The need: Since the late 1980s, Somali refugee families arriving in London, many fleeing conflict with nothing, have faced a UK system that was difficult to navigate alone. Without support, families risked falling through the gaps: unresolved paperwork, children missing school, women left without any network to turn to.
What UNA Global South did: Working across Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Brent, and Hammersmith & Fulham, we provided direct casework support, helped families navigate official paperwork, and ran a homework support school staffed by hired teachers to help children catch up and integrate. As trust grew, we helped Somali women establish their own independent community organisations, often with our founder serving as chairperson or committee member only until each group was strong enough to stand on its own.
The outcome: Several of these groups have grown into independent, self-sustaining organisations, including successful community care agencies still operating today. Since 1983, this work has reached an estimated 90,000 refugees in various forms. This is a self-reported figure, not yet independently audited, but it reflects four decades of consistent, hands-on support.
