Celebrating Success: Working West London Project Celebration Event 2023

ELATT invites you to join our Working West London project celebration event, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of refugees who have successfully gained employment and realized their potential. This year's event promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing the project's impact and offering valuable insights into supporting refugees in their journey towards a better future.

The Working West London project, in collaboration with Action West London, GOSAD, and Train 2 Work, has been instrumental in empowering nearly 800 refugees to gain employment or move closer to the job market. The project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Programme, started in April 2017. This event, held in conjunction with Refugee Week 2023, marks the end of the project and serves as a platform to share the valuable learnings gained throughout its duration.

One of the many success stories that exemplify the impact of the Working West London project is Mohammed's journey. Originally a human rights lawyer from Sudan, Mohammed had to leave his career behind due to persecution. Arriving in the UK with limited English, he aspired to practice law again. The challenges he faced during the asylum process and settling in a new country seemed daunting, but everything changed when he joined the Working West London project.

Thanks to the project, Mohammed was able to improve his English skills and achieve the necessary level in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The project also guided him through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system, enabling him to apply to university. Meanwhile, Mohammed volunteered as a caseworker at St Mungo's, a charity for homeless people in London.

Mohammed's story is not unique; many refugees come to the UK with degree-level skills and professional work experience. However, due to language barriers and difficulties in translating qualifications to UK equivalents, they often find themselves working in low-paid jobs that do not match their potential. The Working West London project aims to change this narrative, helping refugees realize their skills' value and contribute to society.

According to ELATT's CEO, Anthony Harmer, "It makes no economic sense to lose the valuable skills of people who are now British Citizens with refugee status. We need to do whatever we can to help people settle in this country and to use their skills for the benefit of London and the UK. It’s a win, win situation for everyone."

Now, let's turn our attention to the exciting details of the Working West London Project Celebration event on Monday, 19th June 2023. The event will take place at the University of West London's Weston Hall, located at Saint Mary's Road, London W5 5RF. The celebration will kick off at 10 am and conclude at 2 pm.

The event agenda is packed with inspiring presentations and discussions. It will begin with registration and a warm welcome, followed by testimonials from individuals whose lives have been transformed by the project. A presentation on the project evaluation will shed light on the strategies and methodologies employed to support refugees into employment and sustained careers.

Moreover, the celebration will feature a panel discussion with Ahmad Hammami, the owner of the Lebanese restaurant and café Sidra, who arrived in the UK as a refugee from Syria. Joining him on the panel will be Mustafa Muse, an employer who actively hires individuals with refugee status, and a participant from the Working West London project. The panel will provide a platform to exchange advice, share experiences, and address the challenges faced by refugees seeking employment in the UK.

In addition to the enriching program, attendees will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and enjoy a delicious lunch. It's an event where success stories come to life, inspiring everyone in attendance.

To secure your place at this extraordinary event, we invite you to book your free ticket now on our Eventbrite page: Working West London Celebration Event Tickets. Please remember to specify your dietary requirements during the booking process. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to reach out to Nafisah at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join us on this remarkable occasion as we celebrate the achievements of the Working West London project and the remarkable individuals who have overcome challenges to realize their dreams. Let's stand together and support refugees in their journey towards employment and a brighter future for all.