling of peace and rest but also of empowerment and social connection. Working on crafts with others sparks human connections for the most shy and isolated among us. I have seen newly arrived members’ faces change over the course of a few weeks when they are participating in these sessions. From living in highly restrictive settings like Home Office hotels, where people may have very limited relationships and resources, they can come here and find their spark again. Art can lift us up. And you don’t have to be brilliant at it – it’s all about the process.”

Artistic solidarity work has helped Rachel overcome the challenges life has thrown her too. Being part of West London Welcome during and after the pandemic gave her a community when she most needed it–the self-isolation required to survive Covid-19 while beating cancer. Open hearted volunteers like Rachel keep West London a welcoming place, despite the odds.