NEWS & BLOG

We are aware that an article about West London Welcome has been published online this week about our community going on a trip to the seaside this summer. Sadly, the article falsely implied that we had used taxpayers’ money to pay for the trip. This was entirely false and it’s important that we set the record straight.

At West London Welcome, we are proud of our programme of educational, social and creative activities, from English classes to art workshops and trips. Our activities help facilitate the integration of refugees into our local neighbourhood, build inclusion, help develop positive community relations and bring joy and healing to people who have suffered trauma from war and conflict, domestic violence and persecution of all kinds.

Our seaside day out (wholly funded by privately donated funds) was a joyous one in support of our vision for refugees (many living on £8.86 a week) to feel welcome and supported by local communities and live in dignity.

No taxpayer monies are used for any of our trips (including the one reported on). Less than 6% of our income comes from government funding –  last year, 1.38% of our income came from a local government grant, and 4.3% of our income indirectly came from local government through another charity funder. These funds are restricted funds and are used solely in accordance with grant conditions for other agreed charitable purposes.