Supporting refugees in our community

Richmond has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees to our community - from Belgians fleeing WWI to children from the Kindertransport, and on into the present day. Refugee Week (19 to 25 June 2023) is a time to celebrate the contributions and resilience of refugees and people who have had to flee their homes and seek sanctuary. 

Here in Richmond, we strive to provide a safe and inclusive environment, where people can continue to grow and thrive away from their homes; in the process making valuable contributions and making Richmond a more vibrant place to live.

Last year we committed to becoming a Borough of Sanctuary supporting refugees from many countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, Hong Kong and Ukraine among others. This means we commit to providing a place of safety to those who need it when fleeing their homelands.  

But we do not do this alone. We are grateful to have received an immense amount of support from various community groups in welcoming refugees. Groups such as Multicultural Richmond, which has launched a weekly ‘Learning English’ programme at Whitton Community Centre, and Refugees Welcome in Richmond, whose local volunteers help support refugees. Kingston Beats offer cultural activities, networking opportunities and resources that aim to help Hong Kong refugees integrate into the community throughout southwest London. This is to mention but a few who work to welcome and support.

I am proud to see how we have come together as a borough to celebrate, support and empower those who seek sanctuary here. Notably, five hundred Richmond residents opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It has been inspiring to spend time over the past year getting to know our Ukrainian guests and learning about the local groups that have supported them during their time in the UK.  

Through the government’s resettlement schemes, Richmond has supported one of the highest numbers of Syrian refugees in London and has welcomed Afghan families through the two UK government Afghan resettlement schemes - Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. The Council and Housing Officers provide vital support to these families - helping them access health services, ESOL classes and education to help make Richmond their home. 

Richmond has welcomed London’s third highest number of Ukrainians. This has been a true community and Council joint endeavour to make our guests feel safe and supported. As these newcomers have settled into British life, the work from our community hasn’t gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, The Prosperity Café & Restaurant won a Community Heroes Award for their ceaseless and selfless support of Ukrainians, both those living here and those remaining in Ukraine. The café turned itself into a donation hub; led by owners Alex and Galyna sending much needed supplies to their war-torn homeland.  As part of their exemplary work, they partnered with many members of the community to set up the Ukrainian Social Club, which provides critical support to those new to our borough. Perhaps more importantly it celebrates Ukrainian culture in Richmond; providing our Ukrainian guests with a home from home.  

This week, we were proud to unveil a special plaque which has been gifted to the people of Richmond upon Thames from the people of Ukraine. We held a special ceremony, marking the start of Refugee Week and celebrating the strong bond of friendship between us and our Ukrainian guests. Next time you are in Twickenham, please go by and take a look – it sits on the outside of the Council’s Civic Centre on York Street, overlooking Prosperity Café. Another reminder of the generosity shown by the people of Richmond and friendships forged.

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