Our Impact
Welcoming people = stronger communities
253 Local Welcome meals
2,371 people brought together
9,432 hours of new social connections
Our story so far…
Our communities are fragmenting
Across the UK, digital-fuelled isolation, political polarisation and community cutbacks mean that people are increasingly lacking ways to come together, build meaningful bonds and exercise their collective power.
“Local Welcome is a really positive and practical antidote to the broader political climate.”
— LOCAL WELCOME LEADER, CARDIFF
We bring something new to the table: the chance to connect
At Local Welcome, we know that hope and connection need way more nourishment in our communities so that hate and apathy don’t prevail.
Since 2015, our Local Welcome meals have aimed to do exactly that.
Our volunteer leaders from communities across the country work with us to organise and host regular meals so local people – particularly refugees, asylum-seekers and those at risk of loneliness or marginalisation – can come together to co-prepare and enjoy fresh and nutritious meals.
“Local welcome gives me an opportunity to connect with people I haven’t met in a social setting without hierarchy.”
— LOCAL WELCOME LEADER, LIVERPOOL
Using the magic of meals to bring communities together
Our community meals have so far helped thousands of people to feel safe, supported and at home in their local area.
During each meal, people engage in activities to break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful social exchange between diverse groups.
All of this results in communities that are more resilient, inclusive and able to recognise their collective power to create change for their common good.
Our meals are free for anyone who can’t afford to make a contribution. Everyone else donates what they can to help keep their group as self-sustained as possible.
“It is always humbling to hear the life experiences of our guests. They are often stories that are left untold.”
— LOCAL WELCOME LEADER, LIVERPOOL
Creating change beyond the plate
By finding and training people who may never have considered themselves leaders, we’re building local capacity and civic power in communities up and down the country.
Ultimately, we’re working towards a world where communities are made up of engaged and confident leaders, where power is shared, and where isolation and loneliness are tackled through social inclusion and a spirit of welcome.
“Being a Local Welcome Leader has reminded me of the power of being the change you want to see.”
— LOCAL WELCOME LEADER, NORWICH
Thriving communities need three things:
Purposeful leaders
With support and guidance from Local Welcome HQ, our leaders work as a team to find free venues, secure grants and build our growing network of funders and supporters.
Through hosting regular community meals, our Local Welcome leaders are building communities, finding new friends and making a huge difference in their local areas. But, more than that, they’re developing a greater sense of purpose, growing in confidence and developing new skills.
“It’s been brilliant to spend time with genuinely nice people, and feels reassuring that nice people are still out there.”
— LOCAL WELCOME LEADER, CARDIFF
2. Engaged local people
By attending one of our meals, local people become part of our growing community of Local Welcome members.
Collectively, our members are developing greater confidence, increasing their wellbeing and learning new things, all while eating delicious food, finding new friends and feeling more at home in their local area.
“Sharing conversation, trying traditional different delicious recipes , helping each other as a family , meeting new people”
— LOCAL WELCOME MEMBER, LIVERPOOL
3. The power to act
Together, our leaders and members are becoming the beating heart of thriving communities.
By coming together to celebrate diversity, build resilience and act collectively, communities are more able to grow, learn and affect mass change.
“It creates a definite feeling of empowerment to know that we are not an isolated group but part of a larger force for positivity and change.”
— LOCAL WELCOME LEADER, NORWICH
Read our Annual Reports
Click on these headings to read our Annual Reports and Accounts:
Annual report and accounts 2024
Annual report and accounts 2023
Annual report and accounts 2022
Further Reading
Heritage Films
Click here to watch some short films we produced with the support of Nice and Serious, as part of two separate projects funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund between 2022-24.