NEWS & BLOG

The evening brought together special guests, laughter, powerful stories, and honest conversations, creating a space to explore some of the most pressing issues facing refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK today.

With an audience of over 60 of our community members, volunteers, Welcome Circle members, trustees, staff and friends, our host, Deborah Frances-White, had the crowd immediately roaring with laughter. She was joined by actor, writer and comedian, Jessica Fostekew, who delivered hilarious stand-up, and the two later interviewed West London Welcome’s Salvadoran community member Steaysy and Deputy Director Leyla Williams.

The night explored the power and possibility of grassroots community and what local people of all backgrounds and immigration statuses can do together with enough energy and tenacity. West London Welcome’s roots and evolution over the years are the result of hundreds of locals working towards shared goals: for their migrant neighbours to feel welcome, be supported, access justice and live in dignity. 

The most moving contribution of the night came from Steaysy, who we have been lucky to have as a weekly volunteer alongside us supporting her and her family over time. She shared her personal experience of navigating the asylum system, speaking candidly about the challenges of rebuilding a life in a new country while raising a family as a single mother. Offering a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage shown by so many people seeking safety, Steaysy told the room that refugees are not only contributors to our communities; they are an essential part of our communities. 

Drawing on the latest migration statistics as well as the experiences of our community members, Leyla talked about the importance of staying informed  in an increasingly polarised conversation and challenged many of the myths that continue to shape public debate. From the realities of the asylum system to the limited financial support available to people seeking asylum, she encouraged people to equip themselves with the facts around migration and challenge the myths they hear from friends, family or acquaintances. 

Read our updated myth-busting resource here. 

Renowned actor, activist and long-time supporter of West London Welcome, Juliet Stevenson spoke passionately about the power of community, collective action and solidarity. Reflecting on the importance of standing together in the face of division, she discussed the role that communities can play in challenging harmful narratives and resisting the rise of anti-migrant rhetoric. 

We are incredibly grateful to The Guilty Feminist, our guest speakers, and everyone who joined us.

Do listen to the recording, read and share our myth-busting resource. If you can, donate to us via Localgiving or join our Welcome Circle of donors. Challenge the narratives you hear about migration and asylum, support your local refugee or migrant organisation, or if there’s not something in your area, consider starting one up (talk to us!).

Image credits: Farzana Wahidy.

Nita Gula is Communications and Administrative Officer at West London Welcome.