Anna
Anna has been a dedicated part of the Islington Centre community for years. Anna leads our weekly Tea Cosy Club, a social group for over‑60s, and also supports our Art and Writing class. Every week, she brings a calm, warm presence to guiding painting sessions, playing games, and sharing informal chats over tea. Her kindness and consistency make the Centre feel welcoming and grounded for so many.
“The sense of community is inspiring. Very positive energy. Lots of people coming together from all sorts of places backgrounds and experiences and are all prepared to join in and make connections and learn and share things with each other. There is always a sense of warmth and hope and joy about the place.”
Nina
Nina has been a regular volunteer including supporting English learners in our in-person classes and now every week online. At a recent Supper in Solidarity fundraiser event, Nina stepped in to help the evening run smoothly.
“Volunteering at the Islington Centre has been an amazing experience so far. The work the charity does is incredible, and you can really feel that sense of support and community. I always look forward to the English classes each week because they genuinely feel like they are making a difference, and the students continue to amaze me with their dedication and enthusiasm.
Assimilating into a new country is definitely not easy, but the Centre does a brilliant job of recognising that and supporting people.
What I love most is that there doesn’t feel like there is any separation between the volunteers and students. The classes just feel like a group of people chatting, exchanging stories and languages, and getting to know one another. It’s really special to be a part of that.”
Mohammad
Mohammad jumped into the kitchen at our recent Supper in Solidarity fundraiser event, working alongside Chef Doug Rolle to help prepare an unforgettable meal. His generosity and hard work helped the Centre raise vital funds to support people rebuilding their lives in London.
“Volunteering at Supper in Solidarity was a really meaningful experience for me. I enjoyed being able to support the community, meet people, and be part of something positive. Everyone on the team is so kind and genuinely willing to help others without hesitation. Being around the team really gives a sense of family and makes people feel welcome and supported. I’m grateful for the opportunity and thankful to everyone at Islington Centre for all the work you do.”
Rosemary
For a decade, Rosemary has been a regular face at the Centre. You can see her welcoming people in the door, singing with choir, dancing in dance class, chatting over lunch or a cup of tea and leading conversations in English class.
“I come to the Centre because of the people. The people bring me back every week. I don’t even think twice about if I will be here. I’m here for choir and dance classes and help to encourage people to sing and dance because the transformation is unbelievable. People come here to get help with something but when they dance, they smile. I admire what happens here. We see peoples lives being changed from support and friendships.
I had to get involved. I reached the stage where I could no longer stand by and watch what was happening in the news to people fleeing war. I looked for what I could do. I’ve volunteered at refugee camps in Greece, for Care for Calais, and now in my own neighborhood with the Islington Centre. I organised a group with the Islington University of the Third Age (Islington U3A) to help with English classes. I’ve been volunteering here for ten years so I have seen first-hand the impact Islington Centre has made on many people’s lives. It makes my heart sing.
I love seeing people from the Centre out and about in Islington and we know each other now. I love the feeling of community. I leave here with a smile on my face.”
Josephine
Josephine loves this community and gives her time to make the Centre run smoothly for everyone.
“I like this Centre. I have been coming since 2019 and they have been helping me with so much. I like to give back in the ways that I can. I help with cleaning, setting up some of the sessions, making tea for everyone, and more. I like to volunteer. I like to meet with the new people who come to the Centre and welcome them. I learn good skills here and I want to use them to support other people. I feel very happy at the Centre. It is good for me to come here.”
Alice
Alice has been with the Centre since 2022 joining in dance classes and leading sessions in embodiment and movement. In 2022 she was the lead event coordinator on the Centre’s 25 Year Anniversary Celebration.
“I mainly work with the sessions that are about music and movement. I even lead once in a while. Sweaty and smiling, we are all in the same boat – teaching and following, listening and belonging. And then there is chatting away with folks during lunch. I am inspired to build community and to connect with others wherever I can.”
Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants 