Friendly Welcome was formed out of a wish to respond actively to the refugee crisis after we witnessed at first and second hand the hardships and losses suffered by refugees in places of conflict around the world.
We are Londoners who want to make a difference to a vulnerable refugee family. Our goal is to enable a family to find a safe and secure home in our community and to provide them with the support they need to settle here and rebuild their lives as part of our community.
Our wish is to create a culture of welcome, safety and empowerment, to enable the family - and our volunteers - to grow, realise their gifts and fulfil their potential, enriching our shared community.
We recognise the impact of trauma on people’s ability to be safe and feel safe. We are also aware of the barriers, difficulties and heartache experienced by people who are faced with the UK’s ‘hostile environment’.
We began as a small group at Friends House Quaker Meeting in Euston, central London, but Friendly Welcome is open to people of all faiths and none who want to be involved in welcoming a refugee family to Camden.